Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317993 Inspection date 06 July 2006 Inspector Andrea Ewer

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and two years old in a house in Southfields, Northamptonshire. The family have a dog. Care is mainly provided in the playroom, although the whole house including the living and dining room are used. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for up to four children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for three children for various hours. She walks to take

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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 and collect children from the local primary school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted well. They are cared for in clean and tidy premises, where positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Children start to learn the importance of good hygiene practices during everyday routines, such as washing their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. They regularly visit the local park and enjoy playing in the garden. Children's dietary needs are met well. They enjoy healthy nutritious meals and snacks, including a choice of fresh fruits and regular drinks. Meals take account of children's personal likes and dislikes, and any medical, religious or cultural requirements. Children receive appropriate care in the event of minor accidents or illness. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid qualification and a first aid kit is readily available. Records relating to children's health are well maintained, with written

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from well organised and welcoming premises where, overall, active steps are taken to minimise hazards and prevent accidents. The home is secure, safety gates prevent children leaving the premises or using the stairs unsupervised and smoke alarms are fitted around the home. Children play with a wide range of good quality toys and play materials that meets their physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs well. At times, however, not enough attention is given to ensuring potentially harmful materials are inaccessible to very young children. Children's welfare is promoted well because the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting them from harm or neglect. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and local safeguarding children procedures.

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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 Children are content and settle well. They share warm, relaxed relationships with the childminder and their peers and have a strong sense of belonging which makes them feel secure. Generally children participate in a suitable range of activities that meets their play and development needs, however, at times activities do not meet the needs of younger children. Children develop their language for thinking as the childminder asks questions to help them find the correct pieces of the puzzle. They start to make sense of the world as they dress the dolls and act out real life situations in the home corner. Children enjoy visits to toddler groups and the local park where they develop their social confidence and learn to interact in larger groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the effective working relationship between the childminder and their parents. Information about children is obtained from parents at the start of all childminding arrangements, and shared daily thereafter. This enables appropriate and consistent care to be given. Children behave well. They understand what is expected of them and are familiar with everyday routines which helps them feel secure. Although the childminder has no experience of providing care for children having identified special educational needs, she is aware of children's developmental stages. Consequently, she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress. Children start to appreciate our similarities and differences. They play with an excellent range of toys and activities that positively reflects themselves and people of

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a very welcoming environment where their welfare, care and safety are promoted well. The organisation of space and resources allows them to eat, sleep and participate in a wide range of activities comfortably. Children's care is enhanced by the good range of attractively presented policies, procedures and records which are shared effectively with parents. This ensures children receive appropriate care because both the childminder and parents know what to expect of each other. Relevant checks have been carried out on all household members and this ensures children's safety and wellbeing. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 to 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 young children do not have access to toys or other materials which may cause them harm • ensure the range of activities meet the individual needs of children under three years, by using an approach such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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