Simpson Sonia Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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221115 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2007 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 1992. She lives with her husband and one child aged 12 years in the Wootton Fields area of Northampton. There are a number of community facilities, including schools, pre-schools, shops and recreational areas, within walking distance of the house. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding children before school and after school. The childminder takes and collects the children from local schools. The family has a pet dog.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from a clean, warm and comfortable childcare environment. They learn the importance of good hygiene practices through daily routines, and become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, children readily wash their hands after using the toilet, before meals and after stroking the dog. This sustains levels of hygiene and helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has up-to-date first aid knowledge and a well-stocked first aid box. Procedures are in place if children are unwell, in the event of accidents and for the administration of medication.

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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, children enjoy fresh fruit for their snack, and are offered drinks throughout the session. This promotes children's healthy growth and development, and ensures that children remain well hydrated and comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical development is fostered, through a range of appropriate activities both inside and outside the home. They visit activity centres where they run, jump into the ball pond, crawl through the tunnel and climb and swing on ropes. Children play bowls and ball games, and use hula hoops and skipping ropes. They skate on the roller skates and manoeuvre the scooter. This improves children’s balance, coordination and fitness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home were precautions are taken to prevent accidents. The premises, including the outdoor play area are secure and children are unable to leave them unsupervised. Safety equipment is used according to the ages and needs of the children attending, for example, a safe barrier is used to prevent children having access to the kitchen. This enables children to move around safely. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping safe by responding to the guidelines set out by the childminder. They are safely escorted on outings, for example, children travelling in a car have appropriate car seats. Children learn to stop, look and listen when they cross the road, and not to talk to strangers. Their welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's appropriate 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. However, the childminder does not always ensure that there are sufficient toys and play materials available to enable children to fully develop their emotional, intellectual, social, creative and physical skills. 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 able to relax after a busy day at school. They select resources from an accessible toy box in the lounge. Children concentrate and differentiate colours as they draw and colour the 'piggy bank', and count the number of coins with growing confidence. Younger children are encouraged to count the beads on the abacus, complete simple puzzles and thread beads. This promotes children's intellectual and mathematical skills. Relationships are good and children are developing social awareness and a growing ability to share and be co-operative. As the children play the childminder listens to and talks to the children about what they are doing. This encourages children to think and promotes their language development. Children's creative development is promoted as they paint, stick, and manipulate dough. They enjoy dancing and sing into the microphone. Children enjoy regular outings, for example, children collect autumn

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

leaves and acorns on local walks and observe horses in the fields. They visit activity centres for more challenging physical play. This broadens children's range of experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals, and are settled in the childminder's care. They are confident in their relationships with the childminder, who has a warm, caring relationship with the children. This increases their sense of belonging and promotes their emotional development. Children are beginning to develop a positive view of society and the wider world as they play with resources that reflect themselves and people of other races, cultures and abilities. Children behave and respond well to the childminder's appropriate behaviour management strategies that take into account their age and stage of development. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders to share and be kind to one another. Children receive positive praise and encouragement which builds their confidence and self-esteem. Although there are no children currently attending the setting

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with special needs the childminder is able to provide care through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care, welfare and learning are promoted because relationships with parents are open and friendly. Information is exchanged on a daily basis regarding children’s care and routines which helps to ensure continuous and consistent care for the children. However, the childminder does not have the required complaints record in place.

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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 to met the children's needs. This allows children to move freely and develop their play and ideas in a safe environment. Children are able to choose some resources independently, as well as receiving adult support and encouragement. Their care and welfare are safeguarded by appropriate documentation which is shared with parents to ensure continuity of care. Records are held securely and confidentiality is maintained. 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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop one aspect of her practice. The childminder has developed the written agreement with parents which sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, the activities provided and business arrangements. This helps to ensure continuous and consistent care for the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • ensure that there are sufficient toys and play materials available to develop children's emotional, intellectual, social, creative and physical skills • make available on request, a record of complaints made by parents.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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