Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY263926 Inspection date 26 May 2005 Inspector Coral Hales

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2003. She lives with her cousin in a house in the Duston area of Northampton. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, this includes toilet facilities. Bedroom three is available to sleep younger children and for any child who is minded overnight. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and two children after school or in the school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children, and

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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 visits local shops and pre-school groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a generally clean home. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene through regular daily routine activities. They are developing their understanding of why they need to wash their hands after using the toilet and why they need to use tissues. Children are provided with a variety of home cooked meals and snacks. These comply with all special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy and follow parental wishes. This promotes their healthy growth and development. Children are offered drinks throughout the day, especially the younger children who are unable to ask for one. Children enjoy the benefit of fresh air as they walk around the locality and to and from the school. They enjoy playing in the garden using the selection of outdoor toys and equipment, including wheeled toys. This helps them to develop control of their bodies. Younger children are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. They learn about the importance of keeping safe as they practise fire evacuations for example, and safe roadside procedures as they walk to and from school and around the local area. The premises are secure and children are unable to leave them unsupervised. Children are protected from hazards by effective safety measures which are in place and this enables children to move around freely between the different rooms and make choices from the range of safe and appropriate toys and resources. Children are well protected by the childminder who has a working knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, and she holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminders care, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Younger children have a strong bond with the childminder and are confident to choose what to play with from the selection of resources and toys. Children look at books for enjoyment, and chat happily about what they see. They are listened to and

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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 encouraged to make choices and their vocabulary is developing as they begin to learn new words. Children under three are generally stimulated appropriately, however a greater understanding of the needs of children that age, on the part of the childminder, would enable babies and children under three to make more use of their senses and creative abilities. The older children who attend at the end of the day have suitable resources and activities provided and have the opportunity both to rest and play as they choose.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Parents' views about their children's needs and interests are sought by the childminder and information is regularly exchanged. This means that children receive consistent care in line with parental wishes and ensures that children's individual needs are met. The children are happy in their daily routines and play alongside the childminder who is helping to meet their emotional and social needs. Children select from the resources and make independent choices in their play including more plentiful resources that promote positive images of diversity. Children behave generally well and the younger children are learning to share and co-operate with one another. They receive regular praise and encouragement which increases their confidence and promotes self esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space, resources and equipment are organised effectively to meet the children's needs. Children's welfare, care and learning is well promoted and supported by policies and procedures and required documentation which is made available for inspection. Children's individual needs are acted upon and activities and outings are planned which also allow children's routines to be followed. They can play and rest when they wish and move around freely using the selection of resources available. The childminder has now completed all required training and has a working knowledge of the National Standards which further enhances her understanding of meeting children's needs. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has attended required training which has further developed her practice. This knowledge and understanding of how to promote the care and learning of children has enabled her to develop appropriate records, policies and procedures, and to ensure children's safety is maintained at all times.

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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

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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): • improve your knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under three, for example, through the use of the Birth to three framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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