Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 153052 Inspection date 20 January 2006 Inspector Dorcas Elizabeth Forgan

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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 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?

This childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and five children aged 17, 16, 14, 13 and 8. They live on the Bure Park Estate on the edge of Bicester. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, community centre and schools. A number of rooms on the ground floor of the house are used for childminding and a bedroom upstairs is designated for resting children, if necessary. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children she is currently minding six children two are full time the others attend on a part time basis. Four of

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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 children are between the ages of 1 and 8 years. The childminder collects children from local schools. She attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean, comfortable home where standards of hygiene are very good. They are learning the importance of personal hygiene through good routines and continuing guidance from the childminder. They wash their hands after playing in the garden and before meal times for example. Children thrive because the childminder has effective policies and practices in place to reduce the risk of infection. She does not have written permission from parents to seek medical advice in the event of an emergency. Children benefit from a healthy nutritious diet, they eat home cooked meals and healthy snacks which include fruit and vegetables. They are able to access drinks, as they need them. The childminder pays close attention to the children's individual needs, their likes and dislikes; she works closely with the parent's. Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy life style and encourage their physical development. They have regular use of the garden and the playground that is opposite the house with a good range of equipment. Special trips are taken to other play areas in the town. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. The childminder has a good daily routine, in which she takes account of the children's individual needs; they are very well settled.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they can move around safely and freely. The conservatory is used for many activities, children can sit at the large table to have their meals, they also carry out other activities such as making puzzles, and painting. The playroom is used to store all resources, to watch TV and for activities that can be played on the floor. Children access the toys and resources as they wish so that they can make their own choices and develop their independence. The garden is a particularly secure area, the childminder ensures that toys and equipment are suitable for the children. The childminder has a good understanding of the need to keep children safe and to supervise them appropriately. All safety precautions are in place. Children learn to keep themselves safe, for example when walking next to the road, being aware of traffic, and clearing away toys so that they are not a hazard. Children are very well

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection issues and knows the procedures to follow in the event of concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and well settled in the childminder's home, they have formed affectionate relationships with the childminder. The children are becoming increasingly independent and are able to make choices for example, which toys to play with. They are frequently challenged and are learning new skills. The childminder plans interesting activities and outings, they particularly enjoy going to the playground and calling in to the café for a hot chocolate. They also socialise at the Buffer club, the children use the resources imaginatively to initiate their own games. The childminder knows the children well and provides appropriate support to encourage their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to some resources that promote a positive view of the wider world, they mainly learn through discussions and planned activities. Children are discovering the local community as they visit the parks and shops in the town. Children are valued and respected as individuals; they are becoming aware of their needs and the needs of others. They are all learning sign language. Children behave very well; they are learning to care for others and to look after toys and resources. They follow simple rules such as clearing away toys before playing with something else. Children receive clear guidance from the childminder and positive reinforcement so that they continue to learn right from wrong. Consequently, children play harmoniously together and enjoy their time with the childminder. Children benefit from the close partnership between their parent's and the childminder. She has good procedures in place to share information with parents,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

both verbally and in written form, which contributes to the children's well being and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home and routines well to provide children with an environment where they are safe, settled and interested in the activities. The childminder is committed to improving her service. She has done this through attending further training courses, such as Sign language and the Diploma in Childcare Practice. She ensures all documentation is complete and up to date. 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, the childminder was recommended to extend the range of activities that promote anti-discriminatory practices, to ensure children are familiar

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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 with the evacuation plan and enable parents to update written information about their child. Although the childminder has not been able to purchase many more resources, she ensures that the children are well informed of diversities. Activities and discussions are planned that include celebrations of festivals and other cultures. Their safety is enhanced through regular practice of the emergency evacuation procedure. The childminder ensures that the parents have the opportunity to regularly update the information about their child as details change or at an annual review, consequently the childminder is able to offer appropriate care for each child.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one anonymous complaint relating to National Standard 2: organisation regarding an allegation of overminding. The childminder was asked to investigate and report back to Ofsted within 10 working days. The childminder confirmed her current childminding commitment, which shows that she is not minding in excess of her registration. We are satisfied that the registered person has taken appropriate steps to address the concern. The childminder remains qualified for registration. 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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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): • gain written permission from the parents to seek medical advice or treatment in the case of an emergency

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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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