Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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220811 Unique Reference Number 28 June 2006 Inspection date Melanie Cullen 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 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 was registered in 1988. She lives in Corby, Northamptonshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and the front garden is used for supervised outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through routines such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They attempt to clean their own faces and hands after meals. Children begin to understand the reasons for effective hygiene

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 procedures because the childminder talks to them about germs which can upset their tummies. Children's nappies are changed on an organised changing unit. However, the risk of cross infection is not minimised because the mat is not cleaned with antibacterial solution and dried between each child.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and regularly walk around the local area and to school. They play outside, carefully supervised by the childminder in the front garden. They have access to a slide and ride on toys which promote their climbing and co-ordination skills. Children have opportunities to run around and to use fixed equipment in the local park. Younger children and babies are encouraged to explore their surroundings in the childminder's home which develops their confidence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy freshly prepared meals and snacks which are varied and nutritious. Children are involved in choosing their food. For example, they select their own sandwich fillings and fruit from the selection available in the fruit bowl. Children sit together to eat and the childminder ensures their individual needs are met regarding dietary requirements through careful discussion with parents which contributes to their continued well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay safe because the childminder is effective in identifying and minimising risks in her home. For example, children are supervised at all times, safety gates are in place to prevent access to the stairs and the garden gate is secured when children play in the front garden. Children's safety when out walking is given the utmost priority by the childminder. She uses reins or a wrist strap, holds their hands and children begin to learn about safe practices when crossing the road. For example, they are encouraged to look both ways and to wait for the green man at crossings. Children have access to a range of play materials and equipment which is safe and suitable. They can easily access the toys which are rotated regularly to keep their interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although the Department of Health guidelines booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' is not in place the children's welfare is generally protected because the childminder has a clear knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of child protection concerns. For example, she records and reports issues and maintains confidentiality.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the friendly setting where they can choose freely from the range of play materials which cover all areas of development. Children benefit from the childminder's positive interaction. She talks to them, becomes involved with their play, reads stories and gives comfort and reassurance through cuddles, positive facial expressions and encouraging language and gestures such as clapping when children try hard or succeed at their chosen task. Children's confidence and self-esteem is promoted.

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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 enjoy attending and feel secure with the flexible routines which take account of their individual needs for rest and sleep. They take part in various outings and art and craft activities. Children are confident to explore their surroundings and respond to the childminder's suggestions. For example, a child finds favourite character dolls after looking at a book with the childminder containing pictures of the characters. Children are encouraged to lead the play and are confident to approach the childminder for physical comfort when they are tired or upset.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do and selecting activities from a suitable selection which shows positive images of people. They begin to learn about the local and wider community through toys, books from the library and discussion with the childminder. Children have time to relax as well as to be active and are valued and respected as individuals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are offered activities which provide sufficient challenge and are fun which minimises any behaviour issues which arise. Children benefit from the calm, positive atmosphere and respond to the childminder's clear, gentle reminders to think of others. The childminder uses effective strategies to manage children's behaviour which are appropriate for their differing ages. The childminder works closely with parents and ensures they receive daily information about how their child's progress and achievements. This contributes to a trusting relationship which has a positive impact on the children. However, the childminder does not have a system in place to ensure a record of complaints is kept in the event of parents raising concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in this child-friendly setting. The resources and flexible routine help to encourage children's development and independence. Children are happy and confident to initiate their own play and when exploring the setting. They seek support and reassurance when needed. Parents are kept informed about their child's progress. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and the way that she organises her childminding arrangements to ensure each child receives sufficient, individual attention. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to a number of recommendations. She was required to develop a knowledge of child protection issues. She has a clear understanding of her obligation to record and report all concerns and to maintain confidentiality. The childminder agreed to gain written permission from parents for emergency medical treatment and to administer medication, both are now in place for each child. She agreed to provide a first aid kit which is now easily accessible in the kitchen. She also agreed to ensure children have access

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to an appropriate range of activities and resources which show positive images of diversity. Children now enjoy playing with characters and dolls and regular visits to the library ensures children have books which positively reflect diversity in society. The action taken by the childminder ensures children's safety, well-being and enjoyment are enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1st April 2004. 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): • Implement good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection in the changing area • develop an awareness of the Department of Health publication 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' • ensure a record is kept in the event of complaints relating to the national standards being raised.

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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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