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 EY366933 Inspection date 06/11/2008 Inspector Jill Milton

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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 three children in Chinnor, Oxfordshire. The home is readily accessible and within easy travelling distance of local schools, shops and parks. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for up to two children. She is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder currently cares for four children on a part-time basis in the early years age range along with two older children. The childminder is a qualified primary school teacher.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are able to progress extremely well during their time with the childminder. This is due to the excellent understanding by the childminder of how young children learn through play. Each child receives individual attention to ensure their unique abilities and qualities are respected. The childminder is able to successfully reflect on her practice and plan areas she wishes to develop in the future. Children are thriving in a welcoming family atmosphere.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 carry out fire evacuation drills with children so that they are familiar with the procedure

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provision

The childminder provides the children with a secure environment in which they can feel at ease. She is very attentive to the children and uses opportunities to extend their learning. The childminder calls upon her professional training and experience to plan a very good range of age-appropriate activities. She is adept at reflecting on her practice and manages her time so that written paperwork does not distract from the time spent with the children. A comprehensive self-evaluation form reflects how well the childminder is able to identify her strengths with some well- chosen examples of good practice. The childminder has a thorough range of policies and procedures to share with parents, ensuring they are well-informed about the care on offer. Some excellent sharing also takes place with regard to how the children are developing. Parents can see photographs and written notes that relate to their child and for the younger ones there is a daily record of care to

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provision

reassure parents. The childminder is sensitive to parental emotions, sending text messages to them, for example when children settle. The childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities in the area of child protection and she works This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effectively in the home to safeguard children. Comprehensive risk assessments for outings demonstrate the childminder's attention to keeping children safe.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder since she is so attentive to their needs. Children are keen to play and their energy levels receive a boost with nutritious snacks and frequent drinks. There is a healthy emphasis on outdoor play with energetic activities on offer in the garden or through attendance at local groups. The childminder interacts effectively with parents to collect useful information relating to children's health and well-being. Children play safely in the home since the childminder is committed to providing a safe environment. Children patiently wait for each other to hold a hand rail safely when negotiating the stairs, reflecting their early appreciation of safety issues too. This does not currently extend to them being familiar with an emergency evacuation of the home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of child development. She is aware that she does not need to keep rigidly to written plans and is very comfortable to go with the flow of the children's interests. A broken light bulb, for example, provides an opportunity for some excellent sharing of information with the children. The childminder uses her knowledge of each child in a forward thinking way to plan how she can help them take the next steps in learning. She presents games in a different way, for example, if she notes a child's reluctance to take part. In this way she is proactive in ensuring the inclusion of all the children in her care. Children are developing skills for the future as they play with a home computer and progress with their understanding of early numbers. Children are learning to share and respect each other and there is an excellent emphasis on promoting positive behaviour by praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children make

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

choices from an extensive selection of toys and resources and after returning from trips out into the local community they engage in play that develops their imagination and creativity. The children are enthusiastic about all areas of early literacy as they share story books or select writing materials. The childminder is resourceful at encouraging children to participate when reading together by asking questions and introducing children to the phonic sounds of letters. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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 registration.

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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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