Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY330618 Inspection date 17 August 2006 Inspector Kelly Eyre

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and eight in Wellingborough, near Northampton. Children have access to all of the ground floor rooms and to the first floor bathroom and computer room. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five during the day, and one child over five during the school holidays. The childminder uses a car to take and collect children from school. She attends the local support group for childminders. The family has no

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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 pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable, clean home. They are well nourished because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating, planning meals and ensuring that children are offered a well balanced diet which contains the required nutrients to promote growth and good health. Children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents and children are offered nutritious snacks and meals which include fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder is aware of additives and preservatives in foods and makes her own items such as bread and biscuits, with children often joining in, thus promoting their learning in this area. Children's physical health is promoted and the spread of infection is minimised as there are good daily hygiene practices, such as the provision of separate towels for each child and the regular use of anti-bacterial spray on surfaces and door handles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children wash their hands before snacks and after outdoor play and are learning about the relevance of good personal hygiene practices as the childminder discusses these with them, explaining that germs can cause illness. Children participate in a wide variety of physical activities, contributing to their good health. The childminder ensures that there are regular opportunities for outdoor activities, such as local walks and playing in the garden with balls, ride-on toys, the swing, slide, play tunnels and basket ball hoop. They also enjoy adult-led activities which include action rhymes and music and movement sessions, helping them to develop control of their bodies and improve their physical skills such as balance and co-ordination. Documentation regarding individual children's health needs is in place, enabling the childminder to provide appropriate care at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable and safe environment. Their daily safety is prioritised because the childminder is aware of potential risks and has written clear safety policies, for example, covering procedures to follow in the event of a fire or accident. Children are able to move around safely and independently, both indoors and out, as the childminder has identified possible hazards and taken steps to remove or reduce these, carrying out daily, weekly and monthly safety checks. Children's safety is further promoted as there are written procedures covering outings, arrival and departure times. However, their safety in the garden is affected because they are able to access the hose pipe. Children use safe toys and equipment and the childminder makes sure that these are stimulating and appropriate for their ages and developmental stages, ensuring that they are appealingly arranged and easily accessible.

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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 Children are beginning to build up their knowledge about keeping themselves safe. They are well informed as the childminder consistently offers them clear explanations. She talks with them about issues such as road safety, reinforcing their understanding in these areas. The children's welfare is very well promoted because the childminder has a sound knowledge of her responsibilities regarding child protection. There is a comprehensive policy covering this and the childminder has ensured that she has all relevant information and paperwork to enable her to record, report and follow up any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled, happily choosing activities and moving between the garden and indoor play areas. They have built up good relationships with the childminder who joins in enthusiastically with their play, helping them to feel welcome and valued. Younger children have opportunities to play and socialise with other children through regular attendance at a local support group for childminders. The childminder has paid attention to detail in the layout of the ground floor rooms so that children have easy access to a wide range of different toys and resources that help promote their learning and development. Children enjoy a stimulating range of activities including crafts, imaginative play, simple cooking, music and singing sessions, construction and outdoor play. Their overall development is promoted and they are encouraged to extend their knowledge because the childminder has a good understanding of child development. Activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are planned in advance and are always adapted to suit the needs of individual children. The childminder has a sound understanding of the curriculum for the Foundation Stage and the 'Birth to three matters' framework, using these with growing confidence to inform her planning and ensure that children are offered activities which are stimulating and fun. The childminder acts as a good role model, showing enthusiasm for activities and encouraging children to be inquisitive and active in seeking information. An example of this is children playing with play dough, where they compare the shapes to trees and the childminder encourages them to think about the different types of trees, discussing their recent walk in the woods and talking about the difference between hollow logs and living trees.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and respected because the childminder ensures that she is aware of their individual needs and is able to meet these consistently. There are good procedures for gathering information about children's needs, likes and dislikes and these are clearly recorded and referred to in order to support daily childminding practice. Children's confidence and sense of self are encouraged as positive elements of behaviour are reinforced and they are given appropriate praise.

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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 Children's behaviour is good and they are very confident within the childminder's home. They are set consistent boundaries and are always given clear explanations by the childminder, enabling them to think about their behaviour and start to take responsibility for this. Good behaviour management is supported by the childminder's clear written policies covering this area, for example, there is a 'physical intervention policy' detailing practice regarding appropriate handling, ensuring that children's behaviour is handled consistently and fairly. Children are offered a range of opportunities to learn about society and the wider world. They have regular access to an appropriate range of play resources such as books and dolls, which give positive images and information about diversity and other

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ways of life. They learn about wider society and their community through the use of local amenities such as the library, parks, shops and market. Children's needs are well documented and the childminder has a positive approach to including all children. They benefit from her good relationships with parents. She provides an information leaflet and portfolio and discusses all aspects of her practice with parents. They are kept well informed of their children's progress and activities through the use of daily diary sheets and the sharing of activity plans and policies. However, there is no written parental permission in place regarding the use of the trampoline and this could lead to misunderstandings about daily practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, children's needs are met. Their care is enhanced by the good organisation and the childminder's enthusiasm and attention to detail in all areas of her work. Children are confident within her home and can therefore initiate their own play and learning, assured that the childminder will always be available to support them or join in whenever needed. Children's overall development is consistently promoted through the childminder's careful planning and organisation of her daily work. This ensures that children are offered a full range of stimulating activities and play opportunities and that all are able to participate. Children's individual needs are consistently and comfortably met because of the childminder's thoughtful organisation of her home. The ground floor has been organised so that the varying needs of children can be met and they can be offered a wide range of activities and play opportunities, for example, there is room for craft

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Organisation

activities, physical play, rest times and construction activities. The garden is particularly well organised to include paved, grassed and safety surfaces which enable a wide range of activities to be offered in all weathers. Children's safety and welfare are consistently promoted because all details and information are accurately recorded. The childminder ensures that all records are accessible but are also stored securely and confidentially. The daily implementation of practical policies and procedures further enhances the care provided. However, the registration certificate is not displayed and parents are therefore not fully informed to enable them to work together with the childminder to support children's well-being.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • improve children's safety by ensuring that they cannot access the hose pipe in the rear garden • ensure that parents are fully informed of all childminding practice. This refers to obtaining written permission for children to use the trampoline • comply with conditions of registration with regard to displaying the certificate.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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