Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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221336 Unique Reference Number 27 March 2007 Inspection date Rachael Mankiewicz 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1994. She lives with her husband and five-year-old son in a village south of Northampton. There is a primary school and shops within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The living room, kitchen/diner and one bedroom on the first floor are the main areas used for childminding. Children also have access to the garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight years old. Currently she is caring for one pre-school child on a part time basis and an older child before school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds the National Nursery Education Board qualification.

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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 inadequate. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where they learn about good hygiene practices through daily routines, such as hand washing before they have their snack. They ask for their drinks and let the childminder know they are ready for their snack. Children are developing their awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet and the need for frequent fluids to keep themselves

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Helping children to be healthy

well-hydrated. Children show preferences of the different fruits and healthy snacks on offer and the childminder provides nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with the wishes of the parents. This helps to promote the children's healthy growth and development. Their health and well-being is supported by the childminder having consented arrangements for the seeking of emergency medical treatment. Although the childminder has a suitable awareness and experience of dealing with medical emergencies her current first aid certificate has lapsed and there is a potential risk to children’s health and safety.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an awareness of a healthy lifestyle as they partake in good physical activities. They actively take part in a range of indoor and outdoor play opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children have access to fresh air and exercise whenever possible. They enjoy play activities in the garden, walks and the use of large apparatus at the park and on outings further afield such as on swimming trips. Children participate in activities to encourage their co-ordination and creativity by exploring a range of crafts and artwork and by handling small toys and construction equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around safely and independently in the safe environment of the home and outdoor area and within sight of the childminder. Appropriate safety equipment is provided in the home, and all toys and equipment are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Equipment is regularly maintained by the childminder to ensure the safety and suitability for children. This helps ensure their safety and promotes their development. Children are beginning to learn how to handle tools and implements safely as they use craft tools. Procedures and good practice are in place when taking children on outings, and children benefit from learning about road, fire and water safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted and safeguarded through the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues. She has attended recent update training and has access to the latest local guidance regarding procedures for dealing with concerns. The childminder maintains appropriate written records and procedures to promote the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the care of the childminder. They move freely between the different play activities on offer, spending time playing with the toys they have chosen, and building on their concentration span with the encouragement of the childminder. Children are able to select from a wide range of toys and activities which promote their learning in different

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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 areas. For example, they enjoy imaginative play with figures and models, construction toys and a range of artwork and crafts. Children count alongside the childminder and recognise different colours. Children are able to extend their play through play in the garden and through local outings to enhance their physical skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children communicate and interact well with the childminder and the other family members present. Activities are adapted to meet the children's individual needs, interests and abilities, and the childminder uses her knowledge and experience to deliver the appropriate service. She does not currently use an approach in line with ‘Birth to three matters’ to show how the children make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder who ensures that all their individual needs are well met. They are happy to take part in the daily routine which allows time for them to play and rest. Children have easy access to play resources and activities, and they are able to choose what they do. For example, they select resources from the storage area and decide when to take a drink and a snack. Children develop their confidence and self-esteem as they make choices and decisions by selecting activities and resources and helping put away toys. They learn what is expected of them from the guidelines set by the childminder and they behave well. The childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour management and uses age-appropriate strategies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to some play resources which reflect diversity and they are developing their understanding of the wider world. They meet different children and adults when they are out and about and as they participate in other activities such as swimming. Children are learning to be kind and caring towards each other as they develop an understanding of the needs of others. The childminder has previous experience of caring for children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. All children are included in planned activities and have free access to a vast assortment of toys. She is able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress. The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents which helps the children feel confident and secure. Information is exchanged on a daily basis with parents regarding the children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

care, routines and progress. This helps to ensure continuous and consistent care for the children. However, the childminder does not have a suitable system in place for the recording and sharing of any complaints raised and therefore parents are not fully informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The children feel at home and at ease within the childminder's routines which include effectively organised time and space. As a result, they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning and have excellent opportunities to engage in a good range of activities both indoors and outdoors. The childminder effectively organises resources so that children can find their own space. The adult-child ratio positively supports children’s care, learning and play. The childminder is well aware of her responsibilities to inform Ofsted of changes to her minding situation and to ensure that all those adults having regular contact with the children are suitable to do so. The childminder is generally well organised with regard to documentation in relation to her childminding practice. The childminder is positive about her personal development but

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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 does not hold a current, valid first aid certificate, therefore children's safety in the event of a medical emergency is compromised. Overall children's needs are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that the pond was made safe or inaccessible to the children. The childminder currently supervises children at all times while the pond is being filled in to ensure the safety of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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