Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY431449 Inspection date 05/01/2012 Inspector Karen Prager

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 2011. She lives with her husband and two young children. The family live in Haydon Wick in Swindon, Wiltshire. The family keep a Doberman as a pet. The whole of the property is available for childminding purposes, although children generally play downstairs. There is a downstairs toilet and an enclosed garden. There are shops and local amenities within walking distance. The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary school and pre-school. The childminder has a level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder may care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom one may be in the early years age range. There are three children within the early years age who attend on a part time basis. Care is also offered to older children. Care is offered for children all year round. The childminder works occasionally with an assistant.

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

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Partnerships with parents are well developed which ensures that children's individual needs are met. The childminder offers enjoyable activities based upon children's particular interests. Effective assessment systems are used to monitor children's progress. The childminder reflects upon her practice, but does not yet have fully effective systems in place to maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 build on opportunities for children to learn about the wider society through activities and resources both in and out of the home  complete the self-review in order to identify more clearly areas for development.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a high regard for children's safety. She has a clear knowledge of the steps to take should she have a concern about a child in her care. Risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessment records are thorough and any potential risks to children are effectively identified and promptly minimised. Children play in a clean, well maintained and child-friendly home. There is plenty of space for the children to play and resources are readily accessible. An enclosed garden in used throughout the year and children also regularly visit the local park. The childminder has a good range of policies and procedures which underpin her practice. These are shared with parents before their children start attending so that parents aware of the care offered to their children. All required documentation is in place and is accurately maintained providing an accurate record of the children cared for.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a positive approach to self-evaluation. She has a realistic view of her strengths and has identified further training to extend her skills and knowledge. She takes appropriate steps to develop the provision for children. However, clear systems for ongoing development are not in place. The childminder generally supports children's individual needs well. She recognises the specific needs of each child and is sensitive to their particular needs. A good range of resources supports children's learning and development across most areas of learning, though the selection of resources which reflect diversity in society and the wider world is still being developed.

p.5

the early years provision

Relationships with parents are positive. She takes time to settle children when they start attending and values visits to their home and discussions about children's interests and stage of development. The childminder talks on a daily basis with parents about the care and development of their children and summarises the information in a daily diary which parents take home. This is supported with a record of their development in a learning journal and means that parents are fully informed about how their children spend their day. The childminder welcomes feedback from parents and children and actively seeks their views. The childminder has a clear understanding of the benefit of sharing information with others who support children to sustain continuity in their care and development though these partnerships are not yet established.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are clearly settled with this warm and cheerful childminder. They have good relationships with her and her family and show they are secure in the presence of others who are not known to them. The childminder has a good understanding of child development, which she uses to support her care of children and their development across all six areas of learning. The childminder knows the individual interests and stages of achievement of the children well. This is because she continually observes them, assesses their development and considers the next steps they will take. The information gathered is shared with parents and used to support children. As a result, children make good progress in their learning and development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children come to know what is expected of them and they listen and respond to instructions. The childminder's positive relationship with the children builds their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 self-esteem and they clearly express what they want. They play contentedly on their own and alongside others. Children chose to play with the train track. They move around the floor, selecting sections of track and connecting them together. Children become engaged when they take part in cooking activities. They watch as the ingredients are poured onto the scales noticing when the numbers change. They learn to cooperate with others taking turns mixing the dough for biscuits, then rolling it out and choosing cutters. Through everyday activities such as these children develop an understanding of shape and colour. They develop their love of books through visits to the library and repeatedly ask for the childminder to sit and

p.5

and outcomes for children

look at books. They become familiar with stories and can say how the sentences end, developing a familiarity with rhyme. Children explore a range of different media, sticking pieces to decorate a rangoli pattern and exploring the properties of paint.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Through clear example and explanations young children start to gain an understanding of how to keep safe. For example, they respond promptly to the childminder's instructions and regularly participate in fire evacuations. Children benefit from regular walks around the locality, and to parks which offer valuable opportunities for fresh air and exercise. This assists them in becoming familiar with the wider community. Children adopt good personal hygiene routines and are supported in identifying their individual hand towel. Children sit together at the table and chat with the childminder when they eat their meals. The childminder offers children fruit for snacks and encourages children to extend the range of foods they eat. Through discussion with parents and observation of the children she ensures that any specific dietary needs are known and sensitively managed. 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 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 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