Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY290733 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2006 Inspection date Jan Leo 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children, aged two and five years, on a residential estate on the edge of Bicester, Oxfordshire. Children have a designated play room but have access to all areas of the house. Most of the play takes place on the ground floor, with quiet activities in the lounge, messy play in the kitchen and older children using the conservatory. Children rest or sleep in a bedroom on the first floor and there is a secure rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to accept up to four children under the age of eight years during the day, and one child overnight. She currently cares for two children, aged under five years, on a part time basis, and five children over the age of five years after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a National Nursery Examination Board qualification.

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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 because they have frequent opportunities for active play, learn good practice regarding hand washing, and eat a varied and nutritious diet. The children have access to the garden and take part in energetic activities both indoors and out to benefit from fresh air and exercise. They giggle as they dance to action songs, finding it funny when they spin so much that they fall down on the carpet. Children learn to wash their hands from an early age to instil good habits for later life. The childminder provides a step to enable children to reach easily and she talks through how to pull up sleeves to avoid discomfort. The childminder keeps her home clean to avoid the spread of germs and children have easy access to tissues and wipes to clean themselves after eating. Children rest according to their individual routines and they have flexible mealtimes to accommodate early naps when necessary. The childminder encourages

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Helping children to be healthy

children to do things for themselves to promote independence and she forms close bonds with them, to help children feel emotionally secure. She has a first aid certificate to equip her with the knowledge to treat children's injuries, but some items in the first aid box are out of date which compromises hygiene. The childminder actively promotes healthy eating. She works with parents and carers to discover the foods children like, and she plans menus in advance following suggestions in up to date reference material about healthy options. She displays the menus to avoid families duplicating meals, and she rotates what she provides to give part time children more variety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very clean and homely environment, within close proximity of the childminder, to ensure they stay safe. They freely move around the home for a change of scene, and willingly comply with house rules about use of each area. The children have a designated playroom with resources at various heights depending on the level of supervision needed in order to keep children safe as they play. Older children can play with small Lego and similar toys in the conservatory without fear of risk to younger children, and all use the kitchen under the childminders watchful eye. Children have ample space for a wide range of activities to run alongside each other. Wherever possible, the childminder teaches children to obey house rules without the aid of physical barriers, in order for them to learn how to keep themselves safe no matter where they are. She consistently reminds children about safe play but does not routinely

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

explain the consequences to reinforce children's understanding of why rules are important. The childminder completes risk assessments and has a well thought out evacuation plan for emergencies. Her fire blanket however is not fixed to the wall making it, at times, difficult to locate and awkward to use. Children help clean and check the toys and equipment to keep them in good condition. This helps them learn to respect property and provides an opportunity for the childminder to remove any broken items. The childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedure, having been involved in such cases when working elsewhere. She keeps contact numbers close to hand, and has the confidence to act promptly if she has concerns about a child.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very vocal and play together well. They copy each other and learn by watching, with interest, what others do. The children concentrate for lengthy periods because the childminder joins in to extend the activities. For example, all play with play dough pressing it into moulds and cutting around shapes. They make green hair grow longer as the dough oozes through holes in the head of a small doll. The children and childminder interact very well together, discussing colours, shapes and suitable equipment. The children join in enthusiastically and are reluctant to pack away for snack time, but with a little encouragement, they eagerly gather the bits into a ball and try to seal it into the airtight containers. The childminder plans the activities, following suitable topics to help children learn. She includes play with wet and dry sand when looking at 'opposites' to give children enjoyable practical experiences that are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

relevant and meaningful. Parents and carers see the activity plan and receive information to help them continue themes at home to reinforce what children learn. As a result, the children are happy to attend and very much enjoy their day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about diversity by using a range of resources to reflect different cultures and beliefs. The childminder values individuality by catering for children's specific needs and teaches them about how other people live, making good use of a book called 'All about me'. The childminder has experience of children with special needs and is willing to accept any child providing she can meet the individual needs of all children within the setting. The children help draw up house rules to learn about becoming responsible for their actions. The childminder is a good role model for children to follow. She gives consistent messages to ensure children know how to behave and, as a result, young children are eager to please. They get on well together, help with routine tasks, and comply with rules to play safely. Parents and carers are very pleased with the service they receive. They feel welcome when delivering or collecting

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their children and have time for informal discussion about the day. The childminder supplements feedback with diary records for young children and daily feedback forms for older children. This provides families with up to date information about what their children do with the childminder. A comprehensive folder of policy and practice issues is available to inform parents and carers about how the service operates, and all essential information is on prominent display in the playroom.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children participate in a range of interesting, age appropriate activities to stimulate their development, and they have ample space to spread out as they play. The childminder organises her home to create space for different aged children to avoid compromising safety and she has clearly defined house rules to ensure children know how to behave. The children follow a basic routine to help them understand what to expect and feel secure within the setting. The childminder

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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 has written policy documents to provide a clear picture of how she operates and all the documentation, required by regulation, is in place and of a high standard. The childminder is eager to improve standards and regularly reviews her practice to identify and address areas for improvement.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was recommended to continue to develop written activity plans. The childminder now has a range of topic folders with pre-planned activities to help children reach their full potential and learn as they play.

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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 medical supplies are within date in order to treat injuries hygienically • fit the fire blanket as per manufacturers instructions to make sure it is readily available and easy to access if required.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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