Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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221239 Unique Reference Number 11 May 2006 Inspection date Ann Austen 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 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 1986. She lives with her partner, one adult child and two children aged 15 and 9 years in the village of Earls Barton, Northamptonshire. Local amenities are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, including toilet facilities. A room to sleep younger children is provided on the first floor. 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 three children under five, and three children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect the children, and takes children to the local park. The family has two dogs.

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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 home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through daily routines. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before meals. Secure procedures are in place for changing nappies. This sustains levels of hygiene and helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children's health and well-being is promoted by the childminder's appropriate procedures. Arrangements are in place to exchange information with parents for the administration of medicines, for any accidents and if children are unwell. However, the childminder has not obtained written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, and she does not hold an up-to-date first aid certificate. This compromises children's safety in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in activities which contribute to their good health, and enjoy daily walks in the fresh air. They have regular opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs. Babies are encouraged to try out their developing skills. For example, the childminder encourages babies to crawl, stand and walk. Older children have opportunities to be physically active. Children develop their climbing skills, play badminton, manoeuvre wheeled toys, and kick footballs in the garden. This helps children to develop the confidence to enjoy moving with control, using their bodies in a variety of ways.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are met through close cooperation between the parents and the childminder. For example, the childminder ensures that the feeding patterns of babies is consistent with their routines at home, and that children eat their packed lunch appropriately. Children enjoy freshly prepared evening meals such as spaghetti bolognese, sweet and sour chicken and tuna and pasta bake. This promotes children's healthy growth and development. Children are offered drinks throughout the session. This ensures that children remain well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where generally risks are identified and minimised. The premises, including the outside play area are secure. However, hazards in the kitchen are not inaccessible to the children. This compromises children's safety. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping themselves safe by responding to guidelines set out by the childminder. For example, children learn about the dangers of water, and what to do in the event of an emergency by practicing the fire escape plan. Children learn to walk sensibly, and to cross the road safely. Younger children are secure in their pushchairs, and children travelling in a vehicle have appropriate car seats. Children's welfare is generally well safeguarded by the childminder's knowledge of child protection, and her understanding of her responsibilities for the children in her care. However, the childminder is not clear of the Local Safeguarding

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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 Children use a range of good quality resources, furniture and equipment which supports their play and development. Equipment is kept safe and in good condition. Children are interested in and want to play with what is available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, relaxed and settled in the childminder's home. They independently choose from a selection of resources, which develop their physical, social and intellectual capabilities, building on their natural curiosity as learners. However, a system for planning activities for children under three has not yet been established. This will further enhance younger children's development. Children experience caring relationships with the childminder, who talks to the children about what they are doing and asks appropriate questions to extend their learning. This encourages children to think and promotes their language development. Children make models using construction resources. They compare the different sized towers and laugh with excitement as they topple over. Children concentrate and persevere as they complete puzzles with growing confidence, and are very proud of their achievements. Their creative development

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

is promoted as they paint, stick, draw and colour. Children play with small world resources, and use props, such as the kitchen, work station and costumes to support their imaginary play. Children are beginning to develop their independence, and learn to take responsibility. For example, children go to the toilet by themselves, independently wash their hands, and help to tidy away the toys. Children enjoy exploring using their senses. For example, babies shake the rattles, and spin the wheels of the car around. Children enjoy regular outings such as trips to the canal, activity centres, local shops and to the park. This broadens children's range of experiences. Older children enjoy a relaxed session before and after school, and during the school holidays. They are able to choose freely from the activities and resources provided. Children draw, colour, complete word searches and play board games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder, who acknowledges, offers reassurance and cuddles the children. This increases their sense of well-being and promotes their emotional development. Children are able to make choices and move between activities. They freely select resources from the shelves and boxes in the playroom. Children are beginning to learn about diversity. For example, children have opportunities to visit the local community, and handle resources which promote positive images of culture, such as books and dolls. However, resources that reflect positive images of disability are limited. Children's behaviour is managed in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased by the childminder's gentle reminders to be kind and considerate to one another. As a result the children behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met because the childminder has developed an effective partnership with parents. Systems are in place to exchange information. This ensures that parental wishes are respected and the individual needs of the children are met. However, the childminder does not have a complaints record in place.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the childminder's care. Space, routines and resources are organised effectively to met the children's needs. Children are able to choose resources independently, as well as receiving adult support and encouragement. Children's care and welfare are generally safeguarded by appropriate documentation, and records are stored securely. However, vetting arrangements for all adults in the household has not been undertaken. This compromises children's safety. 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 asked to obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This has not been obtained for all children, and therefore compromises their well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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Complaints 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 by Ofsted.

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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 written permission is requested from parents, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment, and complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure that children are not exposed to any hazards in the kitchen, and continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures • continue to 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • ensure that a complaints record is in place, and continue to develop an appropriate range of resources that promote positive images of disability • ensure that all persons over the age of 16 living in the household undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check.

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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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