Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292023 Inspection date 27 April 2005 Inspector Coral Hales

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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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and baby daughter. They live in the village of Irchester, close to local shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, toilet facilities are on the first floor. The family has a dog and three cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children, one is aged under five who attends full time and the other is aged over five and is minded after school. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and

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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 collect children. She attends a variety of local parent/toddler and pre-school groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Relationships between the baby and the childminder are close and a warm and caring environment is provided for the baby who is very happy and settled in his surroundings. The childminder provides a good range of play experiences for him and children to age three. Her good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support provides regular encouragement to the baby to attempt new tasks. He happily spent the afternoon moving around backwards trying to master the art of crawling. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. The children enjoy their meals and snacks which are provided by parents, which ensure that their dietary needs are met. The baby is changed regularly and good hygiene routines are used that reduce the risk of cross contamination. The children enjoy watching the dog which is kept healthy because the childminder follows her vet's advice in relation to vaccinations

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. The childminder gives high priority to ensuring children stay safe and to maintaining their safety outside the home. The minded children can safely move around the childminding areas and can set their own challenges because the childminder has ensured that she offers appropriate support in a safe and secure environment. Children make choices from the selection of toys offered that are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as required procedures and documents are in place to support practice. Children's safety is a high priority, for example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, and has a good understanding of her roles and responsibilities in protecting children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The baby is settled and happy in the childminder's home, and he receives lots of cuddles and has a strong and close bond with her. He socialises well with the childminder's own child and with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. He plays happily with suitable resources and enjoys planned activities that stimulate, interest and occupy him, and effectively uses his early communication

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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 skills. He develops his learning as he attempts to sing, as he listens to music and when he looks at story books, and he listens and responds well. At various toddler groups he takes part in sensory experiences such as experimenting with paint and taking part in craft activities. Children over eight who attend briefly at the end of the school day have suitable resources and activities provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and their individual needs are discussed with the parents to ensure continuity of care. The baby explores his surroundings and plays happily alongside the caring and attentive childminder who is helping to meet his emotional and social needs. The baby is happy in his normal routine which helps him to be settled. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest such as the local country park, as well as routine outings to the library and local groups. They are beginning to learn about the wider world although resources to support their learning in this area are limited. Children's progress and daily routine is written into a diary for the children aged under two to share with the parents. This effectively keeps them well informed about their child's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and settled in the homely surroundings. Their welfare, care and learning is well promoted and supported by policies and procedures and required documentation is made available for inspection. Children's individual needs are acted upon and activities and outings are planned which also allow their own routines to be followed. Children can play and rest when they wish, and confidently move around freely and enjoy using the good selection of well organised resources. Examples of the younger children's day is written in a journal and for the older children daily conversations ensure that parents are kept fully informed about the level of care their child receives and to ensure continuity of care. The childminder has completed all required training and is a member of the National Childminding Association, which enhances her practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all children who

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Complaints 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 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): • Develop your play materials to reflect positive images of diversity.

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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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