Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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221192 Unique Reference Number 20 July 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 registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 18 years in a suburb of Northampton. Minded children have access to the ground floor only including the lounge, rear living room, bathroom and kitchen. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family do not have any pets.

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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. Schools, pre-schools, shops, library and parks are nearby. The childminder is a coordinator for the local childminding group.

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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 cared for in a clean, well-maintained home. They learn the importance of good hygiene practices and personal care by using separate flannels and towels and being encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times such as before snacks and after going to the toilet. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has appropriate consents and records for administering medication and in case of an accident or incident. However, recording of accidents does not include all necessary information. Their welfare is further safeguarded because the childminder has up to date skills and knowledge of first aid and knows what action to take when children are unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through the provision of nutritious snacks. Their individual dietary needs and requirements are met through careful recording of information gained from parents. Children begin to understand the need for regular fluids as they have their drinks close by and are encouraged to drink frequently keeping them well hydrated and comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to freely take part in activities in the fresh air that promote their growth and development. They have fun in the garden as they ride on or push along wheeled toys and join in activities such as growing vegetables and flowers in the garden.

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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 and attractive play environment where space and equipment is used effectively and potential hazards are identified and minimised to help children keep safe. They have use of the downstairs dining room as a playroom and sleep in a travel cot in the front room. This enables children to move freely and develop their play and ideas in a safe environment. A good range of furniture and equipment ensures 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

Safety measures are in place to minimise hazards such as smoke alarms in working order and a fire blanket. There is a clear fire evacuation plan which is practised regularly. The required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Children are protected and their welfare is promoted because the childminder has completed training in Child Protection and has the local Safeguarding Children Board Northamptonshire procedures. Children are further protected as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. All this contributes well towards the safe level of care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, settled and enjoy a good and varied range of activities and resources which meet their individual needs well and enables children to progress appropriately. They are secure because they have excellent relationships with the childminder and their peers and develop a

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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 strong sense of belonging. Children are very confident and interact well with adults. They are very interested and engaged in a stimulating range of imaginative and worthwhile play opportunities which promote their emotional, physical, social and intellectual development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their confidence through the childminder's sensitive interactions and regular encouragement. They are listened to and their conversation is being developed through the childminder's constant encouragement and repetition of words. Children independently choose between a wide variety of toys and activities that are suitable to their age and development. They are able to explore a good range of activities such as crafts, games, puzzles and imaginative play with small world toys. They also enjoy a variety of outings and frequently socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler and childminding groups. Their care is promoted well by efficient and effective organisation which is being further enhanced by the detailed implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy physical exercise during outdoor play and visits to the local park which develops their large body skills as they play on large equipment such as wheeled toys and slide.

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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. Their needs are met well as they follow a flexible routine. Children are able to develop an awareness of equality as they play with a good range of resources reflecting diversity. This provides opportunities for children 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 understands her obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. Generally, 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 through the use of separate folders for each child with observations and photographs of activities they have been involved in. These practices ensure that children's care, welfare and development are effectively promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled in a well-organised home enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play. Space and resources are organised effectively to meet the individual needs of the children and good adult support is given. As a result children feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Children's development is further promoted as the childminder has attended a variety of training courses and has a good knowledge of the developmental needs of younger children which includes the implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Generally, records and procedures are clear and well-organised. This ensures the efficient and safe management of

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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 the provision which promotes the safety, care and well-being of the children. All this contributes well towards the effective and safe level of care of the children. Overall, the children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of the code of practice for working with children who have special needs. She is booking on to a course for Special Needs in the very near future which will further enhance her childminding practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last 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): • further develop the information included when recording accidents and incidents.

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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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