Childminder in Oxfordshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY360635 Inspection date 03/10/2008 Inspector Ruth Tharme

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and her two children aged two and five years. They live in a three-bedroom semi-detached house on a residential road, on the outskirts of Banbury. The whole of downstairs is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children's outside play. Ramps and wide doorways are in place which promote accessibility. Her home is within walking distance of shops, parks, pre-school and school. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently 18 children attending, aged from one year to 11 years. Care is provided on a full or part-time basis throughout the year. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and also holds a National Vocational Qualification level 2 certificate in early years childcare.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's learning, development and welfare are satisfactorily promoted. Learning opportunities help to meet children's needs and keep them interested and engaged throughout the day. Arrangements are in place that generally promote their safety and health. Links with parents involve them in their children's care and education and mean that they are suitably informed about their progress. Generally, an inclusive environment is provided and sound partnerships support children effectively. Self-evaluation strategies help to ensure that the childminder has a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the provision and takes steps to improve her practice.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop the observation, planning and assessment cycle further to ensure that what individual children are expected to achieve and thier progress towards the early learning goals is clearly identified  review the organisation of group activities to ensure that all children are always fully included  consistently implement procedures to ensure that hygiene standards are always maintained when children use dummies

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provision

The operational plan forms a solid basis for the generally safe and efficient management of the setting. Necessary policies and procedures are in place and records are suitably maintained. The childminder takes time to reflect on her practice. She has completed a written This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 self-evaluation form and actively seeks the views of parents, using questionnaires and regular conversation. This means that she has a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision and is well placed to effect positive change. The childminder takes account of children as individuals and responds positively to ensure that their specific needs are met but the organisation of some activities makes it difficult for younger children to participate fully at times. A basic risk assessment programme is in place which generally promotes the

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provision

safeguarding of children. Partnerships are well established, with a two-way flow of information between parents and provider and effective working with other settings to promote children's learning, development and welfare.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making satisfactory progress in all areas of their learning and development. They are interested and engaged as the childminder plans and provides a varied programme of activities and experiences that are enjoyable and stimulating. Regular outings to the local library, park and parent-and-toddler groups, and activities such as baking, gardening and making music enhance children's learning. The programme of observation, assessment and planning is generally sound, but is not yet sufficiently developed to clearly identify what individual children are expected to achieve or their progression towards the early learning goals. Children's health is suitably promoted. Good use is made of the garden so children take part in outdoor activities such as gardening and using the trampoline every day. They enjoy healthy meals and snacks as the childminder makes use of home- grown fruits and vegetables to contribute to a balanced diet. Nappy-changing

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

procedures are well considered to minimise the risk of infection but systems for keeping children's dummies clean are not always well implemented which means that occasionally there is some risk of infection. Children learn about healthy practices as they are encouraged to clean their teeth after meals and wash their hands before cooking activities. Arrangements ensure that children who may be at risk are suitably protected. The childminder has completed a relevant child-protection training course and has clear procedures in place to deal effectively with any concerns she may have about a child's welfare. Suitable steps are taken to promote children's safety. Stair gates and a fire guard are in use and care is taken to secure the premises, both in and out-of- doors. Small children are well supervised and remain within the childminder's sight or hearing at all times. Emergency procedures are well considered which means that

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children know what to do in an emergency situation. Evacuation drills are held regularly and a fire officer has visited the setting. Children benefit from the childminder's relaxed approach and warm, friendly manner. They are happy and settled in her care and actively seek her reassurance when needed. The regular routine means that children feel secure and comfortable. Equality of opportunity is well promoted as children make choices for themselves and make use of a range of multi-cultural resources, such as dressing-up clothes and books. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are suitably supported as the childminder works with parents and adapts her practice, for example, using This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Makaton signing, to promote inclusion. However, the organisation of some activities means that younger children are not always fully included.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Effective strategies are used to manage behaviour, which means that children behave well. Stickers and reward charts are successfully used to encourage positive behaviour. The solid partnership with parents suitably benefits children. A prospectus and notice board are used to keep parents informed about the provision. Written information about children's activities and routines is provided daily and scrap books of children's work are used to keep parents up to date with their progress. Links with other providers help support children effectively. For example, the childminder works closely with playgroup staff to ensure that children quickly settle in to their new environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Satisfactory How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Satisfactory How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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