Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314429 Inspection date 24 March 2006 Inspector Jan Clarke-Potter

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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 three children; two adult children and a child aged 10, in Desborough, Northamptonshire. The whole of the ground floor and first floor areas are used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children to the local primary school. The family has three cats and one dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and currently has three children on roll. 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 encouraged to use and learn about appropriate personal care, for example washing hands after going to the toilet to reduce cross contamination and using tissues to wipe their nose. Their health and well-being is supported by the childminder, who has satisfactory arrangements for children when ill or infectious and clear written agreements with parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's health is safeguarded through appropriate medication records. Children experience outdoor play during dry weather and have some opportunities to develop physical skills and control of their bodies. For example, they go on walks in the surrounding countryside where they also ride their bikes. The regular outings in the countryside give children a sense of freedom and they benefit from the exercise and fresh air. Children receive a balanced range of foods which promote good health for example,

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Helping children to be healthy

by regularly eating fruit and vegetables. The childminder provides home-cooked meals and children benefit from a nutritious diet. The childminder gains information on any special dietary needs and preferences to ensure that children have appropriate foods. Children have good access to drinking water throughout the day, ensuring that they are well hydrated and comfortable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home that is warm and welcoming. Generally, the environment is safe, because the childminder minimises most risks. This allows them to move around the home safely and independently. However, the glass cabinet area is a potential hazard to children. Children's safety and welfare is promoted because the childminder has most required procedures and documents in place, smoke alarms are checked regularly, safe barriers are in place for small children, and she has a current first aid certificate. The childminder has devised an evacuation plan ready for children to learn about fire drill procedures although they have not yet practised them. Children are encouraged to tidy away toys to help keep an ordered and safe environment and they can select from a satisfactory range of toys, books and equipment. This enables them to make choices and initiate their own play. Toys are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe because the childminder checks on the state of play resources and maintains them in an appropriate condition. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded through knowledge of appropriate procedures and practices. For example, the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues, although she has not yet obtained the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance.

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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 secure and are well settled with the childminder. They spend their time purposefully and enjoy involvement in a range of activities, which contribute to their creativity such as crayoning, painting and making cards. Children play with construction and small world figures. They become independent, as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. They have opportunities to mix with other children within local groups and develop socially. Babies access toys that offer various sensory experiences. The childminder does not currently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support children's play and development. Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the child minder. They demonstrate a sense of security with her, being confident to play alone, but also to seek closer interaction. Younger children and babies are cared for taking account of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their individual routines and needs and the childminder uses supportive contact to reassure them. The childminder converses with the children showing interest in them and supporting their emotional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met, because the childminder ensures, through discussion with parents, that she is aware of the level of care each child requires. And that they are kept up-to-date with any changes that occur. Also through daily discussion the childminder keeps parents informed about what the children have been doing and how they have been. Most records are kept up to date and shared with parents. By playing with appropriate resources and going on outings in the local area, children are beginning to develop an understanding of the diversity of the wider world. Children are generally well-behaved and polite, because the childminder encourages and praises positive behaviour, and the appropriate methods she uses to manage unacceptable behaviour are shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed in the organised environment. The organisation of space and resources allows them to make choices and initiate their own play. They have opportunities for free play, as well as activities and local outings. They experience lots of individual attention with the childminder who supervises children well. This helps them to feel very secure and have a caring and positive relationship with the childminder. The childminder is developing her knowledge of childcare practices, which supports the care and welfare of the children. She has a portfolio for parents to see and they are invited to discuss the service she provides. The childminder is

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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 aware of her responsibilities when caring for children, and most required records are in place to support her childminding practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 made to Ofsted, 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 that the display glass cabinet is made safe and inaccessible to children • practise the emergency escape plan • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and ensure that procedures comply with those of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance. • keep a log to record any complaints made by parents that relate to the National Standards.

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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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