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

p.1

Unique reference number EY387339 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Maxine Coulson

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 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 registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and one child aged three years. They live in a three bedroom semi detached house on a residential road on the outskirts of Bicester. The whole of downstairs is used for childminding with access to upstairs for sleep purposes only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and school.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for five children under eight years, of these two may be in the early years are range. She currently has four children on roll, of whom all are in early years age range. They attend for various days and sessions.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds NVQ at level 3 childcare certificate.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge of each child and what activities they particularly enjoy doing helping them to make good progress in their learning. However, she does not plan activities or use observations that are made to assess children's development ready for their next steps of learning. All children have equal access to a variety of resources and equipment that is age appropriate and the childminder takes time to get to know children well; this means generally she is meeting the children's individual needs. Positive steps are taken to ensure that all children are included, feel valued and are welcome at the childminder's home. The childminder is beginning to develop a system for self-evaluation.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 provide a range of activities that promote diversity, challenge children’s thinking and help them to learn about and embrace differences  use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan motivating learning experiences and activities for each child  ensure all parents are fully informed and are aware of safeguarding children policy and procedures to be followed in the event of an incident that gives cause for concern  reduce the risk of cross infection by ensuring children do not swap and use each other's dummies  assess and recognise the value of continuous quality improvement and how it impacts on children’s achievements and plan relevant training that will help improve outcomes for children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed in the event of a child going missing or a parent failing to collect a child at the appointed time (Safeguarding and welfare) 29/06/2009

p.4

provision

The childminder understands the importance of keeping children safe both in the home and on every day routine trips or special outings. She conducts regular risk assessments and puts safety measures in place where appropriate, to reduce possible hazards. The childminder is aware of the local safeguarding procedures and what to do if she has concerns about a child in her care, although doesn't always make sure parents are fully aware of the procedures she would follow in her safeguarding children policy.

p.4

provision

All the required regulatory records are in place. However, the childminder does not have a lost/uncollected child policy in place and this is a legal requirement. She seeks the necessary written parental permissions to help ensure children's safety and requests initial information from the parents, such as children's likes and dislikes and any special requirements. This is so that she can make sure she is meeting all children’s individual needs and that they are being fully included in all aspects of the setting. The childminder forms good relationships with parents to ensure that children's care is consistent. Daily discussions and written diaries are used to keep parents well informed about their child’s day and what they have done.

p.4

provision

The childminder provides a good range of high quality toys and resources that meet the interests of all children in her care. All equipment is appropriate to the ages of the children and allows all children to participate in the play that is going on. For example, smaller slide for the younger children, bigger slide for the older children. The childminder is beginning to evaluate her practices and although she is aware of how effective practices can improve outcomes for children, she does not always recognise the value of continuous quality improvement and how it impacts on children’s achievements.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes warm and close relationships with the children who attend the provision. This means they settle quickly, feel a sense of belonging and are becoming more confident and at ease within their surroundings. Children access a variety of toys and activities which allows them to develop their independence as they make their own choices about that they want to play with. Children are making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 does not use planning to provide a balance of adult and child-led activities; this means currently, she is not building up her knowledge about how individual children learn and make progress. The childminder has systems in place for the observation of children in her care. However, she does not use these observations for assessments to plan their next steps of learning.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about their local community through trips to local shops and groups. They have access to toys and resources that reflect diversity and promote positive images, although activities that encourage children to respect and embrace differences are limited. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, English as an additional language and how to ensure her practices are fully inclusive. The childminder is generally able to meet children's welfare needs as she provides an environment in which children can move around freely and play safely. They can easily access inside or outside play helping to develop good quality free-flow play.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures she attends relevant first aid training and holds a current first aid certificate. This means she is able to administer appropriate care should children sustain a minor injury while at the setting. The childminder is aware of how to teach children simple hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating and after playing outside. However, she fails to act when children who have dummies swap and use each other's, thereby increasing the risk of cross infection. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and is fully aware of the children's dietary needs and allergies. Children also have regular opportunities to physical play, helping them to remain fit and healthy. The childminder has a good understanding of managing children's behaviour and ensures all methods are appropriate to the ages of the children and their levels of understanding. She uses praise and encouragement to acknowledge good behaviour and achievements; this

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

means children are beginning to develop a good sense of self-esteem and worth. 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? 3 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? 3

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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?

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