Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY216929 Inspection date 25 April 2005 Inspector Ann Austen

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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 good. 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 7 and 5 years. They live in a detached house in the area of West Hunsbury, Northampton close to local shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, this includes toilet facilities. An upstairs room is available to sleep younger children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day. The childminder attends local

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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 parent and toddler groups and takes children to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean, well maintained home. Their good health is promoted by the childminder's high standards of hygiene. Through daily routines children are learning about personal care. Their understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children are provided with varied, nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with the wishes of their parents. This promotes their healthy growth and development. Drinks are regularly provided, especially where younger children are unable to ask for one. Children enjoy a range of physical activities which contribute to their good health and have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs. They move with increasing control and coordination developing an awareness of the space around them and the close proximity of others. Children use the swing in the garden, ride on

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Helping children to be healthy

wheeled toys, play skittles and crawl through the tunnel. Regular walks, trips to activity centres and the park improve children's physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home were risks are identified and minimised. The childminder ensures that the premises are secure and that children are unable to leave unsupervised. This enables children to move freely and develop their play and ideas in a safe environment. Children learn about danger, for example, why they must not touch the hot tap. They are safely escorted on outing. However written permission to transport children in a vehicle has not been obtained. Children are protected and their welfare is promoted because the childminder has a good knowledge of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Children independently select from a range of good quality toys and play materials. This promotes their learning and development. Suitable furniture and equipment ensures that children are comfortable, that they can play and eat together. The childminder ensures that resources are safe and appropriate for the children's age

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settle well at the childminder's house. They are confident and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 independently select from the range of resources and activities provided. The childminder has a close and caring relationship with the children and is aware of their individual needs. As a result the children are happy and the atmosphere is relaxed. Children participate in activities which contribute to their creativity, such as role play, singing, dancing, painting and baking. They explore and investigate as they search for spiders in the garden. Children look at books for enjoyment and concentrate as they make puzzles. As the children play the childminder listens to and values what children say and talks to them about what they are doing. This encourages children to think for themselves and promotes their communication skills. Children socialize with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. They enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

regular outings, for example trips to the park, shops and activity centres. This broadens children's range of experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are valued and respected as individuals. Parent's views about their child's needs and interests are sought by the childminder and information is regularly exchanged. This ensures that parental wishes are respected and the individual needs of the children are met. Children select from the resources and play materials provided making independent choices in their play. However resources and play activities which reflect diversity and help children appreciate each others similarities and differences are limited. Children are generally well behaved. The childminder helps younger children to share, take turns and cooperate with one another. As a result children are learning to know what is expected of them and understand boundaries. Children receive regular praise and encouragement which promotes their confidence and self esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminder's home. Space, resources and equipment are organised effectively to meet the children's needs. As a result children feel secure and are confident to select resources and initiate their own play and learning. Generally records and procedures are in place for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the safety, care and well being of the children. Information about the children's progress is regularly shared with parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved children's safety. She does not use the fire whilst childminding and ensures that young children do not have access to the marble hearth. The childminder was asked to develop medication and

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Improvements 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 accident records. These records are now maintained and shared with parents. Behaviour management strategies have improved since the last inspection. The childminder helps children to understand boundaries and to learn what is expected of them. Resources and play activities which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability are, however, still limited.

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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 good. 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 parents give written permission for their child to be transported in a vehicle • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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