Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY261438 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2006 Inspection date Kristin Hatherly 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and four years in a suburb of Northampton. The whole of the downstairs is used for minding which includes a downstairs cloakroom, living room, playroom and kitchen. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She walks to take and collect children to and from local schools and pre-schools. The family has a dog and a hawk which, when present, is housed in an aviary in the garden. The childminder has access to local toddler groups and 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home. They learn the importance of good hygiene practices in promoting their health through daily routines such as washing their hands before and after meals and after stroking the dog. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has a current first aid certificate and has suitable procedures in place if children are unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through the provision of balanced, nutritious snacks and meals. The individual dietary needs and requirements of children are met through the recording of information with regard to likes, dislikes and allergies. They are provided with drinks regularly which ensures that they are well hydrated and comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to take part in activities in the fresh air that promote their growth and development. They enjoy a range of activities that help them gain control of their bodies. For example, they go to the local parks where they develop their physical skills as they play on the equipment. They have fun in the garden as they play on ride on and push along toys, trampoline and in the playhouse.

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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 welcoming environment where space and equipment are used well. They have use of all of the downstairs which includes a family room/playroom. Children enjoy a wide range of activities and resources appropriate to their age and development. Suitable furniture and equipment which is cleaned and checked regularly ensure that children are comfortable and that they can play and eat together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder understands the need to supervise children at all times. Safety measures are in place to minimise hazards such as smoke alarms in working order, a fire blanket and fire drills which are carried out regularly. Children are further kept safe as the childminder has clear procedures for outings and encourages them to develop an understanding of road safety. However, the childminder is not fully aware of local child protection procedures to safeguard children's welfare. The required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a varied range of indoor and outdoor activities and resources which meets their individual needs well and enable children to progress appropriately. For example, variety of baby toys, puzzles and imaginative play with small world toys such as dolls houses. Children confidently play and show an interest in activities which is further developed by the childminder's good interaction with the children as she

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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 engages and takes an active part in their play. Generally, children are able to choose between a variety of toys and games and also confidently ask for a specific toy or activity. They also enjoy a variety of outings to local parks and toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy physical exercise in a secure garden as they play on ride on and push along toys and develop their large body skills on outings to the local park where they can play on swings, climbing frames and slides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and receive regular praise and encouragement which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. Younger children develop their confidence and independence as they receive regular cuddles and encouragement. Their needs are met well as they follow a routine. Children learn the difference between right and wrong because the childminder manages their behaviour positively and consistently. They respond to clear guidelines and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to develop awareness of equality as they play with a range of resources reflecting diversity such as dressing up and play mobile dolls and are provided with opportunities to fully appreciate each other's similarities and differences and develop a positive view of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of her obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. She is confident to care for and support children with identified needs

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are successfully met because the childminder has developed friendly and professional relationships with parents. Secure systems are in place to establish and exchange information. Information is shared at each session through discussion and for chlidren under one year there is a daily journal recording the baby's routine. These practices ensure that children's care, welfare and development are effectively promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in a well-organised home enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play. Space and resources are organised to meet the needs of the children and consistent adult support is given. This enables a range of activities to be provided with appropriate levels of adult support and also allows children to make choices about their play. As a result, children feel secure and confident. Although the childminder has experience of children under three years, she has not implemented the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However, she is booked on appropriate courses to ensure she can develop this area of her childminding practice.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is safeguarded because all required documentation is in place and well organised which ensures the efficient and safe management of the provision. This further promotes children's care and learning. Overall children's needs are met.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At last inspection, the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course. She has completed first aid training which further ensures the safety of the children cared for. She was further asked to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and is in the process of arranging for these to be completed and signed by parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since thelast inspection.

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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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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • develop knowledge of Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance on child protection and whom to contact if concerned about a child.

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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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