Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293592 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Anne Archer

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 9 and 4 in the village of Broughton in Northamptonshire. The house is close to all village amenities. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to the village pre-school and primary school to take and collect children.

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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 good. Children enjoy a range of outdoor play activities including extensive climbing equipment which develop their physical skills and contribute to their good health. The childminder's understanding about providing appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives children confidence to try out new skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing in the garden and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross infection. Children are starting to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They have regular drinks throughout the day and are offered healthy option snacks by the childminder. She takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. The childminder is

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Helping children to be healthy

happy to provide meals for children at parents' request.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around the house and garden safely as the childminder understands how to keep them safe and secure and is able to minimise potential risks. However fire safety is not assured as a working smoke alarm is not maintained on the first floor. Children enjoy outings within the village and further afield although the childminder does not have appropriate car insurance in place. Children learn about keeping themselves safe and the childminder helps them to understand about safety outside the home. She safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, understands the local child protection procedures and is aware of her responsibilities in relation to them. Children are able to choose what they would like to do before they go to school and again when they get home from a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

wide range of well maintained toys, equipment and resources both inside the home and in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently, make themselves at home and select toys to play with. Children relate well to each other. They enjoy free play and imaginary play together, as well as participating in more structured activities such as making 2D and 3D constructions. All these activities promote children's play and learning well. Children's physical skills develop as they play in the garden on the outdoor play equipment, participate in ball games and during school holidays go on outings to local parks. Younger children's individual needs and daily routines are maintained by the childminder through regular

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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 discussions with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected and their individual needs are well met by the childminder. She talks to parents about these prior to caring for their child and regularly checks to make sure she is notified of any changes. Children are well behaved and are learning good manners. They know what is expected of them as the childminder regularly reinforces the behaviour boundaries. Children experience consistent levels of care because the childminder has established good working relationships with parents and they have regular discussions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy going to the childminder's home. Organisation is such that they have opportunities to play in all areas of the house and in the large garden enabling them to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's welfare and care is promoted by the childminder as she shares information about their day with parents also ensuring continuity of care. She also makes sure that any information she has about the child and their parents is kept up to date. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • maintain a smoke alarm in working order on the first floor • ensure appropriate insurance is in place before transporting children by car.

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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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