Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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221104 Unique Reference Number 16 October 2006 Inspection date Andrea Ewer 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 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 was registered in 1995 and is registered to care for up to six children under the age of eight years. She lives with her husband and four children aged nine, 12, 14 and 16 years old. The family live in a house the Wootton area of Northamptonshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children are cared for on the ground floor of the house, which includes the playroom, downstairs cloakroom, kitchen/diner and living room. Children share access to the garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for a total of six children under the age of eight years for various hours.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 good. Children are cared for in clean and tidy premises where active steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder vigilantly maintains hygiene standards as part of daily routines and children start to understand the importance of cleanliness as they develop simple hygiene practices. They wash their hands at appropriate times and throw used tissues into covered bins after each use.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills during regular walks, visits to the park and outdoor play in the garden. They gain control of their bodies as they jump energetically on the trampoline, negotiate space successfully whilst driving in the car and run around to let off steam.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to providing well balanced meals and snacks that contribute to their healthy growth and development. They enjoy fresh fruit and apple biscuits at snack time and have access to fresh drinking water at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive appropriate care in the event of minor accidents or illness because the childminder holds an up to date first aid qualification and a well stocked first aid kit is readily available. Records, policies and procedures that support the childminder to promote children’s good health are well maintained. Information about children’s medical needs is obtained from their parents and all required records, including medicine, accident and consent for emergency medical treatment or advice are kept.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel secure in the welcoming and organised home. They become independent as they choose what to play with from the wide range of good quality toys and equipment, that are suitable for their purpose and meets children's play and enjoyment needs well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Potential hazards have been identified and effective steps taken to reduce the risk of accidents. Safety gates prevent children leaving the playroom unsupervised, smoke alarms are fitted on both floors of the house and the garden is securely enclosed and provides a suitable outdoor play area. Clear arrangements with other named registered childminders are in place to ensure children's safety in the event of an emergency. Children start to understand how to keep themselves safe during outings. Very young children are strapped safely into the buggy and older children know they must hold on to the buggy at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Overall, children are well protected from harm or neglect because the childminder has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the correct procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. She does not, however keep a record of any injuries a child arrives with which potentially compromises children's safety.

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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 good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They feel valued because the childminder spends time playing with and talking to them consistently which fosters their self-esteem positively. Children are developing friendships and regularly show care and concern towards each other.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play happily with the wide range of stimulating toys and activities that capture their interest and help them make progress. They are well supported by the childminder to share and take turns, and at times, activities are adapted to ensure all children are able to participate. For example, when colouring, younger children are offered chunky crayons rather than pencil crayons. Children purposefully act out preparing meals together, which helps them make sense of the world. They become confident with early mathematics as part of everyday activities. Children concentrate well as they enthusiastically choose the pieces of the clock puzzle and name the number, before placing it in the correct place and talk about putting two halves of the pear together to make it whole. Children start to appreciate books where they develop their early reading skills. They regularly borrow books from the local library and enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

participating in the book club. Children speak confidently with the childminder who helps to extend their language by asking questions that help them think. They talk about their home life, explaining that "daddy has a van with a ladder and a light on."

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children regularly visit toddler groups where they develop their social skills within a larger group. Their play and learning experiences are extended during regular outings to the local farm, indoor leisure centres and the supermarket where they learn about their own community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of belonging in the warm, caring environment. They share relaxed relationships with the childminder and interact confidently with her which helps them to feel valued. Children use good manners and are generally well behaved. Children know what is expected of them because the childminder implements the clear house rules consistently which contributes to them feeling secure. Overall children play co-operatively and respond well to sensitive intervention from the childminder, who uses appropriate methods such as distraction and clear explanation, to manage their behaviour. The childminder knows each child well and effectively meets their individual needs by working in partnership with parents. Information about children is shared regularly, both verbally and in the form of daily diaries, and is used to provide consistently good quality care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children start to learn about diversity as they play with a variety of resources that positively reflects themselves and people of other races, cultures and abilities such as dolls of various colours, small world toys and they dress up in traditional clothes from Portugal, India and Egypt.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although there are no children currently attending who have learning difficulties, the childminder is able to provide care which fully includes all children and could incorporate any additional care into the daily routine.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children feel at home in the organised environment where their welfare, care and safety are promoted very well. Space and resources are arranged to allow children to eat, sleep and play comfortably.

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Organisation

Children's welfare is effectively maintained because relevant checks have been carried out on all household members to ensure they are safe to work with children. The high standard of care provided to children is enhanced because the childminder continues to attend training workshops which keeps her up to date with current practice. She has recently attended training in 'Birth to three matters' and promoting young children's well-being and involvement.

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Organisation

Well written policies and procedures that underpin all aspects of the childminder's practice, provide parents with clear information about the service being provided and positive written comments from parents show that children benefit from the high standard of care being provided. Children's records are well maintained, shared with parents appropriately and support the childminder to meet children's individual needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the childminder develop her understanding of the issues involved in caring for children who have learning difficulties. The childminder has attended a training workshop and uses the information gained to ensure children who have learning difficulties receive appropriate care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 to 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 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 child protection procedures by keeping a record of existing injuries.

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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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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