Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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221037 Unique Reference Number 07 August 2006 Inspection date Rosemary Moore 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 has been a registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 15 years old. They live in a house in Northampton, Northamptonshire. The local school, shops and toddler group are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children have access to outside play in the garden. The family has a pet budgerigar.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children part time. 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 are beginning to learn about good personal care through familiar hygiene routines, for example, hand washing before meals and snacks. They are cared for in a clean environment where their health is promoted through the childminder’s good hygiene standards, such as, appropriate systems in place for nappy changing. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded because the childminder has procedures in place regarding the administration of medication. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, this will protect children in the event of an accident. However, emergency medical treatment is inconsistent, which compromises their well-being. Children do not attend if they are unwell and this prevents the spread of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet. They are beginning to understand that foods and drinks, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and water, are good for them, through discussions with the childminder. Meals and snacks meet the children's individual dietary requirements and are enjoyed as a part of the daily routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills as they enjoy outings to parks and indoor play centres, where they have some freedom to run and climb. They benefit from regular exercise in the fresh air which promotes good health and growth. Young children are able to rest and sleep as part of their daily routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised through regular risk assessment. The childminder is very careful to fully supervise children at all times which keeps them safe when in her care. Space has been well organised to benefit the children and to ensure they have access to a selection of age appropriate toys and equipment. This creates a child friendly environment in which they are able to make choices for themselves. Suitable furniture ensures that children are comfortable during rest, play and at mealtimes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe whilst they are out in the local community, because the childminder helps them to develop simple road safety rules. They are also safeguarded by close supervision at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well promoted as the childminder has up to date knowledge of child protection issues. She is fully aware of how to deal with any concerns and is confident in her ability to protect the children in her care.

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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 enjoy imaginary play experiences as they select from a range of pretend foods to create hot dogs, which they happily offer around. They are also very creative, by making good use of the play dough, creating people by selecting eyes, ears, noses and feet. Some children watch intently and copy their peers. This begins to develop good concentration skills along with good co-ordination and hand control as they push the pieces into the dough. They are also learning to socialise as they join in activities together and share experiences. Children benefit further by the childminder encouraging their vocabulary and concepts by making them think. This is done through questioning them about what they are doing. For example, by asking where they will put the nose and if one dough person is sad.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children begin to develop skills to complete activities such as puzzles and construction because the childminder offers her support. She understands the importance of providing a good range of interesting ideas which provides opportunities for children to develop in all areas of learning. Young children benefit from the ideas taken from 'Birth to three matter's' which she is aware of and currently developing. For example, the use of treasure baskets to provide tactile experiences for them. Children meet and join other youngsters and childminders to attend local activities and go on outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a good understanding of respect for others as they play together and share toys. They have varied opportunities to meet other children and play socially in groups. Children all have equal access to a suitable range of resources and appropriate opportunities which develops their understanding of diversity. The childminder is aware of providing appropriate care for children with special needs and how to work closely with other professionals to support them. The childminder develops warm and caring relationships with the children and is aware of their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved and good behaviour is praised and encouraged. They learn what is expected of them by the childminder's calm and consistent handling. Children are aware of the house rules and how to behave when on outings, which is important for their safety. The childminder involves the parents in the management of behaviour. They are well informed of their children's daily activities and routine through written diary and also verbal discussions. Children's achievements, craft work and photographs are also maintained throughout the time spent at the setting and this is also shared. A system to record complaints is available and parents are made aware of how to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from well organised daily routines and through this they begin to have an understanding of a sense of time. Children feel secure and are confident to select resources

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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 initiate their own play and learning. The children's welfare, care and learning are well promoted and ratios are well maintained.

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Organisation

Children are well supported because the childminder has good knowledge and understanding in most areas of childcare. This has been achieved by continuing to attend several training courses. For example, she is committed to updating her knowledge in first aid when her current certificate expires later this year. Procedures and most documents are maintained to support the childminder's practice with required records kept confidential at all times. Children's individual needs are met by the suitable care, resources and equipment provided. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide a first aid box, resources that promote equality and to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection guidelines. She has completed all satisfactorily to safeguard the children's welfare and develop their understanding of diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 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 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): • obtain appropriate consent signed by parent for emergency medical treatment and advice

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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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