Childminder in North NorthamptonshireOfsted inspection, 4 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293797 Inspection date 04 August 2005 Inspector Mark Evans

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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 satisfactory. 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 first registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and 2 children, aged 9 years and 14 years, in a house in a residential area of the town of Kettering. This is within walking distance of the local schools and amenities. Children have access to the ground floor, including the lounge, dining area, hallway, bathroom and kitchen. There is a small garden to the rear of the premises for children's physical play and activities. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children under 8 years at any one time and currently has 1 child under 8 years on roll. She is a member of the

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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 National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy some activities, which contribute to their good health. They take part in regular outdoor play and engage in activities to help them develop physical skills. Opportunities for outside play gives children a sense of freedom and interest in the natural environment. They benefit from the associated exercise and fresh air. Children are cared for in a welcoming home where they use appropriate hygiene practices, which helps them to gain awareness of personal care, for example, washing hands after toileting. Their health is supported by the childminder's knowledge of first aid and the arrangements for emergency medical treatment, however, there are some omissions for the recording of accidents. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They have a satisfactory range of foods which includes some healthy options, for example, having fruit. Children have regular drinks and can have drinking water and juices throughout the

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Helping children to be healthy

day ensuring that they are well-hydrated and comfortable. The childminder gains information on any dietary needs and children's preferences to ensure that they have foods that are in accordance with the parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a generally safe environment, which allows children to move around independently. However, some risks that are not minimised, which decrease the levels of safety for children. A secure garden area gives children the opportunity to play outdoors freely. Children are gaining general awareness of safety and what to do in an emergency, for example, taking part in evacuation practices. Children are able to request types of activities and resources, however, restricted access to toys and books means that they are not able to independently select from these. The childminder keeps a check on the condition of the equipment, keeping it clean and safe for the children to use. Children benefit from use of comfortable furniture and care resources. She safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has most procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

current first aid certificate and has a adequate knowledge of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and very well settled at the childminder's house. They learn to

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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 share and take turns as they play games and interact within activities, which helps with their social development. Children spend their time purposefully, although the range of activities is limited with regard to children's role play and use of natural materials. This means that the choices of play do not fully support the developmental needs of the children. Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder, who shows interest in what they say and do. The childminder supports children's play and learning by her involvement in some of the activities. Children demonstrate a sense of security with the childminder, being confident to play alone, but also to seek close interaction. They talk to the childminder about matters that are significant to them and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder is effective in exchanging daily information with the parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder meets the children’s needs well having discussed and established this with the parents. Children’s awareness and understanding of others in the wider community is limited by having few resources and meaningful activities that promote positive images of diversity. Children behave very well. They have co-operative attitudes and understand the need to share and play harmoniously. Older children support younger children in their play, showing care and respect for others. Children's self-esteem and confidence is further developed by the childminder's use of praise and encouragement. They experience stable and consistent care arrangements, with the childminder and parent securing agreement for business and care aspects.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and benefit from having suitable play space within the premises. They are able to make some decisions of where to play under the supervision of the childminder. Children experience close attention with the childminder, helping them develop positive relationships. Children's welfare and continuity of care is promoted by effective exchange of information between childminder and parents, with most documentation being in satisfactory order. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements 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 satisfactory. 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): • organise resources so that they are readily accessible to children and develop the range of resources and activities to fully support the developmental needs of the children • ensure that a record is maintained for all accidents/incidents • ensure that any hazardous items in kitchen area are inaccessible to the children; keep the water butt safe or inaccessible; make the premises secure so that children cannot leave unsupervised and provide a smoke alarm on the first floor • develop the range of resources and activities to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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