Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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221072 Unique Reference Number 08 December 2006 Inspection date Christina Downey 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 registered since 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 15 years in the Wakes Meadow area of Northampton. The whole of the house is accessible to children, however childminding mainly take place on the ground floor. A first floor bedroom is available to sleep younger children. There is a fully enclosed area of the garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time; she is currently caring for six children, one full-time and five part-time. The childminder walks to Headlands Primary School to take and collect children. The family has two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She attends childminding support groups most mornings and also runs a parent and toddler group once a week. The childminder is working towards the 'Quality Counts' NCMA quality assurance scheme.

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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 involved in interesting food preparation and cooking activities and this helps them understand what foods are healthy and begin to make healthy choices for themselves. Mealtimes are social occasions, with everyone sitting round the table together. This encourages all children to eat well. The food provided is generally nutritious and freshly prepared, and all children choose to eat a lot of fruit. They access drinking water freely and begin to understand the importance of recognising when they are thirsty and meeting their bodies' needs. The childminder takes account of parents' and children's wishes when preparing menus and respects any dietary requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Well organised and consistent hygiene routines successfully support children's understanding of good hygiene practices. They each have their own towels and soap which they learn to use independently and in appropriate circumstances, such as after outdoor play and using the toilet. Thorough kitchen hygiene and careful food preparation routines successfully promote children's understanding about possible sources of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are successfully developing their physical skills; regular outings to attractive and challenging adventure playgrounds effectively promote their skills in using large equipment. The high amount of enjoyment these outings produce, as evidenced through photographs, develops a very positive attitude towards physical exercise and the outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder organises all aspects of her provision to promote the safety and well-being of children. Positive steps, such as regular risk assessments and fire drills, are taken to promote safety. All the required policies, documents and procedures are in place and this makes a positive contribution to children's welfare. Careful organisation and supervision help limit the possibility of accidents. The safe and stimulating environment successfully promotes children's sense of security and underpins their development of a varied range of skills. All equipment the children access is safe, suitable and attractive; this enables them to confidently choose their own resources, promotes their independence and enhances their self-esteem.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children learn the importance of respecting safety rules in the house, such as sitting down to eat. They develop an understanding of the need for precautions such as staying together as a group and wearing wrist bands with the childminder's telephone number on, as a way of ensuring the protection of children of all ages whilst on outings. The protection of children is further promoted through the childminder's active understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and the sharing of these with parents.

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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. The children have a vast range of good quality toys, games and resources to choose from and they are successfully encouraged to do this independently; this enables their individual needs to be generally met well. Children of all ages take part in a wide range of outings. Attending local childminder support groups is an effective way of promoting younger children’s social development; choosing their own books from the library supports their early literacy skills well and fosters an enjoyment of books. All children, but especially the older ones benefit from outings to local adventure playgrounds and parks. The childminder supports this age group well, giving them opportunities to develop new skills on challenging, safe, outdoor equipment in spaces where they can be appropriately supervised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is particularly successful at involving all children equally in activities. Babies are included routinely as part of every group activity. This fosters their confidence and self-esteem and promotes close and caring relationships between all the children. The close partnership with parents and detailed information sharing strategies enables younger children’s individual routines to be respected, and they feel happy and secure in the childminder’s care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder accommodates the diverse ways in which children learn and develop and provides appropriate activities for each age group. However, she is aware that provision for each individual child's developmental needs is not always maximised and would be even further enhanced if she had a greater understanding of child development and frameworks such as 'Birth to three matters'. She carefully organises her daily routines to ensure she spends as much time as possible giving children individual attention and this contributes well to the overall happy and caring atmosphere of her provision.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, their emotional needs are well met and they are able to follow their normal routines. This helps them feel secure and happy. Children learn about their own and other children's cultures and beliefs through discussion and through participating in a range of activities. Children develop an increased awareness and respect for the diversity of adults and children as they meet others in the local community, and play with toys and resources which reflect positive images of people who are different from themselves. All children are able to develop their independence and challenge themselves on large equipment. This helps them feel like a confident and valued member of the group. Children with disabilities are cared for well. Suitable adjustments are made to routines and practices to ensure they feel included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed very well. The childminder is a good role model and has a very positive approach to behaviour management. Children are aware of house rules and show respect for the boundaries set, especially when playing outside. This successfully develops their understanding of what is safe and acceptable. The good relationships between mixed age groups help them all develop positive attitudes to others. Parents are well informed about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 behaviour management strategies and this consistency of approach further supports children in behaving well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The good working relationships which the childminder develops with parents and carers are both friendly and professional. New parents are provided with detailed information about the childminder's policies which helps them to understand her practices and expectations. The carefully organised systems for daily sharing of information ensure that parents and carers are fully aware of the activities offered and the level of care their child receives.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminding environment is very well organised. This helps children feel welcome and to confidently choose their own activities and join in with the play of others. It also effectively promotes the safe care and welfare of the children. The childminder has a high level of commitment to improvement and offers a very professional childcare service. She is currently undertaking a quality assurance assessment. All areas of the childminder’s house are included in the registration. This gives good flexibility in organising space to meet individual needs including outdoor play, rests, sleeps and meal times. All the required documentation is in place and up-to-date; it is shared effectively with parents. Overall, children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked improve several aspects of record keeping and to obtain an up-to-date first aid qualification. She now holds a suitable certificate in paediatric first aid and all required documentation is in place and maintained accurately. The childminder has also improved the range of resources to promote equality of opportunity. This has enhanced the quality of the care provided to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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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Complaints 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

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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): • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of child development and the range of activities that could be provided to further develop all aspects of children's capabilities.

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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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