Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332065 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2006 Inspection date Ann Austen 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 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and nine in Wootten Fields area of Northampton. Local amenities are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, including toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 and is currently minding three children under five whose times vary. The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local park. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from a clean, warm and comfortable childcare environment. They are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene practices through daily routines. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. This sustains levels of hygiene and helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children's health and well-being are effectively promoted by the childminder's appropriate procedures. Procedures are in place in the event of accidents, for the administration of medication and if children are unwell. However, the childminder does not hold a first aid certificate. This compromises children's well-being in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in activities which contribute to their good health and have regular opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs. Babies are encouraged to try out their developing skills. For example, the childminder encourages babies to crawl, stand and walk. Older children have opportunities to be physically active. They develop their climbing skills, run and kick footballs as they play in the park. This helps children to develop the confidence to enjoy moving with control, using their bodies in a variety of ways. Children handle construction resources and explore activity centres. This promotes children's hand-to-eye coordination and strengthens small muscles effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are met through close cooperation between the parents and the childminder. For example, the childminder ensures that children sit around the table together and eat their packed lunch appropriately. This promotes children's healthy growth and development. Children have access to drinks throughout the day to ensure that they remain hydrated and comfortable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where risks are identified and minimised. For example, safety equipment is used according to the ages and the needs of the children attending. This enables children to explore and take risks in a safe environment. Children are beginning to learn the importance of keeping themselves safe by responding to guidelines set out by the childminder. For example, children learn what to do in the event of a fire by practising the emergency escape plan and to keep safe during outings. Children learn how to cross the road safely, and the childminder ensures that younger children are secure in their pushchairs, and have appropriate car seats when travelling in a vehicle. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's knowledge of local child protection procedures and her understanding of her responsibilities for the children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use appropriate resources, furniture and equipment which supports their play and development. They are interested in and want to play with what is available. The childminder checks the resources to ensure that they are safe and suitable for the children's individual needs.

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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. Children are happy, content and settled in the childminder's home. They independently choose from a selection of resources, building on their natural curiosity as learners. The childminder is continuing to develop the implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework for the development of very young children. However, this is not fully implemented to further enhance children's development. Children experience warm, caring relationships with the childminder who supports children's play and development. As a result children enjoy themselves and are helped to achieve. Children's language and communication skills are encouraged by the childminder, who acknowledges their gestures and sounds, pretends to talk to children on the telephone and repeats familiar words. They enjoy exploring using their senses. For example, children enthusiastically bang the drum, explore activities centres, feel the textures on the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

animal story book and watch the spinning top with fascination. Children creative development is promoted as they paint, decorate paper plates, draw and stick. They handle construction resources, complete puzzles and play board games. This promotes children's intellectual development. Children enjoy outings. For example, they visit the park and attend local toddler groups. This promotes children's social development and broadens their range of experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. There are clear routines to the day which help young children feel settled and secure. For example, sleep routines are respected. Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder, who acknowledges and cuddles the children. This increases their sense of well-being and promotes their emotional development. Children are beginning to learn about diversity through the use of resources which promote a wider view of the world. For example children handle resources which promote positive images of culture and disability such as dolls, books and puzzles. Children's behaviour is managed in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development. They receive regular praise and encouragement which helps develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder develops positive working relationships with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. A portfolio with written policies and procedures is available, and information is shared through daily discussion to ensure continuity in the children's care and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at home in the childminder's care. Space, routines and resources are organised effectively to met the children's needs. They are able to choose resources independently, as well as receiving adult support and encouragement. Children's care and welfare are safeguarded by appropriate documentation. Records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. However, the childminder has not completed the required training or completed a first aid course. This compromises children's well-being. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 by 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 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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • continue to develop the implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • complete a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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