Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY412887 Inspection date 03/02/2011 Inspector Margaret Moffat

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.3

Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

p.3

Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2010. She lives with her partner in Whitley, Reading. The childminder uses all areas of the house for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder makes use of local facilities such as parks, the library and toddler groups. The childminder has two cats and a rabbit. The childminder may care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. The childminder also cares for a school age child. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for two children under eight. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children have their individual needs met as the childminder respects their individuality, caters for their routines and helps them feel valued. They are well cared for in a homely environment where most hazards have been minimised. Children have access to a range of appropriate activities that help them make sound progress in their learning and development, although not all areas of learning are included. The childminder has a positive attitude towards continuous improvement to promote the outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.4

further?

 develop further the observation and assessment system in place to ensure all areas of learning are included  update risk assessment to include anything with which a child may come into contact.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a range of policies and procedures in place to promote the safety and welfare of the children in her care which are shared with parents. The childminder has taken the necessary precautions to ensure children are safe within the home. For example stair gates, smoke detectors on both levels of the property and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Risk assessment records are in place for the home and outings and daily checks ensure most areas are safe for the children. However, the outside area is not regularly checked for hazards as there is a small barbecue and cat bowl filled with water in the garden. The childminder is fully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 aware of her duty to protect children and the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. The environment is organised well to ensure children have ample space to move around and play comfortably. Toys and

p.4

the early years provision

resources are age appropriate and stored at children's height giving them opportunities to make choices about their play.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has been minding for a short time and shows a capacity for continuous improvement. Since registration she has addressed the issues raised such as ensuring keys are accessible for the front door and hazardous materials are inaccessible in kitchen cupboards. She also has regular visits from the local authority early years team and actions any points made to ensure the outcomes for children are being met. She has recently received information on self evaluation and how to complete this to help her evaluate the setting further. She sees her main strengths as getting to know the children in her care and providing them with a comfortable and fun learning environment. The childminder is aware of her role to promote equality and diversity and values each child as an individual. She has effective procedures in place to support children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder helps the children to learn about the wider

p.5

the early years provision

world through discussions, outings in the local community and having a range of resources to support positive images.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder builds positive relationships with parents. She gathers and records information from them with regards to their children's needs and requirements. She shares information with them verbally on a daily basis to ensure they are aware of their children's routines and activities they have been involved in and they also have access to their children's development files. The childminder has recently joined a website which parents access and this also keeps them up to date with their child's day and the development they are making. Correspondence received from parents praises the childminder for how quickly the children have settled into her setting and how they are developing since attending. The childminder is aware of the need to liaise with other settings and professionals involved in children's care, learning and development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming home where children are happy and content. The childminder is attentive to their individual needs and routines and they develop trusting relationships with her. Young children cuddle into the childminder and respond to her talking as they smile and babble as she walks around the room with them pointing things out and responding to their gestures. This helps develop their early communication skills. As they sit in the bouncy chair they reach out for the activities and make noises as they move their legs and look for recognition from the childminder. They smile with delight as she talks to them. The childminder deals with their needs as they occur such as rocking them to sleep when tired and changing nappies when needed.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has recently implemented an observation and assessment system. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She is beginning to identify the children's next steps in their early learning and development. However, observations are not yet completed across all the different areas of learning to fully support the children. The childminder plans a range of adult led activities but also follows the children's lead and extends activities that they show an interest in. For example when playing with farm animals she encouraged children to learn the names and sounds the animals make and then introduced zoo animals, encouraging the children to match the pairs. Children have opportunities to develop their imagination as they are involved in craft activities and role play in the home. Children learn to socialise and play with others as they visit the library, attend local drop in centres and they learn about the world around

p.5

and outcomes for children

them as they talk about what they see on outings. Children have regular access to fresh air and exercise. They develop their physical skills as they go for walks and play in the local park on the play apparatus.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children play in a clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene routines. The childminder is a good role model washing her own hands at appropriate times and ensuring nappy changing procedures are suitable to prevent the risk of cross infection. The childminder works well with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are catered for and meals are prepared in accordance with their needs. She provides the children with snacks of fruit and this helps develop their understanding of healthy eating. Children build an awareness of their own safety as they learn what to do in the event of an emergency through participating in regular fire drills. On outings they learn how to cross the road safely through discussions with the childminder and using appropriate crossings. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the appropriate methods to use for managing children's behaviour and the importance of discussing issues with

p.6

and outcomes for children

parents to ensure consistency and help children develop an understanding of right from wrong. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.7

Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8