Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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260808 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. He lives in a house in the Abington area of Northampton. He lives with his partner, who is also a registered childminder, and their three children aged 17,14 and 12 years old. He is registered for five children and is currently minding six children with his partner.

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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 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 promoted. They are well cared for in a clean and tidy home. Children are learning about hygiene in their daily routines and they wash their hands before eating snacks to prevent the spread of infection. Babies are protected from cross-infection through the effective nappy changing routines in place, for example, the childminder uses disposable gloves when changing nappies. Children are protected from the harmful effects of the sun. They play in shaded areas, wear hats and use sun creams provided by parents. Children's growth and development is nurtured. They enjoy playing in the fresh air and have opportunities to use their large body muscles as they climb, jump and play ball games. The use of small tools encourages children's coordination as they learn to cut, and build towers. Young children and babies enjoy uninterrupted rest as they sleep in a travel cot. Children who are unwell are

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Helping children to be healthy

comforted and receive good care from the childminder who holds a current first aid certificate. Their medical records are kept up to date and signed by parents therefore promoting their welfare.

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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, therefore, good health is promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well looked after in the safe and secure premises and garden. Their toys and pictures are used to create a child friendly environment where they can rest, play and learn. Children independently move around the home and garden choosing activities suitable for their age and stage of development and they make good progress. The effective use of safety equipment protects children from potential hazards, for example, soft bark is used in the outside play area to prevent serious injury if a child falls. Children are learning learn how to keep themselves safe as they practice emergency evacuation procedures. The childminder introduces them to stories where they learn about the effects of smoke and fire. Children travel safely by using appropriate car seats for their age and size. They enjoy outdoor activities and learn to manage their own risks by practising road safety and staying within safe boundaries set by the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for by an adult who is vetted and has the relevant experience, knowledge and skills to promote their welfare. They are protected from harm because their carer has a good understanding of his role in safeguarding children. He is able to put the child protection procedures in place when necessary.

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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 and they make developmental progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed to the childminder's 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 developing his practice. He updates his knowledge by attending

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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 childcare courses, for example, he has recently completed a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in child care and education and has completed a quality assurance programme for accreditation with the National Childminding Association. Well written policies and procedures are in place to support good care for children. Children are well supervised as adult to child ratios are maintained. Space is well organised to ensure children can independently choose their resources, however, not all additional areas, for use by the children, have been notified to Ofsted, therefore, compromising their safety. Children select their own activities from the resources provided therefore they make developmental progress. Their personal records are regularly updated and shared with parents. Confidentiality is maintained for children and families

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Organisation

as records are stored in a locked filing cabinet for security.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the welfare of children by ensuring they are well supervised. The childminder has generally improved his practice and children are normally within sight or hearing of the childminder except when he has to attend to the needs of another child. For example, he can hear what is happening in the lounge if he is changing a nappy in the bathroom. Children's welfare is, therefore, further promoted.

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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): • ensure children's welfare is fully promoted by notifying changes to Ofsted

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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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