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 EY357233 Inspection date 16/04/2009 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 and she lives with her mother in the Wood Farm area of Oxford. The home is within easy travelling distance of local schools, shops and parks. Children have access to all but two of the bedrooms, with space to play on both the ground and first floor. There is also an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for up to six children under eight years at any one time and currently cares for six children in the early years age range on a part time basis and two older children. The childminder has a level 3 qualification in childcare and education and she occasionally works with an assistant.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are able to make excellent progress with their learning and development in a stimulating child- friendly environment. The dedication of the childminder to her work is reflected in the way she organises her home and time to care for the children. She has a professional approach to self-reflection and is committed to her own programme of life-long learning and continual improvement. The childminder values each child as a unique individual and she provides a fully inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Parents can access a wealth of information about the provision and there are excellent opportunities for them to exchange details about their own child's development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continuing the development of manageable methods to monitor the children's progress towards the early learning goals

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provision

The childminder is extremely well organised and puts a lot of thought into setting out her home so that she can provide high standards of care. She is thorough in the way she collects information from parents when they begin their partnership with her and this means she is already aware of the starting points of the children. The childminder values feedback from families and she uses this information as part of her excellent self-reflection. The childminder has a considerable understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and she brings together her procedures in an operational file. She conducts regular risk assessments to limit potential hazards to children's safety and she pays attention to detail. For example, she carefully records visitors to the home, is vigilant about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 security and has neatly laminated cards to illustrate her fire evacuation plans. The

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provision

childminder has an impressive personal training record, which reflects her commitment to her work with children. She actively pursues further training to widen her knowledge and skills. Children benefit from this as they play in a stimulating home and garden with many well-planned activities. The childminder is fully aware of procedures to follow if she has any child protection concerns. Her policy for safeguarding children is one of a number that she shares with parents so all are clear about her procedures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children experience a delightful time at the childminder's home since all areas are set out with a tempting array of activities. The childminder makes excellent use of even areas like the hallway to display attractive posters and offer floor games guaranteed to interest young children. Children access a comprehensive selection of good quality resources with an emphasis on low-level storage and display to encourage their independence and opportunities to make choices. Children receive lots of positive encouragement to behave well and the childminder offers them distractions or simple guidance on how to take turns. A reward system with colourful stickers is working effectively with the current age range of children in her care. The children enjoy sociable snack times around the family dining table and they do not hesitate to visit the bathroom for hand washing routines before eating. Thoughtful touches such as individual pegs with photographs and names

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for their own towels help children feel welcome whilst also maintaining good hygiene. The childminder is very good at promoting healthy life styles through her nutritious meal planners and free access to drinking water. Outdoor play is a successful part of the children's day. The childminder organises the available space to maximum effect enabling children to not only enjoy energetic play but also participate in creative and imaginative activities. The children relish the time outside and engage in lively conversations about what they are playing as they go 'to work' on a ride-on-toy or experiment with mark-making using chalks. The childminder regularly records their achievements and uses dated photographs to keep a track of progress. She has a very good understanding of the six areas of learning and the steps children take to reach the early learning goals. She is currently adapting her record keeping ensuring they provide an informative record

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for parents whilst being manageable with regard to time pressures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

During the day, the childminder varies the areas of the home in use. Children who require daytime rest have a quieter time to relax and the childminder is mindful of their individual routines. She is meticulous about hygiene when changing nappies and she is supportive to children who are making transitions to toilet training. The childminder keeps parents fully informed of all care aspects of the day in a personal journal for each child. An upstairs playroom is beautifully set out for creative play and provides a colourful and interesting environment. The childminder makes excellent use of visual images and resources to promote inclusion, not only showing respect to families from different cultures and backgrounds but also by promoting disabilities in a positive way. She regularly includes celebrations of all kinds of special festivals and events in the calendar year to widen children's experiences. An extensive selection of books is freely available

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to children and there is daily encouragement for early writing and drawing. Children enjoy dance music with the childminder and this regularly includes number songs to help early vocabulary. Children play with toys that introduce them to early technology and older children have opportunities to progress when using a laptop computer. The children experience regular trips out of the home, to local groups and within the community. The childminder is committed to providing them with a safe environment and children know her routines, for example when they wait until they are all ready with coats and shoes on before going outdoors. The children come into the home on arrival with confidence and they readily approach the childminder for comfort and reassurance. 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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