Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310380 Inspection date 09 March 2006 Inspector Susan Victoria May

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 3 years in Greater Leys, on the outskirts of Oxford. The whole of the premises is used for minding. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder may care for 2 children and is currently minding 1 child on a full time basis. The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from local pre-schools and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and develop increasing understanding about good hygiene practices, through clear guidelines from the childminder and effective daily routines to prevent cross infection. To protect children's health and wellbeing, the childminder has comprehensive procedures and documentation to record medication and minor accidents accurately, less so emergency procedures. Children have access to an interesting and challenging variety of activities, which they enjoy and which promote their development. Regular trips and outings to parks, groups and other local facilities further improve physical skills. Children are increasingly able to understand how their bodies work through activities and explanations from the childminder, appropriate to their age. The childminder is knowledgeable on how best to support children's skills, develop their confidence and provide activities to help children progress at their own rate. She has a clear

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Helping children to be healthy

understanding of the development of babies and young children and has regard to the Birth to three matters framework. For example, she regularly attends local groups who follow the Birth to three framework guidelines in their daily practice. She promotes children's care effectively in her home and this helps them develop to their full potential. The childminder sits with the children at meals times, making it a social occasion enjoyed by all. She provides nutritional meals and easy access to the children for drinks throughout the day; this promotes a healthy eating lifestyle and helps children develop a positive attitude, thus providing a sound basis for future eating habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children can explore independently in a warm, friendly environment, moving around freely in the childminder’s home, while facing new challenges. The childminder identifies risks and minimises most hazards to keep children safe; however, some procedures and issues are still to be addressed. Children are learning to keep themselves safe when outdoors and are beginning to understand the consequences of their actions through, for example, simple road safety procedures, in which even the youngest children participate. Children independently select toys from a broad range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Suitable storage and sensitive support from the childminder provide opportunities for children to easily access toys that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards the children's safety and welfare using relevant

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

documentation and procedures. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 abuse and know what action to take, if she has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she is able to quickly recognise when a child is in danger and act in the child’s best interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are relaxed in the childminder's house. They enjoy a variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They are happy and have good access to toys and resources that they choose for themselves. The interesting and worthwhile range of resources, activities and outings help children learn a great deal about the world in which they live. The childminder plays and reads to the children and demonstrates a sound knowledge of how to develop language skills. The childminder fosters children's creative and imaginative development, through activities such as music, painting and pretend play. The childminder is warm and affectionate, making children feel comfortable and valued. The childminder has good relationships with the children; she enjoys their company and knows them well. She spends time talking and playing with them; consequently, children have appropriate support and make good progress in all

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

areas of development. Outings occur on most days and include visits to drop-in groups, where the children have the opportunity to socialise with a wider group of children. The childminder has an obvious understanding of providing children with an extensive range of experiences. The childminder and parents share daily information on the children to help them progress effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows each child well, she treats them with respect, meets their needs and values their individuality; this helps them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a positive understanding of all equal opportunities issues; this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings within the local community. Children learn to accept differences and the childminder actively promotes positive images, to increase children's understanding of the world outside of the immediate community. For example, she helps celebrate a variety of festivals and provides a good range of resources that reflect positive images and the lifestyles of others. Children respond well to the childminder and readily take part in activities; they are eager to please, for example, they help to tidy away when requested. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder manages children's behaviour calmly and patiently. This encourages children to respond effectively to any guidance and praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The partnership with parents is good. Parents share appropriate and relevant information about their children with the childminder. This helps to ensure children receive individual care and attention.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the childminder’s well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Most policies and procedures effectively promote the welfare, care, safety and learning of the children. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of confidentiality; all information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure identified risks are addressed and procedures to keep children safe on the premises observed at all times

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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