Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

507090 Unique Reference Number 06 December 2007 Inspection date Jan Leo Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 12 and 17 years, on the edge of a residential estate in Bicester. Minded children use only the ground floor of the property and an enclosed rear garden for outdoor activities.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to six children under the age of eight years, and she currently looks after six children, of whom five are under the age of eight years. All children attend on a part time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder offers care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a cat, two guinea pigs and a tank of fish.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in a healthy environment because the childminder consistently promotes good hygiene, provides a really good balance of activities, and makes sure children get out into the fresh air every day. The children learn to clean their hands thoroughly to remove germs before and after eating, and the childminder supervises to give advice when the young children clean themselves after messy craft activities. All manage well, eagerly showing off their independence at an early age. The childminder has access to a car, but frequently walks to complete the school run to enable children to take in fresh air as they move around the locality and talk about what they see. The childminder provides active play indoors in very bad weather, making sure children have time to expend energy and practice their physical skills when it is too wet and windy to play outside. The childminder has an assortment of small pets and involves the children in their

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

care to promote an understanding of the needs of animals. She keeps the pets healthy to avoid risks to children and continues to promote good practice by giving children a baby wipe to remove food debris after feeding the fish. The childminder has a first aid certificate and well-stocked first aid box to enable her to treat injured children promptly and effectively, and she keeps extremely clear accident records to share with their families. Some children require medication and their parents routinely provide full information about how and when to administer it, along with their written consent to authorise its use. All children rest and eat according to their needs, and potty training is very relaxed and un-pressured. The childminder welcomes the children as if they were her own and, as a result, the children are totally secure and settled. Parents and carers send a packed lunch for their children and the childminder

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

refrigerates these promptly on arrival to keep food fresh. The childminder works closely with parents and carers to ensure a consistent approach to meal times, with some being encouraged to eat little and often to help with digestive difficulties. The childminder provides regular drinks and snacks to sustain children throughout the day and all sit sociably together when eating. The children choose what to eat for snack, from a range of healthy options, and all eat very well.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The children have ample space and play in a homely and very comfortable environment where they learn about safety. The children have a stimulating selection of resources available as soon as they arrive, and they freely ask for favourite toys if they are not already out. The childminder rotates the resources to spark new ideas, and she places them at low level for children to access safely without help. The childminder joins in play to monitor what children do, giving reminders about how to pack away carefully in order to avoid injury or damage. The childminder removes broken items promptly to prevent accidents, and she keeps all resources in a clean and hygienic condition. The childminder adopts very effective strategies for keeping children safe, and she has a deep understanding of the child protection procedure. The children's welfare is paramount. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the referral procedure and her responsibility to

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safeguard children, completing a three-month course to gain in depth knowledge of how to recognise, report, and prevent harm. She holds useful contact numbers on file to enable a speedy response if she has concerns about a child.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children relish their time at the setting because they receive a high level of attention and eagerly join in play with the childminder and their friends. The childminder's unfailing enthusiasm motivates the children and they value her input to develop their games. She consistently asks children what they want to do, suggesting various options to help them choose. At times, the children ask for activities such as singing, and all agree it would be fun. The childminder asks the children to help clear a space before playing action songs to sing along with. The children begin singing their favourite songs as they clear away, remembering the words and singing in tune in anticipation. The childminder gets out musical instruments and joins the children in beating out rhythms on cymbals or a triangle, to create noise as they move around interpreting the music very effectively. The children keep in time accurately and move very well. They chat

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to each other constantly as they play, copying the childminder, who gives a running commentary to help children understand what she does. The children share ideas freely saying, for example 'put it flat, like this' as one lay across a blanket to make a swimming pool. 'Like this?' said the other child copying his friend. The children use their imaginations freely and never tire of making new games. The childminder promotes learning and development by skilful interaction, bringing in number work, colours and extending the children's vocabulary. The children love active play but the childminder appreciates their need for quiet times to avoid accidents and silliness. She suggests favourite stories to get children to quieten down; making sure everyone can see the book and have a cuddle if they want. All activities are meaningful because they stem from children's own interests. As a result, all have great fun and thoroughly enjoy their

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The children are extremely inquisitive when out in the local community and the childminder answers their questions honestly to help them make sense of things. For example she explains why a man uses a mobility chair and that the things in his ears help him to hear. The childminder uses language, appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children, to help them understand that everyone is an individual and diversity an asset. The childminder considers all children to be special, helping them to develop at their own rate and making sure none feels inadequate because of their lack of ability. The childminder attends training courses to help her cater for individual needs and maintain a high quality service for all children. This results in all children feeling valued and behaving impeccably when playing with friends. The childminder is an extremely good role model for children to follow, being fair, enthusiastic and very friendly

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

at all times. She consistently promotes turn taking and sharing, and this results in children learning to listen and being kind to others. The childminder forms exceptionally good relationships with parents and carers in order to share information and ensure they are delighted with the service. Adults see a comprehensive folder of information about the provision including the certificate of registration, policies, and Ofsted contact details. This gives adults a clear picture of the service on offer and enables them to pass on any comments they have. The childminder makes sure information is up to date and she finds time to talk to parents, about their children, whenever they wish.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. The children throw themselves, wholeheartedly, into play and value the opportunity to play with their friends. All help decide what to do and play with high quality resources to extend their ideas. The childminder routinely joins in to teach children about health and safety as they play, making learning fun and relevant. All children develop a strong sense of concern for others and, as a result, they consistently play in harmony. The childminder makes sure her paperwork is up to date and she continually monitors her practice to ensure it remains effective for the children who attend. She attends relevant training courses to stay up to date with current thinking and continue to increase her own skills. This equips her with the ability to meet the needs of each child and offer a thoroughly professional service. All of the documentation, required by

p.5

Organisation

regulation, is in place and of a high standard.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection, the childminder was asked to consider attending training courses to enhance her practice. She has since attended several courses, including safeguarding children, inclusion, and signing. This has increased her confidence in accessing training and provided her with valuable knowledge to raise the standard of the care she offers.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5