Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY345161 Inspection date 15/02/2011 Inspector Margaret Davie

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 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged two, seven and nine years in Swindon, Wiltshire. The whole of her house is available for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of four children at any one time, of whom three may by in the early years age group. She currently cares for three children in this age group full time. When working with her assistant, she may care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom five may be in the early years age group. She has completed a National Vocational Qualification at Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. The childminder works closely with their parents to meet their needs. They make good progress in their learning and development overall, and mostly effective arrangements are implemented to promote their welfare. She evaluates her provision well; taking the views of parents into account to make sure her service meets their requirements. She demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 keep a record of the risk assessment for the premises clearly showing when it was carried out, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident. (Documentation) 25/02/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 update the record of the risk assessments associated with outings so that they are subject to a regular review especially where new risks are identified and include this in the review  create an area where children can access and enjoy books independently to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promote their early reading skills.

p.4

the early years provision

An extensive range of policies, procedures and safety measures is implemented to promote the welfare of children. The childminder keeps her safeguarding training updated and has a detailed understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is clear about the steps which should be taken if she ever has a concern about a child in her care. The suitability of all adults in her setting has been checked. She has conducted a risk assessment of her home and regularly does visual checks of both the premises and resources to ensure they are suitable. However, she does not keep a record of the date the risk assessment was completed, and as a result it may not be reviewed in a timely manner. This is a breach of regulations. Her outings are risk assessed as well and as a result children's safety is promoted. However, she has also overlooked keeping a record of when these were done. Her home is well organised, allowing children to move around freely and follow their

p.5

the early years provision

routines safely. For example, a number of small tables and chairs are provided to promote their safety as they play and eat. The playroom is bright and comfortable, and allows children to move freely between indoor and outdoor play when weather permits. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of working with all partners involved in children's care in order to promote consistency in their care and progression in their learning.

p.5

the early years provision

Equality and diversity are well promoted within her setting. She knows children well and keeps a close watch on their development. She works effectively with parents to find out information about their starting points, backgrounds and individual requirements. A variety of resources is provided to help children gain an understanding of the wider world, such as dolls depicting different cultures. She develops good relationships with parents and provides them with regular information about their child's care. Daily discussions as well as diaries provide detailed information, and progress files are freely available to them. Written and verbal feedback received from parents indicates they are very happy with her service. Since the time of her last inspection the childminder has undertaken additional training in order to address her recommendation in order to further enhance outcomes for children. This includes completing a relevant National

p.5

the early years provision

Vocational Qualification at Level 3. She has an accurate understanding of the strengths of her provision and recognises where there are areas for further development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and well settled. They move around the childminder's home with confidence and are comfortable in her care. They demonstrate that they have formed a secure bond with her, for example approaching her for help, reassurance and cuddles. She spends her time playing and interacting with them and provides This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 lots of praise and encouragement. As a result, they develop good levels of self- esteem. They are beginning to understand the importance of sharing and taking turns as well as having regard for the needs of others. They are encouraged to apologise if they have inadvertently upset another child in the setting and they respond well to the childminder's firm but fair management of their behaviour. Children are beginning to make choices about their play, helping themselves to the toys that are generally easy for them to access. Storage shelves are labelled both

p.5

and outcomes for children

with words and pictures to help develop children's communication skills and provide support for those who speak English as an additional language. Children are provided with regular opportunities to listen to stories, however books in the playroom are stored on a high shelf and this restricts their ability to explore them independently.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are able to be creative as they model with the play dough, choosing their favourite colours and using small tools to make shapes. The childminder provides good support for their learning as she demonstrates how to turn the handle of a tricky tool. Their learning is further extended as she encourages them to find specific shapes from the variety spread out on the table. They develop good communication skills as she constantly chats to them, repeating words to reinforce and expand their vocabulary. Children really enjoy colouring and drawing, using the special pens and pictures which can be wiped clean with a cloth. This provides opportunities for them to practise their mark making skills in preparation for early writing. Children enjoy regular outings in the locality. For example, they regularly go to toddlers, a soft play area and local parks. These activities provide opportunities for socialising and physical play. Written feedback from a parent

p.6

and outcomes for children

indicates how much their child enjoys going on 'welly walks'. Children are regularly observed and the childminder uses this information well to assess their progress toward the early learning goals. She maintains records which show children's progress in all areas of learning and as a result, she is able to pin point and address any gaps in their learning. Consequently, they make good progress overall and are well equipped with the skills they need to secure future learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children gain a good overall understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They are provided with nutritious meals and snacks and have access to drinks at all times. They occasionally go to pick fresh fruit which gives them an understanding of where food comes from. Good levels of cleanliness are maintained in the childminder's home and children are encouraged to wash their hands before they eat. However individual hand drying facilities are not provided which increases the risk of spreading germs. Children learn how to stay safe, for example they practise the fire evacuation procedures and follow the 'green cross code' on outings. Measures such as stair gates help them understand which areas of the house are safe for them. 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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 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 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 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 2

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