Kernan, Leah

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22 July 2015 15 May 2012

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 Children make good progress because the childminder makes good use of comments and questioning to extend their learning and further their understanding and knowledge.  Parents state they feel well informed about their children's progress and this information helps them support their children's learning at home and at the childminder's.  The childminder has improved her systems for sharing information with staff at the schools and pre-schools children also attend. This helps ensure continuity of care and education for all children.  The childminder gives children clear and consistent guidance about acceptable behaviour. She involves the children in compiling the 'house rules' which builds children's sense of self-worth. Children behave well given their ages.  The childminder is kind and cheerful, and makes children feel very welcome in her home. As a result, children are confident and happy in her care.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the childminder reads to children on a daily basis, children cannot always choose when to look at books independently to further their developing early literacy skills.  Children enjoy playing outside, although this is mainly made available during dry weather. As a result, children are not always able to experience play during different weather conditions and extend their learning about the natural environment.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 improve opportunities for children to easily choose books and other resources that support their emerging literacy skills further  ensure opportunities are not missed to develop children's understanding of the natural world.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children and the childminder in the childminder's home.  The inspector asked the childminder to evaluate the learning that was taking place.  The inspector spoke with the childminder about her understanding of safeguarding, child protection and first aid.  The inspector took account of the views of parents.  The inspector sampled documentation, including qualifications, policies and children's records.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder organises a broad range of activities that support children's learning well. Together, she and the children choose the toys and resources they would like to use and plan the day ahead. Children learn to share and take turns as they play board games. They develop their strength and coordination, and use their imagination as they take part in activities, such as moulding dough and making pretend food. The childminder plans trips and outings to supplement what she does in her own home. Children enjoy travelling by bus and visiting farm shops, parks and museums. All in all, the childminder ensures that children's days are busy and enjoyable, and that they develop the skills needed to move to school or pre-school successfully. She keeps parents well informed of their children's progress through informal chats and more formal written summaries. She asks parents about new skills children are learning at home. Parents appreciate this and are

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who attend. This is good

grateful for the help and advice she offers when life is challenging, such as when they are experiencing problems at home, or work takes them away from their children for prolonged periods.

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good

Children's care needs are well met. The childminder ensures children who need to rest or sleep can do so, and provides healthy home-cooked meals and snacks. For those parents who prefer to provide their own food for their children, she offers help and suggestions about nutritious options. She ensures her home is safe and clean, and understands her role in safeguarding children. She knows what she must do if concerned about a child's welfare. Children learn about road safety when out walking and about the importance of washing their hands before eating or after handling animals. The childminder assesses any potential hazards and takes the necessary steps to minimise risks while still ensuring children can learn new skills and have fun. For example, she has robust systems in place to ensure children can use her trampoline and inflatable swimming pool safely.

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provision is good

The childminder understands the requirements of her role and fulfils them well. She enjoys her role and is committed to doing it well. She seeks parents' opinions on what she does and reviews her provision as a whole, and the progress children are making, to see where she can further improve. For example, she is now ensuring that she makes good use of all opportunities to teach children about shapes, sizes and numbers. She seeks out training opportunities and shares ideas and information with other childminders to ensure her skills remain up to date. For example, she has ensured she is well prepared to complete the required progress checks for two-year-olds. Her approach ensures that good standards of care and education are maintained.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY285221 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 833658 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and holds a relevant childcare qualification. She provides care from Monday to Friday, throughout the year.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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.

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Telephone number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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