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 133462 Inspection date 04/12/2008 Inspector Gillian Little

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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 was registered in 1988. She lives in Woodstock with her husband and adult daughter. Another daughter is also a registered childminder and they work together. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder offers care on a daily basis and walks to a local school to take and collect children. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time when working on her own and 10 children under eight at any one time when working with her co-childminder. She is registered on the Early Years Register to care for three children in the early years age group at any one time and is currently minding seven children on a part-time basis. She is registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to care for children in the later years age group and is currently minding four children on a part-time basis. She is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to care for children aged eight and above and currently has three children in this age group on roll.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the TRIO Childminding Network and the National Childminding Association. She holds a level 3 qualification in Childminding Practice. She works closely with the local nursery and playgroup.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children flourish in a safe and caring environment where they experience a wide range of stimulating activities under the close supervision and effective support of the childminder. Close partnerships with parents and other providers who care for minded children ensure good continuity for children and a clear understanding of their individual needs and circumstances. The childminder ensures that all children and families feel included and valued, and demonstrates a strong commitment to equal opportunities. The childminder is able to reflect on her practice and accurately identifies areas for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop systems to record observations and assessments of children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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provision

The childminder works effectively with her co-childminder to provide a good quality setting. She provides a welcoming and comfortable home where children are able to play safely in the living room, kitchen, conservatory and garden. Clear risk assessments, which cover all areas of the premises used by children, as well as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outings, work well in practice and ensure that children are safe at all times. The childminder ensures that all household members have appropriate background checks and she demonstrates a sound understanding of safeguarding procedures. She holds a level 3 childcare qualification and attends a wide range of additional training courses to update her knowledge and understanding of childcare practice. All records required for the safe and efficient management of her childminding practice are in place, well maintained and easily accessible. Written policies are

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provision

clear and informative and the childminder shares these with all parents to provide them with consistent information about her childminding. She demonstrates a commitment to inclusive practice, treating all children and families equally. She knows the children very well, such as their welfare needs, family circumstances and developmental stages. She encourages parents to share their views about her childminding to help her evaluate her practice and to provide evidence for inspection. Parents comment that she provides a very caring environment where children are very settled and happy. They feel well-informed about their children's care and learning. The childminder is fully aware of the strengths of her practice, such as her organisational skills, her considerable experience and her commitment to working in partnership with other providers. She accurately identifies further development of written observation and assessment records as a priority for the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to make good progress towards the early learning goals and show a keen interest in the activities available to them. They have access to a wide range of toys, such as books, a tool bench, dolls and pushchairs, dressing up clothes, a castle and Duplo. They enjoy exploring the toys freely, and show fascination with electronic toys, such as a vacuum cleaner, switching the button on and off and watching little balls whizzing round inside. Children of different ages are able to play cooperatively together or alongside each other. They develop good attitudes towards behaviour as the childminder encourages them to respect each other and to be kind. The childminder supports children well in their learning and development. For example, she encourages children to make models with play dough. She provides them with a box of plastic insect legs, wings and tails, and shows them how to make different shapes, which the children willingly attempt.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

She helps them to make an advent calendar, encouraging them to think about different shapes and helping them to work out the correct date. She provides good opportunities for children to develop their physical skills, ensuring that they are able to play outdoors most days. They frequently walk to and from the local school. Children enjoy treasure hunts and obstacle courses in the garden as well as interesting seasonal activities, such as playing with fake snow. Outings to local attractions and events at the local school help children to develop an understanding of their community. They learn how to keep themselves safe, such as not wandering off when waiting at the school gates. They begin to learn about health and nutrition as the childminder encourages parents to supply healthy food. The childminder works closely with her co-childminder to meet children's individual needs. She oversees the intimate care and observational assessments of her own

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

group of children but develops good relationships with all children who show that they are comfortable with her. The youngest children show a close attachment to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her, crying when they think she is leaving the room and settling when she is close to them. She is beginning to develop systems for recording children's progress under the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and demonstrates a sound understanding of individual children's levels of development. She works closely with parents to find out about children's individual needs when they first start in her setting and talks to parents regularly about their children's progress and general welfare. She ensures that parents are aware of the activities children enjoy when they are with her so that they can continue to support their children at home. Parents comment that the childminder is extremely observant and always

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

shares her knowledge of children's progress with them. The childminder liaises closely with the local nursery and playgroup, talking to children's key workers on a regular basis, sharing information about children's favourite activities and general development to ensure consistency. She also attends a local partnership forum to further enhance working relationships with other providers. 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

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is 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? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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