Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 134182 Inspection date 19/11/2009 Inspector Karen Louise Prager

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1985. She lives with her husband in a terraced house in a residential area close to the centre of Oxford. The childminder lives within easy walking distance of local schools, pre-schools, parks and shops. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years, including three in the early years age range and two under one year of age. She is currently caring for one child within this age who attends on a part time basis. The childminder is also registered on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. No children currently attend in this older age range. The childminder sometimes works with her daughter, who takes on the role of her assistant. The childminder's daughter is a qualified nursery nurse.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children’s individual learning and development needs and interests are well met and they make good progress in this setting. Children’s welfare and safety are well supported through the childminder’s well organised systems. Strong links have been developed with parents to involve them in their children’s care and education, however links with settings that children may attend have not yet been formalised. The childminder makes positive use of reflective practice to support continuous improvement of her service and is appropriately aware of further developments to be made.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that when children attend several settings practitioners from each setting regularly discuss and share records to promote continuity and cohesion in children's learning and development  develop the outdoor learning environment to enable children to access a wide range of experiences throughout the year  increase provision of materials that will support mark-making, mathematical graphics, drawing and writing in both the indoor and outdoor learning environment This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safe and appropriately safeguarded. The childminder’s safeguarding procedures provide information in line with the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and she has a good understanding of procedures to follow should she have a concern about the welfare of a child. A detailed risk assessment is in place for both the home and outings undertaken. The childminder can explain her safety measures and she takes steps to minimise any risk to children. The childminder maintains well organised records and developed a good range of policies that support her practice. Relevant records are shared with parents and these include any accident and medication records. The childminder organises her home with children in mind and ensures that the needs off all children are met so that none are disadvantaged. Children have access to a wide range of resources with in the home and a smaller selection in the enclosed garden.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a strong commitment to improving her practice and is clearly aware of her strengths and weaknesses, having evaluated these in order to identify areas for improvement. For example, this year she has extended her recording of observations and assessments of children and the planning of activities. This has led the childminder to focus more on meeting the specific needs of individual children and as a result outcomes for children are improved. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she is building good relationships. Information about the setting and children’s progress is regularly shared. Through discussion parents feed back information regarding their children’s development that is then used to inform planning. The childminder is in regular contact with other settings that children attend, however, children do not benefit from this as knowledge of their learning and development is not shared and continuity of

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the early years provision

children’s learning is not fully promoted.

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder, and they are provided with a well organised environment which offers them a well balanced variety of child and adult led activities and experiences. Children are consequently making good progress in their learning and development through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder has a good understanding of children’s development and understands how children learn through play. She is aware of the children’s current stages of development and of their individual interests. Regular observations are carried out whilst children are playing and this information is recorded and used, along with photographs, to note children’s development and identify how to extend the provision to support children’s future development. However, not all identified areas of interest and development have been promoted as the childminder has not explored diverse ways in which to

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and outcomes for children

engage all children in mark making activities and access to outdoor play is limited to the summer months. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The organisation of the learning environment enables children to select and use resources independently from low storage units. A good range of books, chosen regularly at the local library, helps children foster their imagination and develop their observational skills and vocabulary. Daily routines and space are well organised for children to have time to concentrate on activities. For example, children develop their own stories using small world vehicles and people. Good support and communication from the childminder promotes children’s spoken language and understanding well. They discuss past and planned events and the childminder’s good knowledge of the children’s home life enables effective support when they discuss holidays and family members together. Children are pleased to

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and outcomes for children

share favourite toys from home and take pride in demonstrating how they can complete a familiar puzzle. The childminder plans some activities and children are eager to participate. Children chose a train from a selection of shapes and with reducing support from the childminder fill spaces with tissue paper. The childminder tells of how children are supported in developing skills through regularly repeating activities. Consolidation of these skills is allowed before providing more challenging activities which ensures that children maintain their self confidence. Through everyday play and activities children learn to identify and name colours and to count independently. They become increasingly aware of the passing of time through discussion about babies. The childminder provides a good role model, respecting children's opinions. Consequently, children are extremely well behaved, polite and display good manners. Children have regular

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and outcomes for children

opportunities to attend toddler groups where they take part in a wider range of activities and learn about their own community.

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and outcomes for children

Parents provide good information on children's likes, dislikes and starting points. The childminder then takes photographs of the children's achievements and keeps a daily diary, which she shares with parents. She plans interesting activities and opportunities to access appropriate resources to promote their development. The childminder has some opportunities to liaise with other carers delivering the EYFS. However, information is not always used to work in partnership to assess children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children’s health and welfare is well supported and promoted. The childminder liaises with parents to ensure children are provided with a range of food and drinks that are suitable for their needs. The childminder ensures that her home is kept clean and good hygiene procedures are followed. As children get older they are encouraged to start to take a more active role in their own personal care to ensure their good health is supported. Children regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedures and they develop an awareness of road safety when they walk around the locality. Children know they must wash their hands before eating or cooking and after using the toilet. Children have good opportunities to use the garden, parks and local community to promote their health and physical development. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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

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