Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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220356 Unique Reference Number 16 May 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 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 1984. She lives with her husband in the Abington area of Northampton. Local amenities are within walking distance. A designated playroom is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are provided on the ground floor and sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. 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 four children under five whose times vary and two children under eight years before and after school. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect the children. She attends local toddler groups and takes children to the park.

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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 warm and comfortable childcare experience. They are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene practice through daily routines, in order to prevent the spread of infection. For example, children generally wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. However, this is not always sufficiently reinforced by the childminder, for example, children do not wash their hands before snack. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has up-to-date first aid knowledge, however, some of the contents of the first aid box are out of date. This compromises children's well-being in the event of an accident. Procedures are in place in the event of accidents, for the administration of medication and if children are unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are met through close cooperation between the childminder and the parents. For example, the childminder ensures that children’s individual dietary needs are acknowledged and met. Meal times are social occasions where children sit together around the table to enjoy their food, each other's company and develop good table manners. Children enjoy regular snacks and lunches such as fresh fruit, cheese and ham toasted sandwiches and pasta dishes. This promotes children's healthy growth and development. Children are able to access drinks throughout the session which ensures they remain comfortable and well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular exercise in the fresh air that promotes their good health and development. They walk to and from school, enjoy local walks and trips to soft play activity centres. Children develop the confidence to enjoy moving in a variety of ways. For example, children crawl through tunnels, bounce on the bouncy castle, jump into ball pits, manoeuvre wheeled toys, rock on the rocker and enjoy kicking footballs. Children enjoy activities which develop their hand-to-eye coordination and manual dexterity. For example, children thread pasta to make necklaces and handle tools such as scissors to cut.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. This is enhanced by photographs of the children and evidence of the children's art work. Children use a good range of accessible toys and equipment, including everyday items, that are of good quality and safe. They are busy, interested and enjoy playing with the range of resources provided. The childminder checks the resources and equipment to ensure that they are remain safe and suitable for the children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure home. Risks of accidental injury are minimised during indoor and outdoor activities because the childminder supervises the children and identifies potential hazards. The premises, including the outside play area are secure and appropriate safety measures are in place to avoid dangerous situations, for example, a safe barrier is in place on the playroom door and a fireguard prevents children having access to the fire. This enables children to move around safely. Children are beginning to learn the importance of keeping safe by responding to the guidelines set out by the childminder. For example, children learn what to do in an emergency by practising the fire escape plan, to behave sensibly on outings and to cross the road safely. Younger children are secure in their pushchairs, and children travelling in a car have appropriate car seats. The childminder ensures that children are safe in the sun by applying

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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 sun cream and encouraging the children to wear a hat. 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. The childminder has attended training to develop and underpin her knowledge of issues relating to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled in the childminder's home. This enables them to make good progress in their emotional, physical, social and intellectual development. Children are enthusiastic in their play. They confidently select resources, learning at their own pace and completing activities in their own time. Children's creative development is promoted as they draw, paint and make collage pictures using materials such as feathers, glitter, polystyrene and different textured fabrics. Children use their imagination as they make models out of construction resources and handle a range of small world resources such as the wild animals, small world figures, dolls house and garage. They enjoy role play and take on familiar family roles or those of familiar people in the community, for example, children dress up as a doctor and pretend to put a bandage around their friend's arm. Relationships are good, children are developing social

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

awareness and a growing ability to share and be cooperative. The childminder joins in the children's play, helping to extend their learning. For example, she demonstrates the purpose of the tape measure by measuring different sized shoes with the children. Children's language development is well promoted because the childminder introduces new vocabulary, repeats familiar words and uses large puppets to ask appropriate questions to encourage the children to think and respond. They complete puzzles, and learn to listen and follow instructions as they play the 'sound track' and 'tummy ache' games. Babies enjoy learning through their senses. They explore an interesting range of everyday objects and materials in the 'treasure box', and play with the activity centre. Children benefit from a range of activities outside the home. They go on local walks, feed wildlife in the park, attend toddler groups and visit the library and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

museum. This broadens children's range of experiences and social development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy a relaxed session after a busy day at school. Children participate in creative art activities, play board games and make models out of construction resources such as 'Lego' and 'K'nex'. They play outside in the garden and watch television.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel secure and develop a strong sense of belonging because they are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder who knows them well. As a result children are happy and settled. Children are encouraged to be independent and learn to take responsibility. For example, children independently select resources, help themselves to a drink and tidy away the toys. Children receive regular praise, encouragement and support which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They are beginning to learn what is expected of them, to behave well, to develop good manners and to be polite. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders to share and be kind to one another. Children begin to develop a positive view of society and the wider world as they take part in activities and use resources that reflect diversity. For example, children celebrate festivals such as the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Chinese New Year and Diwali. Children play with a good range of resources that positively reflect themselves and people of other races, cultures and abilities. They look at books, play with dolls from different cultures and handle small world figures that help children appreciate

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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 the needs of people with disabilities. The childminder has experience in caring for children with special needs. Any special requirements are discussed with parents which ensures that children's needs are recognised and met sensitively.

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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. A portfolio with written policies and procedures is available to parents and further information is posted on the play room wall. Systems are in place to exchange information about the care of the children and their achievements, including a daily diary for younger children. This ensures continuous and consistent care for the children. Parents speak positively about the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the childminder's home. Space and resources are laid out to maximize play opportunities for children. Children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning, as well as receiving a good level of adult support and encouragement. Their welfare, care and learning is promoted by a range of records, policies and procedures. Records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. Children's records and achievements are openly shared with parents and their contributions are valued. The children's care experience is enhanced because the childminder regularly updates her knowledge and skills by attending regular training. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve one aspect of her practice. Children are now able to access drinks throughout the session which ensures they remain well hydrated.

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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 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): • continue to reinforce children's personal hygiene skills in order to prevent the spread of infection, and ensure that the contents of the fist aid box are up-to-date.

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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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