Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314174 Inspection date 02 March 2006 Inspector Coral Hales

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and 4 children, twins aged 6, a 2 year old and a new baby in a house in Kettering, Northamptonshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered for a maximum of 2 children at any one time. She is currently minding 2 children aged under 5 years one day a week, and walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a pet rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable family home. Their health is well promoted by the childminder as she helps them to develop simple and appropriate hygiene practices such as washing hands before eating and using tissues when necessary. Younger children's hygiene needs are well met by the childminder who ensures she follows suitable nappy changing routines. This sustains levels of hygiene and helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children are protected from illness because the childminder follows effective procedures which are shared with the parents. Most relevant records are kept, however parents have not completed the required consent to allow for emergency treatment or advice. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate in the event of any accident. Children have opportunities to rest and sleep according to

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Helping children to be healthy

their needs. Children are well nourished and receive a balanced diet because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of healthy eating. She sometimes provides cooked meals for the children including fruit and vegetables and encourages them to try new foods. Children's dietary needs are met as the parents and childminder communicate regularly. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They develop skills as they play outside using the selection of outdoor toys and equipment. Children have plenty of fresh air as they walk to the shops, park or local schools.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in suitable premises where risks are generally identified and minimised. These provide children with a safe and secure environment in which to play and learn. The childminder places appropriate emphasis on keeping children safe for example, she uses stair gates as appropriate and the outdoor area is secure. The childminder has not yet practised any fire evacuations. Space is well organised to allow the children to have access to a selection of age appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder selects appropriate toys for the younger children. Suitable and safe furniture ensures that children are comfortable and that they can rest, play and eat together. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities for the welfare of the children in her care and has a basic knowledge of child protection issues. She is aware of procedures to follow if she has any concerns and appropriate documentation is in

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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 satisfactory. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care. They enjoy using the range of toys and equipment which are generally stimulating and fun. The environment is calm and relaxed and interaction between the childminder and the children is good and their personal and social skills are developing. A selection of toys is available for the baby, however some activities lack stimulation to promote learning and develop new skills. The childminder does not currently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support her practice. Children enjoy regular outings to various groups and this helps to broaden their range of experiences. Outdoor activities further extend children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcome and respected as individuals. The childminder is helping them to develop some understanding of the local community as they go out on visits. They have opportunities to learn about diversity and resources are used well to support this learning. The children begin to understand how to share and generally play happily together. They are helped to develop their confidence and self-esteem during play because they receive regular encouragement and support. Children are encouraged to behave well and begin to have an understanding of what is right and what is wrong. Age appropriate methods are used to deal with any behavioural issues and parents are kept informed. The partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory. The childminder is welcoming to the parents and ensures that regular discussions take place with them to keep them informed about their child's progress. Children's own routines are followed by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the childminder as agreed with parents to ensure continuity of care. Most required documentation is completed by the parents. Written agreements are in place and this ensures that all are clear with regards to their roles and responsibilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The premises are organised to meet the needs of the children both indoors and outdoors. Children have opportunities for free play with a range of toys and also to participate in activities and outings planned by the childminder. Their welfare and care is generally promoted because the childminder has a working knowledge of the documentation and records to be kept. Regular discussions with parents take place to ensure information is exchanged to highlight any concerns and to monitor children's progress. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they may see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted. There have been no complaints since registration.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure written parental permission is requested, at the time of placement, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • devise and practise an emergency evacuation procedure • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters.

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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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