Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 505977 Inspection date 15/09/2011 Inspector Karen Prager

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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 registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and their adult son. Their home is in central Swindon, Wiltshire. Shops, a park, library and other town amenities lie within walking distance. Minded children use the ground floor of the house. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. The family keep fish and have a cat.

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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. The childminder works with her husband, who is also a registered childminder. When working individually she may mind a total of five children under the age of eight years including three children in the early years are group. When working with her co-childminder they may together care for a total of five children under eight years, including a total of five children within the early years age group. Currently, the childminders care for ten children aged from one to four years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are warmly welcomed and show that they are settled and content. The childminder is suitably supportive of children's individual needs. However, not all conditions are being met as the childminder is caring for more children than her registration allows. Children are provided with an adequate range of play activities that take account of their individual interests and helps them make satisfactory progress overall. There are effective links with parents which ensures that children's welfare needs are met. The childminder has started to evaluate her provision and has identified some areas for improvement, so overall, is suitably placed to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure records are readily available for inspection with particular regard to the record of those who care for children, risk assessment and children's attendance. 03/10/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 improve children's access to resources, both indoors and outside in order to develop their independence as learners  build partnership links with other provisions, delivering the Early Years This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Foundation Stage and attended by children, to promote continuity of children's learning  improve the hand washing facilities provided for the children so as to minimise the risk of cross-infection.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder is fully aware of the need to ensure children are kept safe from harm and is aware of the procedures she should follow should she have a concern about a child in her care. The childminder is caring for more children than their conditions of registration allow. This is an offence unless the provider gives a reasonable excuse. On this occasion the provider did so and Ofsted does not intend to take further action. The childminder has appropriate safety equipment in place, such as a stairgate preventing children's access to the stairs. The childminder keeps records, policies and procedures required for the safety of children, though these records are not kept easily accessible as required. Risks to the children are assessed and a record of the risks is maintained and updated regularly. The home is clean and well maintained. There is sufficient space to meet minimum requirements for children

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the early years provision

to play, though children are not encouraged to use the full space available for free play.

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the early years provision

The childminder works closely with another childminder at the same premises. Together they consider the quality of the provision and adequately identify areas to improve. The childminder promotes equality and diversity suitably, providing appropriately for their particular needs. She supports the children's learning with a sufficient range of resources that encourage their learning. Some toys are set out for children to play with, though most are stored out of reach, which limits young children's independence as learners. There is a enclosed outdoor space which is used, though it is not available regularly to support children's development of a healthy lifestyle.

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the early years provision

Parents are provided with a copy of the policies and procedures before their child starts attending. Relationships with parents are positive and they speak highly about the care their children receive. The childminder takes time to speak to parents on a daily basis and listens to their views about the service should they wish to discuss anything. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the need to link with other early years settings and to use the shared information to assist with the children's planning of activities. However, direct partnerships with other early years providers have not been established.

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and outcomes for children

Children clearly feel comfortable in the care of the childminder and have a clear sense of belonging. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the Eearly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Years Foundation Stage Framework. She works with her co-minder to plan activities that encompass children's interests and stage of development. The childminder talks to parents about what the children can do before they start attending. She regularly observes them, assesses their development and considers the next steps they will take. The information gathered is used to support children and as a result children are progressing adequately in all areas of learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are keen to engage with the activities and resources offered. They co- operate well as they share resources with one another and confidently ask for help finding what they want. However, they have limited opportunity to select their own activity and to move freely throughout the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Through the childminder's management of their personal hygiene children learn to wash their hands after using the bathroom. As a result they are learning to develop an understanding of the importance of routine hygiene practices; however, one hand towel is shared by all children which presents a risk of cross contamination. Parents provide most of the food for their children and this is stored appropriately by the childminder. Children sit together at the table and chat with the childminder as they readily eat their lunch. A fruit snack provided by the childminder is also enjoyed and children regularly assist in preparing bananas to eat.

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and outcomes for children

Children get exercise when out walking in the local community and they take part in a 'health walk' once a week which builds their understanding of the benefits of keeping active. These outings also provide regular opportunities for children to learn about keeping themselves safe on roads. Children demonstrate that they listen to instructions and know their safe boundaries when they stand at the front of the house blowing bubbles. Children cooperate well with each other and demonstrate a good level of behaviour. Older children settle quickly to a craft activity. They select papers, scissor, glue and sticky tape and concentrate for some time as they carefully cut shapes and stick these to their work.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, the children are well cared for by a kind and caring childminder who attends to their physical needs well. However, they are not currently sufficiently challenged in their learning to make full progress towards the early learning goals. 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 3 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

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Stage

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

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Stage

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

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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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