Childminder in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY366968 Inspection date 18/05/2011 Inspector Lisa Cupples

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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 first registered in 2008. She lives with her six children, who are home-educated, in a house in Woking, Surrey. The whole of the house is used for childminding with bathroom and rest facilities on both floors. Children have access to a fully secure garden for outdoor play and the family has four guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of three children under eight years; of these no more than two may be within the early years age range and of these, no more than one may aged under one year at any one time.

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Description of the childminding

She is also registered to provide overnight care for two children aged under eight years. She is currently providing care for two children in the early years age group on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's exceptionally well developed knowledge of each child's needs ensure that, overall, children's welfare and learning is promoted to the highest standards. This means that all children are carefully monitored to ensure they reach their full potential and make excellent progress towards the early learning goals, given their age and starting points. Rigorous procedures and a well planned environment keep children safe, secure and enable them to thoroughly enjoy their learning. Effective self-evaluation based on the needs of children, and parents using the service allow the childminder to maintain exceptionally high levels of welfare and learning and make plans for further improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 provide more opportunities for children to use and become familiar with information and communication technology.

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the early years provision

All children are safeguarded effectively because the childminder has an exceptionally good understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about the welfare of the children in her care. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attends regular child protection training to ensure her knowledge and understanding of the procedures is current. Her comprehensive written policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure they are fully aware of the childminder's safeguarding responsibilities. A detailed complaints procedure is in place to ensure parents know how to raise issues if they have any concerns about the setting or their children's welfare. Comprehensive and detailed written risk assessments are carried out to ensure children enjoy a safe and secure play and learning environment, both inside the childminder's home and garden, and on

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the early years provision

outings. All adults in the household have been vetted to ensure they are suitable to be around children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has made excellent progress since the last inspection and has fully addressed all previous recommendations. For example, parents are now required to give written parental consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, in order to minimise any possible delays. The childminder evaluates and reviews all aspects of her provision continuously. She sets exacting standards and strives to maintain these through continually reflecting on her practice and developing further knowledge and skills. She reads widelyand uses an extensive range of resources in order to identify new ideas and improved ways of working. Self-evaluation processes are very effective and take account of the views of parents and children.

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the early years provision

Resources are of a high quality and the range available is designed to stimulate children's learning and development. The physical environment of the setting is regularly assessed to see how further improvements can be made. For example, the outdoor play has been developed to ensure all six areas of learning are covered and the garden is used as an extension of the high quality indoor provision. The childminder also makes excellent use of resources within the local area and beyond to promote children's understanding of the wider world and their awareness of equality and diversity. She provides a wide range of multicultural resources and activities, and allows children to explore other cultures to help them value diversity and difference.

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the early years provision

Exceptionally strong partnerships are established with parents. Comprehensive information is shared between the childminder and parents right from the start. A detailed welcome pack keeps them very well informed about policies and procedures and regular two-way communication ensures they are actively involved in their children's learning and development. For example, parents contribute by adding comments about children's experiences at home. The childminder then uses this information when planning. This helps to personalise and make children's learning more meaningful. The childminder confidently discusses aspects of the children's development with parents. This means that children''s care, play and learning is tailored to their individual needs and, consequently, they make excellent progress in all areas. She is committed to also working in partnership with other agencies and settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage and well

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the early years provision

established links are evident. As a result, there is effective continuity of learning and care and children are very well prepared for the transition to nursery or school. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

All children thrive in a stimulating and welcoming environment that reflects the children's individual needs. The childminder has an exceptionally good knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and of how young children learn and progress. Consequently, she plans a rich and varied programme of experiences tailored to the children's individual needs, interests and stages of development. However, children currently have limited access to everyday technology, such as computers and programmable resources, to fully develop their understanding of information and communication technology from an early age.

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and outcomes for children

Methods for observing and assessing children are effective in supporting children's learning and development and evidence shows that children's progress is excellent in relation to their starting points. Well presented ''Learning Journals'' provide very clear evidence to parents of the progress their children make in all areas of learning and development. These are carefully evaluated and monitored to ensure they are up to date and accurate. These records are enjoyed by parents and children alike. Children's enthusiasm and desire to take part in play, activities and routines is very evident. They show high levels of self-motivation and independence in selecting their chosen play and managing to do things for themselves. The childminder challenges children to overcome any difficulties and successfully helps builds confidence in their own abilities. For example, young children gain such a sense of achievement when managing to manipulate the

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and outcomes for children

playdough into the required shapes, as a result of carefully guided encouragement from the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

All children show a strong sense of security and belonging as a result of receiving such high quality interaction and routines that run smoothly and efficiently. They very quickly settle-in and adapt to being around other children and adults. They build secure relationships with each other. Their behaviour is exceptionally good; consideration of others and respectful rules about sharing and helping are introduced from the moment they start. Even very young children co-operate and are beginning to negotiate with others through activities, such as, role play outside. All children are content and settled because their individual health, physical and dietary needs are met to exceptionally high standards.

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and outcomes for children

Children show an excellent understanding of the importance of following good personal hygiene routines by helping themselves to tissues to wipe their noses and disposing of them safely in the bin. All children are consistently reminded to wash their hands at appropriate times and they use individual hand towels to minimise any possible spread of infection. Children enjoy a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy helping to prepare their snacks. They learn about healthy eating through activities and discussions. The childminder provides mainly organic food and prepares homemade meals for all children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder skilfully ensures children get the best learning and development opportunities from each activity. Whilst using the playdough they are helped to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 develop their pincer grip as they manipulate the tools, co-ordinate hand movements and recognise colours and shapes. Conversation is free-flowing and the childminder models clear language to encourage children's communication and language skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a wonderful selection of stories and the childminder brings them to life using character voices to hold the children's interest. Outings within the local environment further allow children to become inquisitive and explore the world around them. They visit local park and bird ponds to investigate the natural world. Children enjoy watching tadpoles develop as they begin to learn about life cycles.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe through clear safety rules. For example, they know they must not run inside the house. They practise regular fire drills with the childminder to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. Children also learn about protecting themselves from the sun and about road safety on outings.

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and outcomes for children

All children behave exceptionally well during their time with the childminder because she implements clear, simple and consistent rules and boundaries. As a result, the children know exactly what is expected of them and follow the rules with ease. The children are extremely polite and are encouraged to use good manners throughout the day, saying please and thank you at appropriate times. The children learn to show consideration for others, through practical activities and discussion. For example, they share and take turns well from an early age with support and encouragement from the childminder. The children are fully occupied and interested in the extensive range of activities and resources provided which has an very positive effect on their behaviour and on their enthusiasm for learning. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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