Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY294536 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Andrea Ewer

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since October 2004. She lives with her husband and 8 month old son in the Grange Park area of Northamptonshire. Grange Park Primary School, and local amenities including parks and shops are within walking distance. Care is provided in the living room and dining area and children have access to the fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children under the age of 8 years. She is

p.2

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 currently caring for 2 children under 8 years after school and at times during school holidays. She drives to Blisworth Primary School to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, tidy home. They confidently practice good hygiene as part of every day routines, for example they understand they must wash their hands before and after eating. Children's health is promoted well because the childminder uses information provided by parents to plan and provide well balanced, healthy meals and snacks that take account of children's individual dietary needs. Food is well presented and includes fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Children are effectively involved in maintaining their good health because the childminder talks to them about healthy eating, which encourages them to eat and enjoy all their meals. For example the childminder asks if children want plain mashed potato or carrot mashed potato, and adds intrigue as children try to work out how carrot mashed potato is made. Children are beginning to understand their own needs, for

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

example they ask to open the patio doors because it's too hot. Children enjoy fresh air and develop good co-ordination and control of their bodies as they regularly participate in physical exercise. They play happily in the garden and regularly visit the park on the way from school to walk, climb on climbing frames and run around.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe because the childminder supervises them closely, and her home is well organised. Potential hazards have been identified, and appropriate measures put in place to prevent accidents. For example the safety gate fitted at the bottom of the stairs prevents children using the stairs unsupervised, and the catches on the cupboard doors and drawers in the kitchen ensure children cannot access harmful cleaners and sharp cooking utensils. Older children understand the rules that keep them all safe, including closing the toy cupboard doors so that younger children cannot access toys with small pieces. Children are able to choose freely from the good range of readily accessible and age appropriate toys and games. They are protected from harm and neglect as the childminder has secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She understands the correct procedure to follow

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled as they make themselves at home. They enter the

p.3

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 home confidently and settle quickly. Children are relaxed and have fun with the childminder because of her friendly approach. They generally feel valued because the childminder talks to them about their interests and shares information about herself, such as telling them she is going to the seaside at the weekend. However, there are occasions when children's suggestions are not acted upon. Children have good opportunities to make choices. They decide for themselves what to play with from the wide range of stimulating resources, whether to quietly watch children's programmes on television, or play in the garden. They show good levels of concentration as they play board games with the childminder. Their play and learning are well supported as the childminder sounds out words to help them learn letters

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and read names during board games. Children giggle as the childminder asks 'silly' questions about the characters in the game to help them think. They develop new skills as they help the childminder prepare meals and wash up afterwards. Children form positive relationships with the childminder and each other. They enjoy the childminders company as she makes sure they are all included. For example, as she plays a board game with an older child, the childminder talks to and smiles at the baby. Children develop caring relationships with each other, as the older children show concern for the baby, and are careful when playing around him.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have warm and friendly relationships with the childminder and each other. They have a strong sense of belonging, and are confident enough to make their needs known, because the childminder values them and meets their individual needs effectively. Children have good opportunities to make choices about things that affect them, for example, what to have for meals, and what to play with. They learn about the wider world through toys that show images of diversity, and general discussions. For example, the childminder uses a map of the world to promote conversations about other countries. Children are well behaved and very polite. They ask to be excused from the table after meals and say please and thank you appropriately, because they understand what is expected of them. Children's welfare is promoted effectively because the childminder welcomes parents into her home and takes

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

account of their wishes for the care their child receives. For example, some parents prefer their child to have vegetables with all main meals, and the childminder ensures this happens. The childminder and parents communicate effectively to ensure children are cared for appropriately.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation is good. The welfare, care and learning of all children is promoted well because of the childminder's organised approach. The home is arranged to allow children to play safely, and they are secure because they are familiar with everyday routines and have a good relationship with the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder's continued commitment to updating her skills and knowledge through further training. Clearly written policies and procedures contained in an attractive

p.4

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 portfolio, are shared with parents and used effectively to keep them informed about the service, and to ensure consistent care is provided. For example, parents understand they must inform the childminder who is collecting their child in order to ensure they are safe. Overall the needs of all children are met.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the range of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5