Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301682 Inspection date 26 May 2005 Inspector Josephine Rayner

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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 2005. She lives with her two children aged 15 and 8 years, in Thame, Oxfordshire. Most areas of the childminders house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for out side play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family have two dogs and two guinea pigs.

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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 are able to participate in physical play on a regular basis which contributes to their good health and helps them develop control of the bodies, for example learning how to hop and skip. They are provided with opportunities to enjoy inside and outside play and are aware when they need a drink and play according to their individual needs. All areas of the house are warm and well maintained and clean. The childminder has a good awareness of safe hygiene practices for example when changing nappies and ensuring surfaces are cleaned before eating, however she does not encourage children to always wash their hands before eating and does not always wash her hands when preparing food. Children are not learning the importance of always washing hands before eating. Children benefit from a healthy well balanced diet. They enjoy a variety of healthy snacks and meals and drinks are regularly on offer throughout the day. Any special

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Helping children to be healthy

dietary requirements are complied, this helps the children remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Through effective use of safety equipment and good levels of supervision, the childminder minimises risks of children having an accident in the home. This allows children to move around the house safely and independently. Children generally have easy access to toys and equipment and are able to play in a comfortable environment that helps them feel safe and secure. They use a wide range of toys and activities that are safe, good quality and appropriate to their ages and abilities. The childminder has a good understanding of procedures to protect children. She has copies of relevant documentation such as, the local Area Child Protection Committee’s procedures and parents made aware of her role in the protection of children. This helps ensure the welfare and safety of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are at ease with the childminder, they are settled and confident, they enjoy each other’s company and having fun together for example, building towers of bricks and moving to music. Children are learning to become independent and gaining self-esteem, though the activities provided and the positive praise and encouragement given.

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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 affectionate relationships with the childminder who is very involved in their play and care, interacting well with them. The childminder pays careful attention and asks many questions to extend the children’s thoughts and vocabulary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder respects the individuality of the children and meets their needs though following daily routines as discussed and agreed with parents. Children feel comfortable and at ease, they are learning to share and respect each other and their surroundings. The childminder uses appropriate strategies for managing children’s behaviour, this helps children learn right from wrong. Children have limited access to toys and equipment that reflects positive images and diversity; however the childminder uses other resources such as the local library and the internet to provide opportunities for children to learn about differing lifestyles.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from their care being organised. Effective use of space allows children to feel part of the family and comfortable. They have sufficient support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. The childminder provides helpful information about her service through some written polices and discussions with parents. This helps promote the care and learning of the children. Business arrangements are generally well organised, however the register is not accurate and the childminder has not requested clearance from Ofsted on all adults who have regular contact with the children. This reduces the childminder’s ability to ensure that children are not in regular contact with persons unsuitable to be in the presence of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since registration.

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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 hand washing procedures are followed to prevent the spread of infection • ensure that adults regularly resident in the home are cleared by Ofsted and record the accurate times of arrival and collection of 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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