Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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260749 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2006 Inspection date Elizabeth Culley 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 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 registered in 2001. She lives in the Abington area of Northampton. The childminder lives with her partner, who is also a registered childminder, and their three daughters aged 12, 14 and 17 years old. She is registered to care for five children under eight and is currently minding six children jointly with her husband.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The ground floor of the house is used for childminding. Children have access to the lounge, kitchen, dining room and conservatory. They also use the cabin and play facilities in the fully enclosed garden at the back of the house.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is qualified to the National Vocational Qualification level three in Childcare and Education, and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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's health and well-being is nurtured in a clean and tidy home. They are learning about hygiene in their daily routines and they wash their hands before eating snacks to prevent the spread of infection. The effective nappy changing routines protects babies from cross-infection. Children are protected from the harmful effects of the sun as they play in shaded areas, wear hats and use sun creams. Their growth and development is nurtured. Children enjoy playing in the fresh air and they have opportunities to use their large body muscles as they climb, jump and play ball games. They develop their coordination as they use small tools for cutting and construction. Young children and babies enjoy uninterrupted rest as they sleep in a travel cot. Children receive good care when they are unwell as the childminder has a current first aid certificate. Their medical records are kept up to date and shared with parents, therefore, their

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted. The childminder displays the weekly menu plan and children's individual dietary preferences are discussed and agreed with parents. Children are encouraged to eat fruit and vegetables. They participate in activities about healthy eating and discuss the effects of too much sugar in their diet. During physical exercise children talk about which foods give them energy and keeps their hearts healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety and well-being is promoted. They are able to play, rest and learn in a safe and secure home and garden and they make developmental progress. Children's toys and pictures are used to create a child friendly and welcoming environment. Their independence is promoted as they freely move around the designated areas choosing activities from the interesting range of resources provided. Children are generally supervised well, however, when children are using both the garden and house simultaneously they may be left alone for short periods. The effective use of safety equipment ensures children are protected from potential hazards, for example, working smoke alarms are in place throughout the house. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe as they practice emergency evacuation procedures and talk about the effects of smoke and fires. Children are able to travel safely in suitable car seats. They enjoy outdoor

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

activities and learn to manage their own risks by practising road safety and staying within safe boundaries set by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted well. They are cared for by an adult who is vetted and has relevant experience, knowledge and skills to safe-guard children. They are protected from harm because the childminder is able, when necessary, to put the local authority procedures in place to protect children from abuse. Children are learning how to protect themselves by discussing the dangers of talking to strangers.

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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 making good progress in their development. Their independence is promoted as they choose their own activities from the resources provided by the childminder. Children enjoy a range of experiences. They have opportunities to participate in themed activities, for example, they learn about different modes of transport and travel. Children are making progress in their language skills. They interact well with their childminder who encourages them to read books for pleasure and listen to stories. She counts with them and they learn about different shapes as they play games and complete puzzles. Children enjoy imaginative games through role play and invite adults to join their tea party. They enjoy playing in the garden where they can learn about the natural world and the local environment, for example, they look at snails and initiate a discussion about their characteristics.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are encouraged to create links with home, for example, they enjoy making telephones and talking to their family. They are encouraged to take a toy or book home and they learn to look after them and return them the following day. Babies are supported as they play. They have opportunities to reach toys, sit, and stand with support, therefore, developing muscle control. Babies develop their coordination as they reach for brightly coloured toys and sort shapes. They learn to recognise different sounds as they look at books, listen to stories and play with musical toys as they make developmental progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed to the childminders home and enjoy good relationships with their carer. They take an active role in choosing their own activities form the interesting resources provided. Children who have specific needs are fully included in the setting and they make developmental progress. They respond well to praise and encouragement and their self-esteem is promoted. Children are developing positive attitudes towards others as they learn to play and share together, for example older children show younger ones how to play games. They have good opportunities to learn about the diversity of culture through the varied and interesting resources provided. Children are learning to manage their own behaviour as they follow the simple house rules and are reminded to play nicely together, therefore, they behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a welcome pack at their introductory visit. This promotes an effective partnership between parents and childminder and a positive experience for children. Children's own daily routines are respected and integrated into the childminding day, therefore, promoting continuity of care. A shared daily diary system and verbal feedback ensures parents are fully informed of children's progress and their well-being is promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The needs of the range of children are met. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder is committed to improving her practise by completing a quality assurance programme

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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 and obtaining a level 3 qualification in childcare. Well written policies and procedures support good care for children. Good adult to child ratios promote high standards of care for children. Children are able to move freely around the ground floor of the premises and sometimes use the outdoor cabin. Their well-being, however, is not always promoted as the childminder failed to notify Ofsted of an additional facility used by the children. Children are able to choose their activities from the well- organised resources and they make developmental progress. Their personal records are updated regularly and stored in a locked cabinet for security therefore confidentiality is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her practice by ensuring all records were maintained and signed by parents. Children's welfare has been further promoted as all records are now completed to a high standard.

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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): • make sure that children are sufficently supervised at all times • ensure that Ofsted is notified of all significant changes

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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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