Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY282657 Inspection date 08/06/2011 Inspector Tom Radcliffe

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and one child in Highworth near Swindon in Wiltshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to 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 group. She is currently minding two children under five during the day and three children over five after school. The childminder also provides care for one child over eight years of age after school. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends local carer and toddler groups. The family has three pet cats and a dog. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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

The experienced and well motivated childminder provides a caring and supportive learning environment for children who she knows well as individuals. Children are very happy and settled and enjoy their time as they make decisions and show independence, and are generally well challenged and motivated in their learning. Overall, assessments demonstrate they are making good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder works with a good understanding of the need to establish and maintain effective partnerships with parents, the local authority and other settings. This supports the progress that most children are able to make. In addition the childminder reflects on all aspects of her work with children and is able to modify what she does to enhance the provision and outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the range of activities for children which provide them interest, challenge and motivation.  develop the use of assessment information to track children's progress towards early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder informs users about the service that she provides through the use of concise and well written policies and procedures. This ensures the efficient and safe management of the provision which is very child-centred. The childminder has a good understanding of effective working practices which ensures, for example, that children are safeguarded effectively. All adults are vetted for suitability, visitors are monitored and procedures protect the interests of children. Children benefit from very caring support and play safely in a well managed play environment. This is thoroughly risk assessed to reduce any potential hazards that children may face. Children are able to play indoors, outdoors and go on regular outings into the locality. This has a positive impact on children's independence and ability to make decisions as well as their all round learning. Children's good health and well-being is promoted by the childminder's good management of accidents,

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the early years provision

illness and her use of hygienic daily routines.

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the early years provision

The childminder regularly analyses all aspects of her provision to gain an understanding of what she does well and what may need to be developed. She observes children carefully and responds effectively and quickly to ensure that their needs are met. In addition the childminder takes part in regular training and development; this enables her to build on her expertise and knowledge. This has a very positive impact on the childminder's work and gives her a good capacity to build on standards which are already good. There have been improvements made since the last inspection. There are very effective partnerships in place with parents and others which support both the present and the ongoing learning and development needs of children. These have been of great benefit to the children, for example, where they learn English as an additional language.

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the early years provision

Children play in spacious accommodation where they access a wide range of interesting resources that support their all round development. Additional opportunities are presented to children when they visit local drop-in facilities. The childminder supports child-led activities and remains on hand to make suggestions, offer advice and take part in the play opportunities. She skilfully directs play, when it is required, which enhances children's understanding and enjoyment. The provision is inclusive as the childminder treats all children as individuals each with the capacity to build on what they can already do. In addition children are able to take part in activities and use resources that enable them to understand about their diverse world in an age appropriate way.

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and outcomes for children

Children make progress as they mostly direct their own play and access a good range of activities. The childminder understands children's starting points, interests and learning styles. She uses regular observations to gain an understanding of the progress that children make. She collates assessment information into useful This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 portfolios which enables her to give due attention to children's next steps in learning. She also reflects on the learning that takes place and her own role in supporting it. This approach keeps the play environment fresh and ensures good levels of interest by the children. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and a very good understanding of how young children learn through first hand experience and play. Though children are able to make progress and the play environment is stimulating some of the childminder's

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and outcomes for children

practice is insufficiently developed. For example, assessment information is not used to track children's progress towards early learning goals or to plan clear learning priorities that offer interest and challenge to them.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy making choices as they play with cars, make tracks and use construction sets creatively. They also take part in gardening, cooking and use jig- saws and games. As children play they respond very well to the childminder as they answer questions, listen to advice and include her in their play activities. This allows children to develop their communication skills and build their vocabularies. Children have very good speaking skills and encounter mathematical ideas through practical experiences as they play. Children also prepare their own snacks and use the computer to remind themselves of activities that they have recently undertaken. Children are able to develop their skills through trial and error, for example, when constructing difficult jig-saw puzzles.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is promoted consistently well by the childminder. Children are able to develop a good understanding of their own safety and that of others as they play or act as pedestrians. They are very well safeguarded and their behaviour is very good. Children are very cooperative and are able to share, take turns and include others. The social development of children is a good aspect of the childminder's provision. The childminder encourages children to understand that others differ from themselves. Children show the ability to engage in play for long periods of time and understand the rules for different activities. For example, sitting at the table when having a snack or being able to run around when playing outdoors.

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and outcomes for children

Outcomes for children are also consistently promoted by the childminder. Children are very happy as they play, use their imaginations, develop their use of language and decide what they are going to do. They explore play space and usually show an enthusiasm for what they do. Children also feel very safe and have a close bond with the childminder. This promotes children's self-esteem, security and confidence. Children have a good understanding of healthy lifestyles and choices and enjoy physical activity. Children generally respond very well to the high expectations that the childminder has of them. They are happy to face the challenges presented to them as young learners. Children generally acquire skills and abilities which are appropriate to their age and their progress ensures that most children are prepared well for future learning needs. 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 2 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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