Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY272298 Inspection date 22 August 2005 Inspector Mark Evans

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2003. She lives with her partner and two year old daughter. The family live in a residential area within walking distance of Kettering town centre. There is a large park directly opposite the premises. The whole of the premises are available for childminding and the childminder is registered for overnight care. The family has a pet dog, rabbits and guinea pigs that are kept in the garden. The childminder is registered to receive a maximum of 5 children under 8 years when working alone and can receive 6 children when working with another childminder.

p.2

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 She currently has 7 children under 8 years on roll. The childminder attends various drop-in and stay-and-play sessions and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They take part in regular outdoor play and engage in activities to help them develop control of their bodies and physical skills, for example, running on differing terrains and use of climbing apparatus. Choice of outside play gives children a sense of freedom and they benefit from regular exercise and fresh air. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where they use appropriate hygiene practices and learn about personal care, for example, washing their hands after toileting and brushing teeth to maintain dental hygiene. Their health is supported by the childminder's knowledge of first aid. However, there are some omissions for GP contact details and parent signatures to acknowledge recorded entries for the administration of medicines. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and are developing

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

awareness of which foods contribute towards this. They receive a good balance of meals and have some healthy options for snacks, for example fruit and savoury foods. Children have good access to drinks throughout the day ensuring that they are well hydrated and comfortable. The childminder has recorded information on any special dietary needs and preferences to ensure that the children have appropriate foods, which are in accordance with the parents' wishes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a generally safe environment, with the childminder minimising risks inside the home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. However, due to the development of a soft play surface, there are some foundation materials that are accessible to children. Children are gaining general awareness of safety, for example, knowing what to do in an emergency through involvement in evacuation practices. Children independently select activities from a satisfactory range of toys and equipment. The childminder keeps a check on the condition of the equipment, keeping it clean and safe for the children to use. She safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has most procedures in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has sound knowledge of child protection issues.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and very well settled at the childminder's house. They become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. Children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as role play and art and crafts. Children enjoy sensory experiences through use of natural materials, for example hay, peat, pine cones and play-dough. Their social development is helped by contact with other children and activities that encourage sharing and cooperation. The childminder involves herself within the children's play to support their learning. Children benefit from the childminder using the Foundation Stage guidance to plan their activities, although she does not currently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder. The

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder shows interest in what children say and do and the children talk to her about events and matters that are significant to them. Children demonstrate a sense of security with the childminder, being confident to play alone, but also to seek close interaction.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals, they are well settled and the childminder exchanges daily information with the parents to help with continuity of care. The childminder meets the children’s needs and she is very aware of their normal daily routines as discussed with their parents. Children are developing awareness and understanding of others in the wider community through access to materials that promote positive images of diversity and their involvement in activities linked to cultural festivals, for example, the Chinese New year. Children behave very well. They have cooperative attitudes and they are developing understanding of the need to share and play harmoniously. Children's self-esteem and confidence is further developed by the childminder's use of praise and encouragement. They experience stable and consistent care arrangements, with the childminder and parent establishing written agreement for business and care

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and benefit from suitable organisation of space and resources within the premises. They are able to make decisions of where to play under the supervision of the childminder. Children experience individual attention with the childminder helping them to develop positive relationships. Their welfare and continuity of care is promoted by good exchange of information, with organisation of

p.4

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 most records and written policies supporting this. However, the record of children's attendance is not fully accurate and up-to-date. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and practice developed through completion of relevant training. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder was asked to improve fire safety precautions by carrying out regular fire practices; request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and ensure that emergency contact numbers are available. There is written evidence of completing evacuation practices; written permission has been obtained for seeking any emergency medical advice or treatment and the childminder has recorded details for emergency contact.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 develop the provision for younger children's play and development, for example, by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure that the foundation materials for the soft play area are inaccessible to the children • ensure that the record of children's attendance is up-to-date and accurate and includes the name of the person providing the care • ensure that GP contact details are kept for all children and that parents sign all entries of records for administration of medication

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6