Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222976 Unique Reference Number 10 October 2006 Inspection date Maxine Coulson Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2002. She lives with her husband and four children aged seven, six, four and 22 months. They live in a five bedroom detached house in a small village on the outskirts of Bicester. Her home is within walking distance of local parks and driving distance to shops, pre-school and school. Childminding takes place throughout the whole house. There is a fully enclosed garden available for children's outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of two children under eight years at any one time. She currently cares for four children; of these, one is over eight years of age. Children attend for various days and sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 benefit through the childminder’s effective hygiene procedures. For example, she has an excellent nappy changing routine. Children flourish and their health is promoted well because of the clean environment. They learn about hand washing before eating, for example, and how this can prevent germs spreading.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are regular outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, bouncing and jumping on the large trampoline in the garden. Walks to and from woods and parks help them stay healthy and fit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are successfully well nourished through tasty home cooked meals which comply with individual dietary or medical requirements. They sit at the table and enjoy a social atmosphere as they eat snacks and meals together. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them becoming thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safeguarded well through the childminder’s concern and constant awareness. Children’s welfare is additionally promoted through the childminder’s pro-active skills with regard to their safety. For example, gaining written permission for children to use the trampoline and considerations for outings and trips.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are involved in regular drills and fire safety discussions. For example, they enjoyed a visit from the fire service when the Fire Officer came to place smoke alarms at the provision. Children have full and open access to their environment. They are encouraged and supported by the childminder to access all spaces and equipment that is suitable for their ages and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm through the childminder’s sound knowledge of child protection issues. She ensures she is up to date with all recent legislation and ensures parents are aware of her duties as a registered childminder. This helps promote children's welfare at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s enjoyment and achievements at the setting are promoted well through the daily diaries detailing experiences and achievements. Their artwork is displayed for all to see and they have their own scrap books that show pictures they have drawn to match the 'letter of the week'. However, younger children do not always have opportunities to express their own ideas during creative play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children develop confidence and positive self-esteem through the interaction, care and attention they receive from the childminder. They have access to a variety of enjoyable activities to encourage them to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play. They enjoy activities that help them learn to count, recognise colours and objects. For example, they have pictures of strawberries to colour and count how many are on the page.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are gaining independence by being able to choose for themselves from a very wide range of high quality toys and resources. They develop social skills by having regular trips to local toddler groups and playing with children of a variety of ages. They participate enthusiastically in fun activities and relate well to the childminder. This means children are confident and happy within their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s sense of belonging is fostered well through the warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere. Children’s self-esteem is consistently raised through the childminder's praise and encouragement of their achievements. Children are valued and treated with respect by the childminder and thrive in the relaxed and comfortable environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they are involved, interested and enjoy their play. They learn about what is acceptable behaviour and what is not, through re-enforcement of rules, learning to share and taking turns. Children have opportunities to learn about diversity such as the celebration of various festivals. They have access to a varied range of toys and resources that reflect diversity. However, the range of toys and resources that promote positive images are limited. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of meeting the needs of children with learning difficulties and disabilities, although none currently attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual needs are met well through the excellent range and amount of toys, resources and equipment. Therefore, they flourish through the stimulating and purposeful activities and experiences. Discussions with parents and carers ensure the childminder continuously provides good quality care, which means children are confident and secure within the provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s care is promoted effectively through well written polices and procedures. Her strong working relationships with parents and carers ensure children feel at home and secure within the setting. Good adult support ensures children are confident and have their individual needs met well. Children’s space is organised in a highly effective manner and all resources meet the children’s requirements.

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Organisation

The childminder provides parents with a portfolio which evidences her commitment to providing good quality care for children. It includes information about her and her family and certificates from additional training courses attended. All necessary documentation is completed correctly, is up to date, reviewed regularly and is well organised.

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Organisation

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 childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to:

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Improvements since the last inspection

ensure the record of children's attendance is completed on a daily basis

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Improvements since the last inspection

improve fire safety precautions by ensuring children are familiar with emergency evacuation procedures

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Improvements since the last inspection

request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now records all children's arrival and departure time on a daily basis, discusses evacuation procedures with children and ensures they are familiar with them and has obtained written permission form parents to seek emergency medical advice and/or treatment. This ensures the continuing care, safety and welfare of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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Complaints 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

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 younger children have opportunities to express their own ideas during creative play • provide a range of toys and resources that promote positive images.

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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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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