Childminder in OxfordshireOfsted inspection, 2 Mar 2009

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY305132 Inspection date 02/03/2009 Inspector Anne Felicity Taylor

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her two children, one an adult and the other eight-years-old, in the Cherwell Heights area of Banbury, Oxfordshire. The childminder’s home has a step into the front entrance. The whole of the childminder’s home is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to offer overnight care.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a registered foster carer and has completed appropriate training and has lots of experience caring for young children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. All children are making very good progress in their learning and development, whilst the childminder ensures that necessary welfare requirements are met, particularly taking individual needs into account. Excellent relationships with parents and others involved with the children enables the childminder to provide activities suitable to each child's stage of development. A commitment to training and enhancing the service offered demonstrates effectively the childminder's capacity to improve. Involving parents and children in decisions is part of the beneficial self-evaluation process which the childminder is developing.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 review procedures for behaviour management.

p.3

provision

The childminder organises her childminding service very well to ensure that children's welfare is always promoted. She completes risk assessments, with regular reviews and additions, ensuring risks can be managed or eliminated. The childminder is meticulous about completing all the required documentation for the safe management of her provision, including completing daily detailed registers and monitoring visitors. Children are very well protected because the childminder has confidence in her excellent understanding of child protection issues, and the procedures and policies that she has in place. She has a comprehensive knowledge This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of her role and responsibilities, and therefore, children are safeguarded.

p.3

provision

The childminder has developed clear, written policies and procedures. These are available to parents, which means that parents have first-class information about how their children are being cared for. She has in-depth discussions with parents when a child first attends. Therefore, she develops an excellent understanding of each child's stage of development, daily routines and interests. She is able to offer appropriate care and learning with a strong awareness of inclusion. There is a constant exchange of information between the childminder and parents which, alongside the flexible service, means that care can be modified in order that children achieve and progress splendidly. Parents appreciate the wonderful range of photographs in individual record books, showing their children having lots of fun in the safe and happy environment. The childminder uses email to send instant photographs to parents of their child achieving a developmental goal or completing

p.4

provision

an exciting activity. She also completes a compact disc for parents when their child leaves her care, documenting achievements, progress, and fun with friends. This means that parents are fully involved in all areas of their child's learning and welfare.

p.4

provision

The childminder has strong links with other local early years providers, which means that she can compliment each child's learning needs. The childminder has met the recommendations made at the last inspection. As a result, she has extended the range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti- discriminatory practice, and she has all the required parental permissions in place. The childminder has completed some very good self-evaluation, including regular parent questionnaires, and she always tries to respond positively to requests made by parents and children. Therefore, areas for improvement are addressed promptly. Children benefit greatly from the commitment the childminder shows towards training. She attends short courses and is striving constantly to improve her knowledge of current childcare practice.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The organisation of the childminder's home gives the children freedom and space to develop physically, and be comfortable and stimulated as they are cared for and learn, for example, clear displays of letters and maps. Pre-school children display admirable independence skills as they go to the toilet and wash their hands. Younger children are kept clean and comfortable because thorough nappy changing procedures are followed. Children are offered lots of choice within their play, including adult and child-led activities. Babies and pre-school children play together happily after snack, giggling as they share a cuddly bear. Older children are motivated to learn and achieve as they cut out challenging shapes with zigzag scissors, discussing how the shapes make a figure. Dressing an action figure effectively encourages the comparison of size and some estimation. Plenty of good quality play equipment to cover the age range cared for is in place. Equipment is

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

clean and well-maintained. The childminder is an outstanding role model for developing a respect and understanding of others through open discussion and the celebration of festivals, and through positive images in books, puzzles, 'small- world' and imaginative play equipment. The children's health benefits enormously This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 from lots of physical and outdoor play. They routinely play in the garden and investigate and learn about nature during regular walks and visits to the park. Visits to shops to buy fruit and vegetables raises the children's awareness of eating a healthy diet.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has developed extensive observation and assessments procedures. This means that she can plan carefully for each individual child. These procedures are used effectively to determine the next steps in a child's development, impacting very positively on their progress. The childminder has lots of experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and she consistently completes evaluations on activities, enabling her to make adaptations to promote inclusion or add challenge. The childminder chats to the children all the time, discussing what they are doing and events in their families, and making plans. Children are consulted regularly about activities and outings. They enjoy chatting about a recent treat, when they went out to lunch in a restaurant. Children feel valued and confident, and develop their vocabulary and language skills effectively. The childminder considers a child's stage of

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

development when managing behaviour, which is generally appropriate. However, the use of a 'naughty area' for time away may compromise the effectiveness of behaviour management. Children learn to share and to be kind and considerate as they play with friends, and their behaviour is brilliant.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Safety and supervision are priorities for the childminder. Younger children use well- maintained buggies, with safety harnesses when they are out and about. Children develop a commendable understanding of keeping themselves safe, as they practise and discuss road safety and the fire evacuation procedure, effectively developing their awareness of staying safe. Well-maintained fire safety equipment is in place, including smoke alarms, and a fire blanket. Therefore, children are kept safe. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.8

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.

p.8