Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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220864 Unique Reference Number 19 January 2007 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 has been registered since 1983. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children for various hours and days.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and son in a house in Northampton. Care is provided on the ground floor which includes the living room, dining room kitchen, and downstairs cloakroom. Children share access to the garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is working towards becoming a quality assured childminder with the National Childminding Association Quality First scheme.

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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 a clean and tidy home. They learn the importance of good hygiene as the childminder maintains standards throughout the day. For example the table is cleaned after craft activities and before meals and the childminder explains that this is to clean the germs away. Children start to take responsibility for their own personal care as part of everyday routines, such as, washing their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Nappy changing routines effectively prevent the spread of infection. The childminder uses disposable gloves and changing mats are cleaned after each use.

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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 easily accessible. All required records relating to children's health, including medicine and accident records, care in the sun policy and written consent for emergency medical treatment or advice, are well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy, nutritious snacks, that take account of their medical, religious or cultural requirements as well as any personal likes and dislikes. For example, children enjoy crisps and raisins with a drink. The childminder ensures she is kept well informed about the specific needs of children on special diets through regular discussions with their parents. This ensures their dietary needs continue to be met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities for regular fresh air and exercise. They often stop to play in the park during walks to and from school where they develop increased coordination as they use large apparatus and let off steam by running around. Children ride on wheeled toys in the garden and during visits to toddler groups. This helps children develop their large muscles and increased control of their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Overall, children play safely in the well organised home. Attractive displays of their craft activities in the 'art gallery', posters and displays of the words to nursery rhymes, help children develop a strong sense of belonging. Children develop their independence as they choose from a very good range of toys and activities that are easily accessible, and meets their play and development needs very well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective measures are in place that promote children's safety and welfare. Children know which areas of the house they can play in and are prevented from accessing some areas of the house unsupervised by safety gates. Smoke alarms are fitted on both floors of the house and harmful cleaning materials are inaccessible. Children learn about keeping safe during outings. They hold onto the buggy and the childminder talks to children about crossing the road safely.

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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 Children are well protected from harm or neglect because the childminder has sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the correct procedure to follow if she has concerns a child may be being harmed. The written child protection policy is implemented effectively and shared with all parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder where they benefit from a warm, caring environment. Children receive effective support from the childminder who plans and provides stimulating activities that meets their physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs well. They build on their social skills during regular visits to groups for children under five years, where they learn to interact in larger groups, share and take turns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children purposefully stick various materials on to paper to make a picture for mummy and one for the childminder. They listen with interest to stories where they join in by responding to questions and comments made by the childminder that helps them relate to the story. This helps children extend their language and listening skills. Children enthusiastically join in songs and rhymes where they start to understand simple calculation. They happily sing along to 'five little men in a flying saucer' and 'five little monkeys jumping on the bed' whilst wearing finger puppets to represent the characters in the songs. Older children count confidently, recognise groups of numbers and use mathematical language, such as, one less.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three years benefit from a suitable range of toys and activities that helps them develop new skills and build on skills they already have. They make their own collages with appropriate support from the childminder who explains that they spread the glue on the paper then stick the materials on top. This helps children to develop their small muscles and start to express themselves creatively. Progress records based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework are shared with parents and gives a clear picture of what stage children are at. This helps the childminder provide suitable activities that meet younger children's play and development needs effectively. Children attempt to complete inset puzzles, play happily with musical instruments and become excited as each animal pops up when they press buttons on the pop up toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children feel secure and their individual needs are met well because the childminder and parents work effectively in partnership. Information about children is shared regularly which ensures they receive consistent care. 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 requirements into the daily routine. She has attended training workshops and shares her observations about children with their parents. This ensures appropriate action is taken for children who have learning difficulties and their individual needs are met.

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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 Children have access to a very good range of toys and activities that positively represent themselves and people of other cultures, religions, beliefs and abilities which helps them appreciate diversity. They include dolls, hand and finger puppets of various colours some in traditional dress, puzzles, books and small world people, some of whom have a disability. Children enjoy taking travelling Ted with them on their holidays. This provides an effective link between the childminder's and their own home, and helps children learn about their own and other countries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from warm and friendly interaction with the childminder who spends time playing with and talking to them. They behave very well because the childminder uses effective strategies that takes account of their age and level of maturity. Children are gently reminded to use good manners, share and take turns and are regularly praised for their achievements. Children understand what is expected of them, and have fun in the stimulating environment that meets their play and enjoyment needs very well.

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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 secure in the generally well organised environment where the daily routine meets their individual needs for rest and active play. Overall, good use is made of space and resources, enabling children to participate comfortably in a wide range of activities. Occasionally, there is too much equipment in the available space which reduces the space for children to play comfortably.

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Organisation

Children's safety and welfare are safeguarded well. Relevant checks have been carried out on all household members to ensure their suitability to be in regular contact with young children and children are supervised by the childminder at all times. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to providing good quality care. She continues to attend training workshops that enhance her skills and knowledge. For example she has recently attended training in 'Working with Children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder', 'Birth to three matters' guidance and 'Adapting your Resources to include all Children'. This supports the childminder to meet the needs of children who have or may have learning difficulties and those under three years of age more effectively.

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Organisation

Good quality documentation which enables the childminder to provide appropriate care is well maintained. Written policies and procedures, and children's records are kept up-to-date and shared with parents appropriately. This strengthens the partnership with parents and keeps them informed of the service being provided which promotes children's welfare positively.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care inspection recommended that the childminder ensure keys for the front door are easily accessible and develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. Children's safety is now promoted more effectively because the keys for the front door are kept on a nearby hook which ensures they are easily accessible if they have to evacuate the home in an emergency. The childminder has developed her knowledge of child protection

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Improvements 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 procedures by obtaining and reading through Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures and attending a refresher child protection workshop. This ensures children's welfare is promoted and they are protected from harm or neglect.

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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. 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 the organisation of space to meet children's needs more effectively.

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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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