Childminder in OxfordshireOfsted inspection, 2 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY305132 Inspection date 02 March 2006 Inspector Sarah Fletcher

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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?

The childminder registered in 2005. She lives with her 2 children aged 13 and 5 years in Banbury. Childminding takes place on the ground floor, with the use of an upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder may care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and she is currently minding 1 child over 5 years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two cats.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association, (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. They understand simple good health and hygiene practices, such as washing hands before snacks, after playing outside or using the toilet. Children are well nourished, eating a variety of fruit for snacks, increasing their awareness of healthy eating. They have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents, consulting together on any dietary issues, children's preferences and parents wishes. Children are aware of their own bodies, for example, being hungry after school and asking the childminder for drinks and snacks. Children learn about healthy living, through talking with the childminder about their needs and what effect the weather may have on them, such as the need to dress warmly when outside in the current

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Helping children to be healthy

cold weather. Children enjoy physical play and activities, walking to and from school and visiting local parks regularly. They rest and sleep according to their needs, either in a suitable bed, a cot or by relaxing on comfortable sofas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure in their surroundings. The childminder keeps children under close supervision at all times, reducing risks and hazards and minimising dangers inside and outside the home. Children are cared for in a spacious home where they can move around safely and freely. The childminder gives high priority to keeping children secure and helping them to understand how to be safe, for example, she talks to children about road safety and stranger danger and allows them freedom to run about in the parks, keeping them within sight or hearing at all times. Children learn independence through being able to select from the wide range of toys, resources and equipment available. The childminder carefully supervises children to ensure they have appropriate choices for their age and stage of development. The childminder promotes children’s safety and protection from unvetted persons.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She has a clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures, making parents aware of her roles and responsibilities to protect children’s welfare at all times.

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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 settle well in the childminder’s home enjoying each other’s company with all aspects of their care, learning and play, benefiting from the high level of interaction from the childminder. Children also gain increasing confidence in their physical skills with others, through various activities inside and outside the home, for example, holding impromptu jumping competitions when discussing different insects and animals. Children receive good support from the childminder in their personal, social and emotional development. Children play happily with the childminder and each other, using a wide variety of resources such as puzzles, games, books, small world toys and outdoor equipment, suitable for their age and stage of development. Exploration with a variety of art and craft resources helps children represent their experiences, feelings and ideas in a variety of ways. Children make positive relationships with adults and each other and behave generally

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well. They begin to distinguish between right and wrong and how to respect each other as individuals. Children have their needs met, because the childminder cares for children by providing individual and appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive appropriate support and care from the childminder, who works well with parents to ensure children feel a sense of belonging and are fully included in family life. Children's continuity of care benefits from the established two-way communication system between parents and the childminder, which enables her to meet children's needs successfully and treat children equally. Children move about the home confidently, knowing the boundaries and ground rules decided by the childminder. Children learn to understand self-control and the childminder encourages them to feel valued and respected as individuals. She meets each child's individual needs and follows their own routine after careful discussion with the child's parents. Children work harmoniously with others, helping each other out with activities and during free play. They make choices and take decisions in their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

play, frequently extending activities to develop their own ideas. Children develop self-esteem and respect for others through playing games and sharing toys and equipment. They receive appropriate support in their activities and in their play as the childminder interacts with all children on their own level. Children are learning about the local community as they walk around the neighbourhood. They access resources and activities freely, however images that promote a positive outlook on the wider world are limited.

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Organisation

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 organisation is satisfactory. Children’s welfare and wellbeing are important to the childminder. She ensures children have positive support and offers appropriate levels of interaction by caring for them in small groups. Children feel at home and at ease within the family environment and play happily in the childminder's care, knowing routines well and showing they are content in the warm and welcoming atmosphere. This contributes to them feeling confident to initiate their own play. Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Documentation is secure; policies and procedures are shared with parents at induction and detailed children’s contracts and records are in place. However, not all relevant permissions

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Organisation

for children's care have been obtained. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • obtain written permission from parents for children to travel in a vehicle and for photographs to be taken of their child

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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 • improve resources to help children learn about the wider world

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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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