Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY406650 Inspection date 28/09/2010 Inspector Melissa Cox

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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 assesses 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 0300 123 1231, 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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T: 0300 123 1231 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 was registered in 2010 . She lives with her husband and their two children, who are both school aged, in Abingdon. Children use the ground floor lounge, hall and conservatory for their play. The bathroom is situated on the first floor. There is an enclosed back garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age-group who attend various sessions. The family have a pet cat and rabbit.

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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

The childminder's caring, enthusiastic approach and welcoming, well-organised home successfully support progression in children's overall development and ensure their well-being. Children feel included because the childminder values the uniqueness of each child and treats them with equal respect. Positive relationships exist with parents and good links are established with other providers involved in children's care and education. Systems for self-evaluation are developing very effectively and the childminder is fully committed to the continual improvement of her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 build on existing good partnership working by inviting parents to contribute to children?s starting points in their learning

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the early years provision

The childminder places a strong emphasis on keeping children safe. Robust risk assessments are undertaken to protect children from potential dangers, and children feel at ease in safe and secure surroundings. Clear systems are in place for safeguarding children's welfare. The childminder is knowledgeable about the potential signs of abuse and the procedures to take and as a result children are well protected from harm. Record keeping is well organised and a good range of policies and procedures underpins the safe care and management of children. The childminder creates a homely atmosphere and children's learning is promoted through a very well-resourced play and learning environment. Children follow a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good routine and the childminder is totally involved in what they do. A wide range of good quality toys and equipment successfully meets children's developing

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the early years provision

needs. The childminder is committed to promoting equality and anti-discriminatory practice, and has a good selection of resources which reflect positive images of diversity. A good range of outings and visits to other childcare groups provide children with alternative play opportunities. These stimulate their enjoyment of play and learning whilst also developing their social skills and local knowledge.

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the early years provision

The childminder establishes highly positive relationships with parents. Parents receive a welcome pack of policies and they are kept well informed about their children's welfare and learning. Children's developmental files, with evidence of their work and achievements, are regularly shared with parents and parents have opportunities to contribute to their children's learning although do not currently contribute to children's starting points. Feedback from parents demonstrates the high regard they have for the childminder's flexible service and recognise how safe and happy their children are when they are with her. The childminder has established links with other providers who care for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and works closely with these providers to ensure that outcomes for children are promoted.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled, happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. They enjoy a warm and affectionate relationship with the childminder, and chat away happily, responding to the childminder's questions and repeating words. There is lots of contact as they sit together for song time and the children sit on the childminder's knee for a cuddle and reassurance. The childminder responds positively to their questions and needs, interacting well with them, which ensures they feel valued. They benefit from her enthusiasm and meaningful interactions and her knowledge of child development and recognition of each child's individuality promotes children's self-esteem and confidence and ensures they feel valued, settled and secure.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals which is supported by the childminder's extensive knowledge of their capabilities and her ability to build on their interests. Planning is flexible and responds well to the children's interests and capabilities. It is securely based on daily observations of what children know and the childminder is developing her system of starting points to track their progress further. The childminder compliments the work and topics the children enjoy at nursery and playgroup as the childminder works closely with other providers in order to plan the next steps in children's learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop good communication skills, they interact readily with the childminder, who supports their developing language skills well. She repeats words that are unclear and offers additional vocabulary as they play. They count, problem solve and talk about size and shape in their play and in the daily routines. They learn about the world around them as they grow vegetables in the garden and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 take home small pots of peppers to grow at home. They travel to places of interest on the bus and older children have opportunities to build on their numeracy skills as they buy groceries in the local shops.

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and outcomes for children

Children play well together, they behave well and have good manners, with gentle reminders from the childminder should they forget. They benefit from lots of praise and encouragement and develop their independence to a good level as they help to tidy-up or share toys. The children learn about a healthy lifestyle and have daily opportunities to be active and develop good coordination skills as they use large equipment in the park and at the local groups. Children demonstrate confidence in imaginative play as they play dress up and creativity is supported through the opportunities for art and craft activities such as chalk, painting and sticking.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a good range of safety measures and security of the provision is constantly maintained. Children show that they feel safe as they are confident to approach new people, knowing they have the security the childminder provides for them. There are effective procedures for their safety outside of the setting and children enjoy a variety of outings to places of interest. Children have good opportunities to learn about healthy living and routinely wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet. They play in a clean environment, where cross infection is well considered and effectively prevents the spread of viruses. For example the childminder ensures she always uses gloves for nappy changing and the older children can be seen following the same routine when they change their dolls nappies. The childminder provides healthy snacks and the children have opportunities to pick apples or blackcurrants as part of their healthy snacktime.

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and outcomes for children

The childminders commitment to sustainability is good and she teaches children about recycling of rubbish, supporting their skills for the future. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 2 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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