Mrs Linda Dianne Kavanagh

Inspection report for early years provision

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134093 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Janet Maria Moutter 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 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 has been a registered since 1995. She lives with her son and her two brothers. They live in a house in Wolvercote, a district of Oxford. The childminder's mother is her assistant. Local shops, schools and parks all within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed 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 children at any one time and is currently minding five children under and one child a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have three cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean home and they are familiar with family routines like placing their outdoor shoes on a rack when coming in from outside. The children wash their hands following visits

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to the bathroom and before beginning lunch, the babies and young children use wet wipes. The bathroom is on the ground floor enables them to have easy access to facilities and the childminder ensures children wash their hands thoroughly. However, they all use the same hand towel and this can lead to cross contamination and adversely affect children's health. The childminder has preparations in place to attend to accidents since she has first aid supplies and first aid training. She works with parents to find out if there are any special health issues and has gained their permission to obtain emergency medical treatment for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take an active role in the preparation of lunch time meals. They help to set the table at lunch time and the children are developing an awareness of healthy living as they discuss what foods help them grow. Lunch times are a sociable time together at the family table. The childminder offers the children frequent drinks to ensure their thirst is quenched and cooling fruit ice lollies are a popular choice on hot days. The children enjoy rest times after their busy pre-school morning and have a quiet story time after lunch. They have regular visits to local parks where they can use climbing equipment. They like to spend time in the garden at the childminder's home where they play with a basic range of toys to encourage active play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children experience a safe, suitable and secure environment where the risk of accidents are minimised. Children are safe from harm through the supervision of the childminder and the security of the premises. Safety features, such as safety gates and storing cleaning materials on a high shelf, ensure that children are sufficiently safe from harm. Children learn the importance of road safety when out walking by staying close together and using safe procedures when crossing the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to select activities from quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder supervises children to make sure their activities are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures that the children's welfare is safe-guarded and promoted. She has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedure to follow if she has any child protection concerns. All required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access a wide variety of activities based solely around their needs and interests to encourage them to have fun. These activities include vigorous exercise and opportunities to relax and chill out after the rigours of the pre-school morning. They have good input into the selection of activities and childminder knows the children well and accommodates chosen activities when appropriate, such as board games when the toddlers are sleeping.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Consequently, children show considerable self-confidence, knowing that they are listened to, are very happy and self-assured. The childminder values the children's ideas and readily encourages spontaneous activities and games. Along with her assistant, who the children call Nan, are able to provide and extend activities, such as role-play with dressing up clothes and making cards and gift ideas for celebrating special days.

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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 Children relate well to others and are developing good, strong relationships with their peers, the childminder and her family. They actively seek the childminder's attention and readily share news about their topic or events at pre-school, talk about their holidays and confidently ask questions while playing. The childminder creates an extremely relaxed and family friendly atmosphere contributing to the children's enjoyment and comfort.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled in the childminder's house and they receive sufficient support for their individual needs. The daily routine includes time for active and quiet play. Children benefit from outings such as local walks and visits to the park, which help promote learning and stimulate their interest in the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging because the childminder values their individual needs and interests and encourages their independent choices. She provides encouraging, appropriate support and knows the children well. As a result, children talk positively about how they enjoy coming to the setting. Children learn to behave well through the positive behaviour management of the childminder as they begin to understand the need to share toys appropriately. Children are valued and respected as individuals which builds on their self esteem and enables them to learn right from wrong in a comfortable environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children receive equal care and individual attention. Children are aware of basic house rules and they are made aware that good behaviour receives praise. The childminder values the children as individuals they may use all resources provided suited to their stage or development including those, such as dolls, small world figures and dressing-up clothes that reflect the diversity of modern life.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents have clear information about the setting and how their child progresses through, for example, the well put together welcome pack. All children thrive in the care of this childminder and have their needs attended to. The childminder works closely with parents to find out about their children’s specific requirements before they start with her, so that, for example, routine for babies and younger children are followed. Parents receive regular information of what their children do and achieve during their time with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a suitable and appropriately qualified childminder. She maintains the required ratios at all times and this means children receive good adult support as the childminder spends quality time interacting and playing with the children in her care. Children appear relaxed and at ease in the welcoming environment where space is at a premium but they are free to explore the toys and equipment available.

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Organisation

All necessary consents are gained from parents for routines and activities and this protects the children's well-being and ensures they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Most required documentation is stored securely and available for inspection. However, there is no complaints procedure or log in place. Although, the childminder does implement all her other policies and procedures in a way that promotes the children's welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the last inspection the childminder was given three recommendations to help enhance the quality of the provision. This referred to children's welfare by obtaining written parental permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice and accurately keeping a record of children's arrival and departure time. Written parental permission has now been obtained and a register is accurately maintained. Also meeting children's need by ensuring space is used effectively and increasing toys and equipment to reflect positive images and the childminder has made positive progress in both these areas. She now plans her day to ensure the children have a range of opportunities to play and this also introduces them to the wider community. These actions help the children to continue to enjoy worthwhile activities that help them learn and develop.

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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 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 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): • ensure that the complaints procedure fully complies with Children Act Regulations • ensure hand washing facilities promote children health at all times and safeguard children's health care needs

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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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