Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY246264 Inspection date 18 July 2005 Inspector Susan Victoria May

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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 2002. She lives in Grove on the outskirts of Wantage, Oxfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. The first floor is used mainly for sleeping, or for older children's quiet activities. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder may care for six children and is currently minding seven children on a full and part time basis. The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from local pre school groups and Millbrook Primary School. The childminder regularly works with an assistant.

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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 The childminder has a rabbit to which the children have regular access to. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and a member of the National childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and develop increasing understanding about good hygiene practices though daily routines and clear guidelines from the childminder. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after petting the rabbit or before eating food. All documentation and procedures for recording accidents and administering medication to protect children is in place and the childminder shares information with parents. Most other documentation to safeguard the children's welfare is in place. Opportunities for the children to increase control, co-ordination and physical skills are available daily through activities in the home and through regular routine visits to local parks. Children are beginning to move around skilfully and with increasing control, following their chosen path. The childminder provides a wide range of equipment to help children further develop their skills to balance, throw, push and

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Helping children to be healthy

scoot. Children have a growing awareness of how their bodies develop, and of their wants and needs, for example, children have drinks when thirsty and rest when tired. The childminder observes children's dietary requirements; she takes into account parents wishes and provides nutritional options for snacks and meals, thereby developing children's understanding of healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming child friendly home where children feel safe and secure. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment where the childminder identifies and minimises most risks. Space within the house is well organised, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children can easily access the toys and resources, which the childminder checks regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, they hold hands and learn about road safety through good practice, helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of all safety-related issues and has in place all the relevant policies and procedures to ensure children's safety. She has a thorough understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and feels

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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 confident that she would recognise these, and understands her role in the protection of children. All of these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and content in the childminders home; they relax and play with and alongside each other confidently. The childminder promotes independence through a positive approach and encouragement. There are many opportunities for children to make choices. Children self-select from a range of activities and express personal preferences. Older children attend to personal hygiene and all children help tidy away activities. The childminder is warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. She has good relationships with the children; enjoys their company and knows them well. She spends a lot of time talking and playing with them; consequently, children have good support in their play and make good progress in all areas of development. Outings on most days include visits to a variety of local parks and groups, providing children with opportunities to socialise with a wider group. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder provides stimulating activities and resources that allow children to respond with enthusiasm to new challenges. The childminder has an obvious understanding of providing a broad range of experiences, such as developing imagination and self-expression through art and crafts. She provides many opportunities for children to develop in all areas; however, she has not yet had access to the Birth to three matters framework to enhance practice in younger children's development. The childminder and parents share daily information on the children to help them progress effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats the children with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. She has a sound understanding of all equal opportunities issues. She knows each child well; consequently, the children are secure within the environment. The childminder forms good relationships with the children and values their contributions, as a result, children demonstrate increasing personal independence. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings and trips. Children respond well to the consistent praise and encouragement of the childminder, they readily take part in activities, help to tidy up and behave well. The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with the parents. She discusses the children's needs thoroughly with the parents ensuring individual needs are well met.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the childminders well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures effectively promote the welfare, care, safety and learning of the children. The childminder shares information about the children on a daily basis with the parents to keep them well informed about their child's activities and her service. This contributes to continuity in the child's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder provides opportunities to develop children's awareness of positive images and of other cultures by attending various groups where children access multicultural resources, and by increasing the range of resources in the home. The childminder keeps children safe in the home by minimising risks. For example, she provides storage which is inaccessible to the children for hazardous materials and medicines, and ensures children are safe on the stairs. Comprehensive child details are in place to ensure the childminder has all the required information to protect the welfare and safety of the children.

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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): • improve fire safety precautions by providing and maintaining a smoke alarm on the first floor in working order

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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 • obtain written parental permission to implement sun protection procedures • display registration certificate when childminding

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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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