Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 152601 Inspection date 08/03/2011 Inspector Tracy Bartholomew

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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.

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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

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and three children in Swindon, within the Westlea district of the town. Children have access to the downstairs area of the house, which accommodates toilet and sleeping facilities. There is an enclosed patio area for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for three children within the Early Years range on a part time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are confident, happy and developing well in this motivating environment. They are well supported individually by the childminder and enjoy the broad range of activities on offer. These activities are stimulating and frequently meet the children's interests well overall. The childminder reflects on her practice accordingly, she has accurately indentified most areas for improvement. As a result, she is well placed to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve knowledge and understanding of cultural differences to promote and maintain an inclusive practice  develop further assessment records to enable children to progress in their next steps of learning

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the early years provision

Safeguarding arrangements are robust. The childminder ensures she regularly reviews, reflects and updates her training which in turn develops her knowledge and documentation. She is committed to protecting children and understands the duties to follow in the event of a concern. Risk assessments are in place for the home and outings; these are well maintained and show an accurate account of any measures she has taken to promote children's well-being. Children are taught to be safety conscious without being fearful and they show a strong understanding of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 how to keep themselves safe when walking to school.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of how to promote partnership with other providers, however she does not have currently have any children whom are attending other provisions. Nevertheless, the childminder is fully aware of the need to develop partnerships and would work cohesively with the settings to promote a consistent approach to the children's learning. The childminder has good quality relationships with all the parents; she ensures that they are kept well informed about their children's achievement, well-being and development, through newsletters, sharing or profiles and daily record books. The childminder clearly knows the parents well and together they exchange verbal, telephone and text and email communication. Parents clearly value her support and are included in the direction of the childminders setting through use of questionnaires.

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the early years provision

The children have access to a broad range of toys and resources, which are used well overall to promote children's learning and development. Children have access to a range of toys and resources which are obtained on a daily basis, they can ask for additional toys if these are not available or use the visual book to show the childminder what they wish to play with. The childminder has a sound understanding of the children's individual needs and backgrounds, she supports children and families who have English as an additional language, using cards and words from their first language. Although the childminder considers other faith and religions she has a moderate understanding of the families she currently minds for. Nevertheless the development of the majority of children in relation to their starting points is good.

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the early years provision

The childminder clearly enjoys her role and demonstrates that she knows how to improve the outcomes for children. She is a reflective person and is aware of areas that require modification, for example the garden, she has overcome current restriction of using the garden and created an enclosed patio area for the children to further develop and extend their gross motor skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident and relaxed whilst in the care of this childminder. They know where resources are kept and access these confidently to aid their play adventures. The childminder plans well for the children, which as a result ensures that they are experiencing the six areas of learning competently. Children are stimulated and benefit from the childminders well qualified experience and knowledge which enables her to promote their learning and development well.

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and outcomes for children

Children have their imagination and creative skills encouraged daily, whether this be through arts and crafts or creating their own treaded necklaces. Children's literacy skills are extended through one to one story time and visiting the local libraries. Ample resources support the children's developmental milestones very well. For example, as children create their own environment out of the roads, park, streets and little people resources, they discuss their likes and dislikes at the parks This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and drive to the church to ring the bell. Such activities support children's personal, social, emotional development and helps extend their communication language and literacy skills very well. The children have a free rein on what they would like to do, with the childminder supporting and extending learning, through effective communication and visual aids.

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and outcomes for children

All play is relaxed, inviting and tailored to the individual needs of the children; their likes and requests are met well overall. The childminder plans a variety of good quality activities with clear challenges for each child; she clearly knows the children well. The childminder has recently adjusted her assessment system and developing a system to fully collate all areas; however it does clearly show how the children are progressing within the six areas of learning. However, links into children's next steps are not always clear. This means that the childminder cannot be certain that all areas are being support and challenged accordingly. Nevertheless, the children are making good progress in relation to their starting points.

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and outcomes for children

Most children share toys fairly, those who are developing this skill benefit from the consistent approach that the childminder has to behaviour. Good amount of praise promotes positive behaviour and encourages children to show respect and care for others. Children progress well in learning about healthy living. They benefit from daily fresh air and exercise, which is incorporated when walking to schools and visiting places of interest, such as trips to local parks and nature reserves. They understand the basics of how to keep themselves healthy, washing their hands prior to eating for example. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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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

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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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

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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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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