Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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220785 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2006 Inspection date Anne Archer Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 outstanding. 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 was registered in 1986. She lives with her husband and adult son in Corby in Northamptonshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding except for the conservatory and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children aged under five on a part time basis during the day, four children over five before and after school and two children aged over eight before and after school. The childminder walks to the local nursery and schools to take and collect children. She attends local childminding groups.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children participate in a wide range of outdoor activities to ensure they have fresh air and physical activity to aid their good health. The childminder has an all-weather surface in her garden to enable the area to be used throughout the year. She also erects a gazebo in hot weather to enable children to continue playing in the fresh air. The childminder also takes other precautions to protect children from the harmful aspects of the sun such as ensuring each child has their own sun cream and hat, and she makes sure they are suitably clothed in poor weather by asking parents to bring additional clothing in case of a sudden change in the weather.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean, warm, well ventilated home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children are familiar with personal hygiene routines and have a clear understanding of why they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating and why they clean their teeth after eating. The childminder provides each child with their own toothbrush, toothpaste, beaker, towel and comb so that they can clean their teeth after meals and tidy their hair before going to school. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has two well-stocked first aid kits, the smaller one being used to take on outings. Children are well cared for if they become ill because the childminder has well rehearsed procedures to follow and she has all the required permissions and records in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the benefits of a healthy diet. A water fountain is available throughout the day for children to help themselves to a drink and the childminder regularly asks younger children if they would like one, particularly during warm weather. The childminder provides children with a snack of fruit, a biscuit and a drink in the morning and afternoon. Whilst the childminder does not provide meals for children she tries to ensure that the packed lunches that parents provide are healthy and she stores them appropriately. The childminder serves food in a way that appeals to the children, encourages them to eat well and makes meal times a social occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are able to move around the house and garden in complete safety because the childminder has a very good understanding of how to keep children safe and secure. She is able to identify and quickly take action to minimise potential risks throughout the house and garden. Children know how to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about road safety, how to keep themselves safe outside the home and how to care for each other. Older children show concern by making sure that they keep small toys out of young children's reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Older children select toys and resources for themselves from a wide range of good quality equipment and resources while the childminder carefully monitors and supervises younger children's choices of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage

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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 of development. The extensive range of toys and equipment are kept clean and maintained as and when necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare very well. She has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder ensures she maintains a current first aid certificate to enable her to competently administer appropriate first aid treatment to children if they have an accident. The childminder has a secure understanding of local child protection procedures and fully understands her responsibilities in relation to them. She has an emergency evacuation plan which she has discussed with the children and she and the children practise it regularly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle very well. They enter the childminder's home confidently and quickly make themselves at home. Children's daily routines are completely maintained because the childminder discusses these thoroughly with parents to ensure she has all the information she needs to care for them. Children have very good relationships with each other and communicate equally well with adults and children. They enjoy being in each others company and play harmoniously together as well as independently. Older children show kindness by supporting younger ones when they need help. Children's self esteem is well fostered through the outstanding levels of support and encouragement they receive from the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to choose between the wide variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. The childminder takes into account which children she will be caring for each day and plans activities and outings accordingly to ensure children have experiences in all areas of their development. Children know that they can choose to have additional pieces of equipment to play with such as the Magnetix, and understand that to make space other toys may have to be put away. Children are asked for their opinions and learn to make choices such as whether to play inside or outside. All children spend their time purposefully, ably supported by the childminder as she praises them for their achievements and encourages them to take pride in their work, particularly the tub of beautiful spring flowers they helped to plant.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children's needs are very well met and they are able to follow their normal routines. The childminder takes particular care to ensure children's individual needs are well supported. Children participate in a range of activities both in the home and when on outings, often using toys and resources that reflect positive images of people who are different from themselves. This helps them to understand about the diversity of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is excellent because the childminder is a good role model. The childminder has a very positive approach to behaviour management, expecting and receiving good behaviour. Children are aware of the house rules and show respect for the boundaries set. Relationships

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 parents and carers are both friendly and professional. Through daily sharing of information and discussion about how the child has been and what they have been doing, the childminder ensures that parents are kept fully aware of the level of care their child receives and any future activities that their child might participate in.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children feel very much at home and at ease in the exceptionally well organised environment enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play with activities selected to meet children's individual developmental needs. The childminder uses well rehearsed procedures and her wide experience very effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She has thought carefully about which areas of her home to use for childminding to ensure children have sufficient space to play while maintaining some privacy for her family. She has made alterations to her garden to provide an all-weather play surface and safe storage for play equipment.

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Organisation

All required documentation and record keeping that contributes to children's health, safety and well being is well maintained and shared with parents. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of childcare, her experience and her ongoing commitment to developing and enhancing her practice through attending training. The childminder regularly seeks parents' opinions on the service she provides to ensure she continues to meet their needs. Parents have written open letters recommending her as a childminder. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was reminded to ensure that all accident records are signed by the child's parent. The childminder has improved her systems to ensure this happens and by doing so has improved the level of care she provides to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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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Complaints 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

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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