Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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134135 Unique Reference Number 17 March 2008 Inspection date Nikki Whinton 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 satisfactory. 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 1992. She lives with her husband and five year old grandson in Littlemore, a residential area close to the city of Oxford. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and a there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six minded children under the age of eight years at any one time and is currently minding four children, of whom one attends on a full-time basis. She attends the local carer and toddler group. The family has two goldfish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children lead a healthy lifestyle whilst in the childminder's care. They have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise whilst taking part in local walks and have the chance to play within the childminder's fully enclosed garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs or allergies are discussed with parents prior to a child commencing in the setting. These discussions are recorded and any needs accommodated. Parents provide all meals and snacks for their children, which are correctly stored in the freezer or refrigerator. Children are regularly offered water to drink, which helps to ensure they are consuming fluids in sufficient quantities to meet their differing requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of the correct administrative procedures to follow should accidents occur or children require medication. There is a range of measures to promote children's good health. For example, the premises are very clean, hygienic nappy changing regimes are followed, older children use separate paper towels when hand drying to reduce the risk of cross contamination and written parental permission has been obtained to seek emergency treatment. However, the childminder does not record existing injuries to children when they arrive at the provision. As a result, children's health is potentially at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and rest within premises that are secure, well maintained and of an appropriate temperature. There are designated bedrooms available to enable children to have uninterrupted sleep. Older children are able to visit the toilet independently and thus build their self-care skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a good range of age appropriate toys within the dedicated play room. They are able to self-select resources for themselves and benefit from the childminder's good understanding of safety issues concerning the purchase and ongoing maintenance of equipment. As a result children play with toys that are safe and suitable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a range of measures to promote children's safety and help avoid accidents. A stair gate prevents children leaving the playroom unsupervised, a fire blanket is immediately available in an emergency, sharp knives are inaccessible to children and potentially harmful cleaning materials in the kitchen are inaccessible to children. However, the childminder has not practised emergency escape drills with the children. As a result, their safety may be at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is supported by a childminder who is aware of child protection issues, confidentiality of information and the correct procedures to follow if concerned about the well-being of a child. However, parents are not made aware of the childminder's child protection responsibilities.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children appear relaxed, settled and very much 'at home' within the provision. They confidently explore the wide range of resources available to them, such as puzzles, small world figures and drawing materials. They benefit from the childminder's active involvement in their play, such as when 'making tea' with role-play resources or 'posting' shaped bricks into a shape sorter. The childminder is skilful in using activities such as stacking coloured beakers or reading stories as a means of raising children's awareness of colour, shape and number.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have a very positive relationship with the friendly, caring childminder and approach her spontaneously for hugs and cuddles. They take part in local visits, such as to the Cowley Centre play area or the nearby park. Such activities enable children to gain an awareness of their local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They benefit from the childminder knowing them well, appreciating their likes and dislikes and from her having a good understanding of their varying home circumstances. Children have access to a very limited range of resources to enable them to gain an awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as appropriate for their age and stage of development. Their behaviour is supported by a childminder who uses positive strategies including distraction, praise and encouraging children to share or take turns, as ways of promoting appropriate behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder appreciates the importance of building a good partnership with parents. There are daily opportunities for the childminder and the parents to discuss children's achievements or any care requirements, whilst separate appointments are arranged to share sensitive issues. Children's care needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is an experienced and capable early years practitioner. All legally required documentation is maintained and securely stored. For example, children's personal information is immediately available to support their care, such as in an emergency. The provision is well-arranged. There are designated sleep rooms and resources are stored at children's height to facilitate self-selection. However, the childminder does not have a current first aid qualification. In addition, the children's daily register of attendance is not always kept up to date.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the last inspection, the childminder was given recommendations to help develop the quality of the provision. These referred to making available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint and obtaining a copy of the latest guidance on how to address child protection concerns.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Written information is now displayed for parents that provides information about Ofsted, should they wish to make a complaint. The childminder now has up to date child protection information. These improvements have had a positive impact on the quality of care offered to 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to maintain 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain a suitable first aid qualification that includes training in first aid for children and babies. Ensure the register of children's daily attendance is kept up to date • ensure children have regular opportunities to take part in fire drills, which are recorded • ensure that existing injuries that have happened to children prior to them entering the childminder's care are recorded • develop the range of resources available to children reflecting positive images of diversity.

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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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