Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295164 Inspection date 01 June 2005 Inspector Jan Clarke-Potter

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged 8 months and 21 months. They live close to Kettering town centre and have good access to local amenities to such as pre-schools, nurseries, and parent and toddler groups. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, including the bathroom and bedroom two, which is available to sleep minded children, on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time

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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 and is currently minding one child under five, and three children over five whose times vary. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local parent and toddler groups and takes the children to the local park on a regular basis. The family has no pets. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. Their good health is promoted by the childminder's effective procedures and practices. Through daily routines children are learning about personal care. They are developing an understanding of why they need to wash their hands after going to the toilet and this sustains high levels of hygiene and helps to encourage independence. Children enjoy a good range of activities which contribute to their good health and they have regular opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs. Children use the slide in the garden, crawl through the play tunnel and ride on wheeled toys. They have regular walks, trips to the park and join in physical activities at local parent and toddler groups, all of which promotes their physical development and good health. Children enjoy mealtimes in a relaxed atmosphere and are developing a good

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Helping children to be healthy

understanding of healthy eating. The childminder works with parents to meet children's individual food choices, and at the same time provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder encourages the children to eat fresh fruit as the fruit bowl is always available, and this promotes their healthy growth and development. Drinks are also offered on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe in an environment where risks are identified and most have been minimised. The premises, including the garden are secure and children are unable to leave unsupervised. The childminder does daily risk assessments and most documentation including a safety policy, shows that the childminder has an understanding of how to keep children safe. Although the fire evacuation plan is in place, it has not yet been practised. Consequently children do not know the procedures and what to do in an emergency evacuation. Children are protected and their health is promoted because the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. She holds a current first aid certificate. Children have access to a satisfactory range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They independently choose from a range of resources and are generally provided with a suitable range of activities to promote their development. Children enjoy playing board games with the childminder. They also enjoy being creative, making models out of dough and painting. They attend parent and toddler groups and childminding support groups in the local community, which supports their social skills. Older children are able to relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests at the end of the school day. They play on the computer, take part in creative activities, or develop physical skills when playing in the back garden or in the local park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, included and their individual needs are met. They are confident in their relationship with the childminder. This increases their sense of well-being and supports their emotional development. Children's care and welfare is promoted because the childminder follows their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. This ensures that parental wishes are respected. Children are able to select from an appropriate range of toys, equipment and activities. However resources and play activities which reflect diversity and help children appreciate each other's similarities and differences are limited. Children are well behaved and are learning to understand boundaries and what is right or wrong. They receive praise and encouragement which promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminder's home. Space, resources and equipment are organised effectively to meet the children's needs. Documentation and procedures are generally used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Information about the children's care and progress is regularly exchanged and parents views are sought. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 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): • ensure that bricks and other hazards in the back garden are made inaccessible to the children • devise and practise emergency evacuations • increase the provision and use of resources to reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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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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