Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY330169 Inspection date 18 September 2006 Inspector Gillian Little

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives in Oxford with her niece, nephew and daughter aged 15, 12 and eight. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house, together with a first floor bedroom, bathroom and toilet, is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group, takes children to the local library and to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one

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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 time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s risk of infection is minimal as the premises and equipment are clean, and there are hygienic procedures in place for nappy changing and hand washing. Children learn about hygiene procedures, such as washing hands, as the childminder supervises them carefully, explaining how to use the soap and to rinse and dry their hands. Children enjoy and benefit from physical activity as they have good opportunities to regularly play in the garden or visit the local park. They develop physical skills, such as throwing a ball or pushing a pushchair, with encouragement from the childminder. Young children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Good procedures are in place to ensure that children receive effective care in the event of an accident or illness. For example, all documentation is in place regarding children’s medical requirements and the childminder has policies in place for

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Helping children to be healthy

sickness and emergencies which she shares with parents. Children receive a healthy diet and have regular meals and snack times. For example, they may have cereal for breakfast, fruit for a snack, and pasta with cheese for lunch. Drinks, such as water and sugar free juice, are available for children throughout the day. The childminder holds a Food Hygiene certificate and ensures that food is stored safely. She is fully aware of children’s special dietary requirements and works well with parents to ensure that children’s dietary needs are fully met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play comfortably in an inviting environment, which has the appropriate facilities and space for their needs. For example, the living room is set out with toys and activities depending on the ages of children attending, and a bedroom on the first floor is available to older children to watch television after school. Children’s risk of injury is minimal as the childminder assesses risks well and takes effective precautions to prevent accidents. For example, a stair gate prevents access to the stairs, windows have locks and electrical sockets have covers. Young children are able to explore their surroundings safely as the childminder supervises them very carefully and is always on hand to help them and keep them safe. Children are able to play with a good range of safe toys and resources, which the childminder regularly cleans and checks for damage.

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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 Good fire prevention and evacuation procedures help to keep children safe in the event of an emergency. For example, smoke alarms are maintained in working order, a fire blanket is in place and the childminder has a written emergency plan in place which she shares with parents. Children play safely outside as the garden is fully enclosed, has a level surface, and is free from any hazards. Children stay safe when away from the premises as the childminder has effective procedures in place, such as strapping young children in pushchairs, teaching older children to hold her hand and carrying a mobile phone with emergency contact numbers. Children’s risk of harm from others is minimised as the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show a keen interest in what they do and are able to develop a wide range of skills, as there is a good range of activities available. For example, children enjoy exploring jigsaws, musical toys and books. The childminder extends experiences for younger children by attending a local library and drop-in centre where children enjoy art activities as well as sand and water play. Children receive good support from the childminder as she enables them to follow their own interests and encourages them to develop their skills. She works very well with parents to help children who speak English as an additional language, develop their language skills, effectively supporting them through careful interaction and visual actions. Children develop strong relationships with the childminder as she is very caring, friendly and enjoys being with them. Young children show their close attachment to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

her by crying when she leaves the room and being very settled when she is near them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become aware of wider society and develop positive attitudes towards diversity as the childminder helps them to be tolerant, to respect each other and to identify with their own backgrounds. She is increasing her range of resources reflecting diversity by making dressing up clothes for the children to explore. The childminder knows children well, such as home languages, cultural and dietary requirements, and is therefore able to meet their individual needs effectively. Children are able to play a productive part in the setting as the childminder encourages them to become independent, such as putting on their own shoes and helping to tidy up. She uses effective methods to manage unwanted behaviour, such as explanations and taking away toys which are causing arguments. She has a

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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 positive and consistent approach ensuring that children understand clear behavioural boundaries and she rewards them for positive behaviour. She works well with parents to overcome behavioural problems effectively. Children benefit from continuity between the home and the setting as the childminder ensures parents have good information about her services and about their children’s time with her. She offers very flexible childcare to accommodate shift workers and works closely with parents to meet children’s needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to make good progress as the childminder has a strong sense of purpose. For example, she is very keen to extend her knowledge of childcare through training and reading books and she is very enthusiastic about her childminding with lots of ideas of how to develop. She uses time and resources well, ensuring that children have a wide range of experiences by making good use of local facilities. She maintains the adult to child ratio at all times to ensure that she can supervise children well. Documentation, policies and procedures are in place and work well in practice. The childminder is using the Birth to three matters framework effectively to support her care of younger children, recording their progress against the framework and sharing her observations with parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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

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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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): • continue to develop the good range of activities and experiences already available to the children.

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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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