Childminder in West NorthamptonshireOfsted inspection, 8 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY293480 Inspection date 08 July 2005 Inspector Rachael Mankiewicz

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder became a registered childminder in 2004. She lives with her husband, sons aged 11 and 3 years and daughter aged 6 years in the family home in a residential area of Northampton. There are a number of community facilities within walking distance of the home, including a state nursery, pre-school, schools, shops and recreation areas. The childminder has use of a car during the day. The areas of the house used for childminding purposes include the lounge, playroom, kitchen and downstairs cloakroom. The first floor bedroom to the front of the house and the bathroom are also used. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the

p.2

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 house. The family have a pet rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years of age, and occasionally cares for children of school age.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to develop good hygiene practices and to learn how to eat healthily because this is an aspect promoted by the childminder who has a good understanding of health and hygiene. They have their drinks close by and need little encouragement to drink. Children benefit from the close co-operation between the parents and the childminder regarding dietary needs. Snack and meal times are sociable occasions and the children and childminder enjoy nutritious snacks and try new tastes. Children's physical development is fostered well through a range of appropriate activities indoors and outside. They enjoy daily activities in the open air through walks or play in the garden. For example, they talk about the different models of animals as they play in the sand and watch with pleasure at the antics of the pet rabbit. They are becoming aware of the way that activity affects their bodies, and they indicate when

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

they need a drink or rest. The children benefit from the childminder's good practice such as skincare in the sun and hygiene in the garden. This good practice is supported by generally well-kept records which help her ensure that children's needs are met and that they develop well and stay healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe as a result of the childminders good awareness of health and safety and because she takes reasonable steps to minimise risks. This enables children to move freely and develop their play and ideas in a safe environment. Children learn about safety within planned and unplanned play and learning activities such as water play and road safety. Parents are informed when the children go on outings, however written permission to transport children in a vehicle has not been obtained. Children are well protected 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. As resources are safe and age-appropriate the children's learning and development is promoted well. Older children choose games and activities based around their interests both indoors and outside during a more relaxed session at the end of the

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

school day and during holidays. Suitable furniture and equipment ensures that children are comfortable, and that they can play and eat together.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They move well and with interest between the activities set out for them by the childminder. Most children know what is available, and are able to access other resources easily to supplement their play, including a range of books and games across the different age ranges. They are encouraged to make the most of their experiences by the childminder, for example she uses the child's interest in animals and talks about animals, their colours and size. She has a good knowledge and understanding of how young children learn and generally organises the play and learning environment well. The needs of the children are taken into consideration, allowing them access to activities which are adapted to be appropriate to the different ages of children and offer challenge and risk taking. Children engage confidently with each other and with the childminder, responding

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well to questions and asking their own. They look at books for enjoyment and listen well to stories. Their physical development is progressing through using rolling pins and cutters with play-dough and running around the garden. They enjoy regular outings, for example trips to the park, shops and activity centres. This broadens the children's range of experiences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to share the toys and enjoy playing together. Their confidence and self-esteem develops from making choices and taking decisions as they easily access a suitable range of resources from the playroom. Children are well-behaved and responsive to the childminder, for example when they are praised as they try to help each other and begin to develop an awareness of the needs of others. Older children are aware of the expectations for good behaviour and rules of the house. Children’s individual needs are identified and met well. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to gather to ensure appropriate care could be provided for children with special needs. Children are developing a positive view of the wider world as they meet different children and people in the local community. They are provided with resources that promote cultural diversity, for example small

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

world models and toys, musical instruments and books. There are good partnerships with the parents which help promote the learning and welfare of the children. Parents are pleased that children separate happily from the parent, and are gaining self assurance and confidence with others. They are regularly informed of their child’s progress and activities and about any concerns, this ensures that the needs of the children are met.

p.4

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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and comfortable in the childminder's home. Space, resources and equipment are organised effectively to meet the children's needs. Children feel secure and are confident to select resources and take part in play and learning. Their safety, welfare and development is promoted by the childminder's caring approach to childminding. Generally records and procedures are in place for the efficient management of the safety, care and well-being of the children. Children are respected as individuals and their needs are acknowledged and met well by involving parents at every opportunity. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • continue to develop a suitable range of activities for the younger children, for example by using the Birth to three matters framework • ensure that all parental consents are in place with regard to outings and the seeking of any medical advice or treatment.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5