Oxford School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 123252 Inspection date 12 September 2005 Inspector Suman Willis

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her two children aged nine and fourteen years in Bricket Wood, a suburb of St. Albans. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Children have access to a bedroom upstairs for undisturbed sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the park. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children who attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has two goldfish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's physical needs are fully met as they enjoy free play in the garden and walk to and from school. They are challenged as they learn to manoeuvre the ride on car down the slope and around the patio area. Children competently use the slide and balance on the rocker. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practice as they independently take themselves to the toilet and wash their hands. They stay healthy because the childminder has knowledge and documentation to support their health needs. Parents consent for administering emergency aid enables the childminder to take appropriate action should the need arise. Children are nourished and encouraged to eat healthy snacks and meals. They have their health and dietary needs generally met because the childminders works well with parents. The childminder seeks information from parents about their children's individual dietary requirements prior to them starting. This enables her to be fully

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm friendly environment which is generally safe and secure. They are able to move around freely without harm. Children independently access suitable and age appropriate resources which are checked by the childminder for safety as they are used. Children play in a safe home which has all the relevant safety measures in place. They learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder sets workable safety boundaries. Children become aware of road safety as they walk to and from school. They demonstrate a clear understanding of looking left and right as they play with the ride on car. Children are protected and their safety promoted by the childminder. The childminder has updated her training in first aid, this enables her to administer emergency aid if needed. She understands her role in child protection and would implement appropriate procedures when required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled in the childminder's home. They confidently access

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 resources and participate happily in the wide range of activities on offer. Children show an interest in what they do and sustain concentration as the childminder joins in extending their play. They particularly enjoy playing shop using the weighing machine and real sweets. Children develop their concept of mathematical skills as the childminder questions their adding and subtracting skills while handling pretend money. They enjoy accessing resources with ease which encourages their creativity. Children respond enthusiastically to challenges as they play and acquire new knowledge and skills. They play freely and the childminder is at hand to ask questions and extend children's learning. The childminder asks the children what alphabet letters some of the items in the pretend sweet shop begin with. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

respond with enthusiasm as the childminder offers praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very settled and feel a sense of belonging. A clear settling in period enables the childminder to get to know the children well. A routine developed between parents and childminder helps children to feel secure. Children become aware of the wider society through a range of resources and activities. Children understand responsible behaviour. The childminder provides a calm atmosphere and gives clear explanations, this makes the children feel valued. Children have developed a very strong relationship with the childminder as she has cared for them for many years. They both work harmoniously together because of the very good partnership between parents and childminder. The childminder feels valued by the parents and therefore, able to apply herself fully to the care of the children. She keeps parents informed of the well-being of the children through the required documentation. Information about the children's day is shared informally

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm environment where they feel valued. The childminder organises herself well to meet their individual needs. She offers lots of one to one attention and maintains a good adult-child ratio, this positively supports children's care, learning and play. Documentation and records generally support children's care and well-being. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete her first aid training and develop a system for recording incidents. Children's health needs are now met because the childminder has completed her training in first aid, this enables her to deal with emergencies, should they arise. Her system of recording ensures that

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children's welfare is monitored.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop knowledge and understanding of child development with regards to children's health and safety needs.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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