Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307334 Inspection date 19 July 2006 Inspector Susan Tuffnell

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children in Irthlingborough in Northamptonshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park and to the library. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder has a rabbit.

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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 wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they dig in the sand and use equipment such as the bouncy castle. Garden games and regular visits to the parks and physical play centres improve children's physical skills. Children become increasing aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. For example, after playing in the garden. The childminder has a good understanding about appropriate types of activities and level of support that gives children confidence to try out new skills, for example helping with the gardening. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals and have their own personal items such as toothbrush,

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Helping children to be healthy

flannel and towel. Children are protected with clear health and hygiene policies and procedures such as the sickness and medication policies. Children learn about healthy eating as they discuss 'good and bad foods' with the childminder and help with the preparation of food and laying the table. They help themselves to drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day in their own cups. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children learn new skills as they prepare cake mixture, help make ice-cream and mix dough for pizza. They choose from a range of toppings for the pizza and try different fruits.

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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 bright and comfortable home where risks have been identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. For example, regular fire drills take place and road safety is practised with the children on their way to school. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meets safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy at the childminder's house. They relate well to each other and are settled and sociable. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. They enjoy stimulating activities and learn new skills. For example, the children plant bulbs and seeds in the garden and look after their sunflower plants. The childminder has begun to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan activities and to promote younger children's learning. For example, children's language is encouraged as they recognise and name familiar objects from a photo album. Children are encouraged to use books and the older ones carry out book reviews and give their opinions on the story and content. They proudly exhibit their art and craft work around the playroom and in a special colour mixing scrapbook. Their sensory experience is extended with strawberry picking and a range

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of cooking activities. Children know the daily routines well and confidently tidy up toys, put away their outdoor shoes and help with some domestic tasks. All children spend their time purposefully. They explore a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity such as changing the den in the garden to a shop, post office and house and making up their own games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides some activities and resources to promote a positive view of the world. For example, children have access to a range of written material that acknowledges cultural differences and depicts gender, disability and ethnicity favourable. However, activities to celebrate world festivals and raise children awareness and understanding of the wider world are limited. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with their parents. Children respond to fairness and boundaries, behave well and play harmoniously together. Partnership with parents is good. The childminder involves parents in the day to day management of the setting to ensure that the individual needs of the children are met effectively. For example, an excellent folder contains comprehensive information about the childminding service and outlines 'a typical day' with examples of activities and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

outings. Parents are encouraged to comment on the care of their children and the childminder has received many written compliments from satisfied parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the good quality of the organisation and the knowledge and understanding of the childminder. Children are at ease in their environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote

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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 the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and the children's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder is committed to continuous professional improvement and development to enhance the children's care and to support them as they make good progress in all areas of their development. 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 made to Ofsted 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 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 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): • extend opportunities for children to explore and value diversity through well planned activities and a range of resources.

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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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