Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

133568 Unique Reference Number 03 March 2008 Inspection date Maxine Coulson 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 good. 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 1989. She lives with her partner, who is also an assistant, and grown-up son. They live on a residential road in a three bedroom terraced house close to the centre of Banbury. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children's outside play. The whole house is used for childminding. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and playgroups.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years. She is currently caring for 11 children, of these, four are over the age of eight years. Children attend for a variety of days and sessions.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 good. Children's health and physical development is promoted by the childminder's good understanding of issues and procedures. For example, required accident and medication records are in place; along with appropriate first aid training, this means the children's medical needs are met well. However, written parental permission has not been obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children are protected from the risk of infection because the childminder uses excellent methods to promote children's understanding of good hygiene, such as gentle reminders and supervision to wash hands before lunch and after toilet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children sit at the table and enjoy a social atmosphere to eat snacks and meals that are generally provided by the parents. They are encouraged to make healthy choices for snacks and they always have access to a drink. Children's health is further promoted by very good food hygiene practices that protect them from cross-contamination of foods. For example, the childminder follows everyday procedures to ensure that surfaces, appliances and kitchen tools are clean and used appropriately.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive on being physically active. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise necessary for their well-being when walking to and from school. They take part in many activities that promote their physical skills, such as walks to and from local parks where they exercise by playing with bats and balls. They are beginning to use climbing apparatus, for example, helping to develop balance and control of their own bodies.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play, rest and eat in a welcoming and exceptionally safe environment. Children are able to move around safely as careful consideration has been given to arranging facilities and resources. Appropriate safety precautions are in place, such as socket covers, smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Highly effective practices ensure that children stay safe but are still able to play freely and with some independence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits. This allows children to learn some sense of danger and knowledge about how to protect themselves from harm. For example, whilst out and about children hold hands and learn about road safety. This understanding is further developed by the provision of toy road signs and traffic lights that can be used in every day play. Children use a wide variety of high quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development; it is regularly monitored to ensure it is safe, well maintained and appropriate. Toys and resources are replaced, updated, and added to when necessary and resources are organised on a daily basis, dependent on those that are safe for the children attending.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and safety is promoted extremely well by the childminder's clear and thorough understanding of child protection issues and procedures. This information is shared with parents keeping them fully informed of any procedures that may need to be followed.

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. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They are happy and very settled and make positive relationships with the childminder and spontaneously seek her out to ask a question or simply to have a cuddle. Children's confidence and self-esteem is given high priority as they are offered praise and acknowledgment for their efforts and achievements. Children's independence is fostered as they make their own choices and decisions.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children gain immense enjoyment from the excellent range of activities they take part in. These are age appropriate and provide excellent levels of challenge. For example, young children and babies are given appropriate toys, such as a baby walker to encourage walking skills, and shape sorters to develop co-ordination skills, and they choose from an exceptionally wide variety of toys that encourage imaginative play.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities within the childminder's home are diverse and interesting and children benefit from regular outings and excursions. They also enjoy features of the local community, such as the park, and trips to the activity and sports centres, and benefit from opportunities to socialise with larger groups, such as at toddler group.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children’s sense of belonging is fully fostered through the warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere and the childminder’s overwhelming dedication to their care. Children benefit from the childminder’s knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues. She treats them with equal concern, and highly values them as individuals. Children’s self-esteem is developed exceptionally well. For example, they have access to a book of photos showing themselves involved in activities, and their art work is displayed. Through the childminder's consistent praise and acknowledgments of children's efforts and achievements, young children are beginning to develop a good understanding of acceptable behaviour and awareness of the boundaries set and how to share.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have easy access to a diverse range of toys and resources that help them learn about different lifestyles and promote a positive view of the wider world. The childminder has a sound understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities although none currently attend the setting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is significantly promoted through the childminder’s valued relationship with the parents. They are welcomed into the childminder’s home and opinions shared at initial visit. This rapport continues to develop through ongoing communication. Children receive full support and appropriate care through the childminder's exceptional practices. For example, she provides written feedback in the form of a diary to parents on a daily basis that provides detailed information of their day and how their child is settling in. The partnership is further enhanced as the childminder keeps and shares with parents examples of children's art work and drawings, and photographs showing them involved in fun and exciting activities. This means parents are fully aware of how their children are progressing and developing.

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 good. Children's care is enhanced by the very good organisation. Children benefit from a childminder who has a high regard for the wellbeing of all children and she ensures all children receive sufficient care and attention. Children are happy and settled in a calm and relaxed environment. They move around safely, with independence and effective supervision. Children can easily access many of the toys and resources and the childminder is very well organised, arranging space and resources to maximise care, learning, and play opportunities for children.

p.5

Organisation

All of the required documentation is in place and regularly reviewed, which generally contributes to children's health, safety and wellbeing and overall, ensures the continuing welfare, care and learning of children is promoted. However, sometimes, children's departure times are not always recorded. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure all recorded accidents are signed by parents to acknowledge they have been informed of an accident/injury.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now ensures all records are signed by the parents that show they have been fully informed of any accident or injury. This ensures the continuing welfare, care and safety of the children.

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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): • obtain written permission to seek emergency medical advice and/or treatment • ensure times of children's departure are recorded at all times.

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 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.6