Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY331317 Inspection date 20 June 2006 Inspector Catherine Langan

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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 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged two and five years in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There is currently one child on roll.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are regular opportunities to participate in outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, riding on wheeled toys and learning to kick balls. Children develop well in this environment, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals to help reduce the spread of germs and the risk of cross infection. Children benefit from well-balanced and healthy snacks. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a generally safe environment because the childminder identifies and minimises risks through vigilance and the use of different safety measures, for example, stair gates and socket covers. Although the front door is not secure to prevent children leaving or unwanted visitors entering the premises. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder, through careful supervision, ensures toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for children's ages and stages of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare through her knowledge of child protection issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder and are confident and happy in their surroundings. They are able to easily access and choose from a wide range of toys, equipment and resources helping them to develop their independence. Children have access to a variety of fun activities to encourage them to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play. They enjoy water play where they are able to use filling and pouring tools, such as pots and jugs to help develop fine motor skills. Children enjoy the toys and resources that are provided helping them to learn and progress through their play and interaction from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are active, interested and enjoy a variety of different types of play, which means they behave well. They have discussions with the childminder to help them be

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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 aware of their actions and to begin to understand right from wrong, for example, learning to share. They are beginning to develop their independence through making their own choices of toys and activities. Children have regular access to toys and resources that help them learn about different lifestyles and promote a positive view of the wider world. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of meeting the needs of children with special educational needs although none currently attend. The childminder has discussions with parents and carers to ensure she meets children's individual needs and routines, helping children feel confident and secure. She gathers this information and keeps it within the children’s records to help meet their needs on a daily basis. Children receive good support and appropriate care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

through the childminder's good practices. For example, she verbally feeds back to parents on a daily basis to inform them of how their child is settling in and progressing.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within a relaxing and homely environment that contributes to their sense of belonging. They have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. Children have access to a good amount of space that the childminder organises well allowing them to move around easily and to be able to express their ideas during free play. The childminder effectively uses written policies and procedures and has all the necessary documentation and parental permissions in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Although the further polices and procedures could be developed. She provides parents with details about her services and they regularly share information, which contributes to continuity of the children’s care. 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 the last inspection. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 children are prevented from leaving the premises and unwanted visitors entering them • extend polices and procedures to further support the service being offered.

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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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