Childminder, Out-of school day care in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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133966 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2006 Inspection date Catherine Langan Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 good. 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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and children aged 14 and 16 years, the family live in a semi-detached house on a residential road in Bicester. Childminding takes place generally on the ground floor and children have access to the lounge, kitchen and toilet, with play and sleeping facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for children's outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children and does not provide overnight care.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play and are cared for in a welcoming, well maintained environment where there are good standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene; for example, they understand the need to wash hands before meals and after using the toilet. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and to develop their physical skills; for example, they go on regular walks and outside play in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy well balanced meals, they have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty. The childminder takes account of individual dietary requirements and parental wishes, by recording and respecting this information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a clean and comfortable environment. There is sufficient space for children to comfortably play, eat and rest. The childminder identifies and minimises risk so that children can move safely, freely and independently. Children enjoy regular outings and the childminder keeps children safe through good supervision .

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have free access to a wide range of good quality resources that are safe and suitable. The childminder ensures that the range meets the individual needs and interests of the children and takes account of children's ages and capabilities; for example, allowing older children to play upstairs with resources that may not be safe for younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder satisfactorily protects children and promotes their welfare; she is aware of issues that may cause concern and is clear about how to refer child protection concerns to the appropriate agencies to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder and are confident and relaxed in their surroundings. Children clearly feel "at home" within their environment. They are able to easily access and chose from a good range of toys and resources to aid their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are progressing well and have opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge in all areas. Children enjoy activities such as, arts and crafts, small world and looking at books. The childminder has a relaxed approach to planning and generally takes lead from the children's interests and requests. Children are well occupied and enjoy the interaction from the childminder and she is involved and interested in their play.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are active, involved and enjoy their play, they are well behaved and respond to the praise and encouragement that they receive, thus developing their self esteem and confidence. Children have opportunities to learn about their local community and the wider world through walks to school and visits to the park, as well as having access to toys and resources that reflect positive images.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has discussions with parents and gathers information to ensure the children's individual needs are fully met and that routines are consistent, helping children feel secure. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures and gathers information from parents to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel relaxed and at home within their environment. They benefit from a well organised household and good routines that maintain their health, safety and security. The childminder maintains good ratios to enable her to give high level support to children.

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Organisation

All required records on children are in place and written polices are available to parents, although evidence of the activities and experiences that children enjoy is limited. All documentation is stored securely and the childminder understands the importance of confidentiality. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were made, the first being to prevent any cross infection in relation to pet toys and bones; children do not have access to any pet toys, etc, therefore the risk of cross infection is minimised. Secondly, it was recommended that the childminder increase the provision of resources that promote an understanding of other cultures and ethnic groups; children now have access to a range of toys and resources that develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world including, play food, books and small world people.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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Complaints 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

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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 good. 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 evidence to share with children and parents to evoke and demonstrate the range of activities and experiences children have.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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