Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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133543 Unique Reference Number 20 March 2008 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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and three children, ages 16, 11 and six years. They live in a three bedroom end of terrace house on a residential road close to the centre of Banbury. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight years and is currently caring for two children under eight years. Children attend for various days and sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have three guinea pigs and one rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently studying for NVQ Level Three.

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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 outstanding. Children are kept safe from illness and cross-infection because the childminder has excellent routines in place to maintain their health and well-being. Children are developing high levels of understanding about their personal hygiene because the childminder ensures they are supported well. For example, they use individual flannels preventing the risk of the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works extremely well with parents to ensure that children eat healthily and that any individual dietary requirements are met. She provides colour coded menus that clearly show how children have a varied, nutritious and well balanced diet. For example, dairy products are written in blue, fruit and vegetables in green, meat in red. A variety of drinks are always available, ensuring children do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in excellent activities that promote the development of physical health and coordination. They regularly visit local parks where they race and energetically run around. They make good use of equipment such as, swings, slides and climbing frames, which develop large muscle skills. Children also have regular opportunities to further fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school, further promoting children's very good health and overall development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely warm, well maintained and child-friendly environment. They enjoy their well equipped play areas where the childminder's excellent organisation of resources means they can freely and safely access toys as they play. Pictures, posters and examples of children's work on display create a warm and welcoming environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is maintained very well on outings as the childminder has good systems in place, such as, ensuring children are strapped in safely when using a buggy or car seats. Children are developing an excellent understanding of personal safety as they participate in regular practises of fire drills so they are familiar with the procedures to follow. Children's safety is further enhanced when out on walks or local trips as they develop their understanding of road safety through participating in the local road safety campaign 'Footsteps'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection issues. This is underpinned by a clear and concisely written policy, and she provides procedures to be followed in the event of a lost or uncollected child. Her vigilance and awareness in this area reinforces the high standards of safety and security experienced by children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very settled and happy. They enjoy a nurturing and fun relationship with the childminder from whom they receive great support and encouragement. Children flourish in the childminder's care as she offers purposeful and challenging activities. They have access to a wonderful range of toys, equipment and resources that encourage progress in all areas of

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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 development. The childminder has a daily routine which is flexible according to the needs of the children, their routines, school runs, the weather and what the children themselves wish to do. Children play with toys that develop their imagination, creativity, hand/eye coordination and skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Very young children play with educational/soft/sensory toys that have lights that flash and make noises when buttons are pushed. Toys squeak, rattle, crunch and rustle, delighting the children, as they explore and discover new sounds, textures and experiences. For example, there is a sensory basket which is eagerly investigated and children display looks of wonder as a feather is stroked across their face. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework extremely effectively to help plan and provide a range of activities that fully support children's learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are very relaxed in the childminder's home. They display extremely high levels of confidence as they interact with the childminder and have a strong sense of belonging. They independently choose from a considerable range of puzzles, books, toys and equipment that reflect diversity and positive images. This encourages equality and boosts children's self-esteem. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities and has an exceptionally clear understanding of equal opportunities and inclusion of all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are impeccably well behaved, mainly due to being completely involved and interested in their play. Children are learning about taking turns and sharing, helping them to be aware of other children's needs. Positive behaviour is promoted extremely well, with very good use of ongoing praise for children's efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's development is encouraged by the childminder's exceptionally strong partnership with parents. The childminder talks with parents daily and shares their child's achievements with them, which includes photographs, works of art and written records. She provides a wealth of very high quality information about the setting, so that parents feel very well informed and secure about the environment in which their child is cared for and readily praise the childminder through written letters.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is extremely well organised, arranging space and resources to maximise care, learning, and play opportunities for children. She shows an extremely professional and committed approach to her practice through regular training to refresh and develop her skills. She has very clear and comprehensive policies and procedures in place that underpin her practice, and these are shared with parents.

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Organisation

Children are well looked after in a welcoming, warm and homely environment. They benefit from the childminder's forward thinking as she is thoroughly organised and flexible in planning their day. The childminder is very efficient as she ensures all documentation is in place as required under the National Standards. Children's needs are effectively met as she keeps daily records and these are readily available for parents and clearly illustrate children's developmental progress.

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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 children for whom she provides

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to consider the following;

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Improvements since the last inspection

develop knowledge and understanding of issues relating to child protection - the childminder has now attended recent training to ensure she is up to date with safeguarding children procedures

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Improvements since the last inspection

ensure records pertaining to the administration of medication are signed by parents - all medication is now signed and acknowledged by parents

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Improvements since the last inspection

request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment - all parents now give written permission.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This ensures the continuing care, welfare and safety 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. 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 outstanding. 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

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

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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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