Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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220762 Unique Reference Number 23 October 2007 Inspection date Sarah Measures 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 registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and 15 year old daughter in Kettering, Northamptonshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for up to six children at any one time. She currently cares for 11 children all with varied, part-time arrangements during term time and school holidays. The childminder either walks or uses her car to take and collect children from local schools, pre-schools and nurseries. The childminder attends a local childminding group and a carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She a member of the National Childminding Association, and is part of an approved childminding network within Kettering.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and hygienic minding home. Their good health is effectively promoted because the childminder has completed food safety training and she follows careful

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 hygiene routines when changing nappies. The childminder works well with parents to ensure children's health and dietary needs are met. The needs of babies and young children are effectively met because the childminder had a good knowledge of their home routines and works hard to ensure these are considered within the setting. Children usually bring a packed lunch to the setting, although the childminder does offer healthy snacks and home cooked meals in order to offer a balanced and nutritious diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular outdoor exercise because the childminder takes care to ensure they play outside in the garden or go on a walk within the local area at least once a day. Children are well protected in the event of an accident or emergency because clear systems are in place to record accidents and injuries that are signed by parents, and because there is written consent for the childminder to seek any necessary emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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 safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment that is well organised to promote their independence and to ensure they feel welcome. Children have good play space and are able to rest and take part in activities at the table as they wish. They freely choose from a range of good quality toys, books and games that promote their developmental needs in fun an interesting ways. Good quality and safe equipment is available to meet the developmental needs of babies and very young children who choose from a wide range of physical and sensory toys. The premises have been carefully risk assessed to ensure no hazards are accessible to children, although safety barriers are not present at the top and bottom of the stairs in order to ensure the youngest children are fully protected now they are becoming mobile.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected when out of the home because the childminder has a range of good quality car seats and because she teaches them about road safety and keeps children close by when they are out walking. Children are well protected in the event of a fire because the childminder practises regular fire escapes with them. Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder is secure in her knowledge of child protection issues and is confident she would identify any difficulties children may be experiencing because she knows them so well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and at home because they have close relationships with the childminder who offers them good support and encouragement as they play. The childminder helps children to feel at home as she interacts with them in a kind and caring way and ensures they are able to choose from a good range of indoor and outdoor activities. Children are happy and relaxed as they use the computer, search for insects in the garden, use the books and games available or choose to take part in creative and colouring activities. Children show pride in their achievements as they show off the individual folders of drawings they have completed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Varied activities are offered to children to give them a range of experiences in and out of the home. For example, children are currently enjoying planning for a Halloween party and during school holidays they visit fun and exciting and outdoor play centres, farms and parks. Babies and young children are effectively stimulated and learn to be effective communicators as the

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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 childminder sensitively acknowledges their early attempts at communication and involves them in singing activities and stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a keen sense of belonging because they are valued as individuals and because the childminder gets to know them well. Equality of opportunity for children is well promoted because a very good range of toys, books and games that represent a diverse society is included within their play environment. Children also enjoy varied cultural foods that are well included within menus planned. Although there are no children currently in attendance who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities the childminder has experience of working with children with a range of special needs outside of the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved because they feel so secure. They learn very good responsible behaviours because the childminder gently encourages them to think about the consequences of the actions and what is fair. Older children are particularly encouraging and considerate of the younger children as they help them to take part in the more challenging activities. Effective systems are in place to promote professional working relationships with parents in order to ensure continuity of children's care. For example, good information is shared with new parents and ongoing verbal and written communications ensure parents are kept up to date with children's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Policies and procedures effectively promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and their ability to make a positive contribution. The childminder has been registered several years and offers children experienced care. She attends local training opportunities in order to enhance the quality of care offered to children and to keep up to date with relevant childcare issues. Children are well protected in the event of an accident because the childminder endeavours to keep her first aid training up to date.

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Organisation

The premises is well organised to meet children's needs and routines are well established in order for children to feel secure. All children that attend have been minded for some time which has enabled them to develop a secure sense of belonging within the setting. Systems for keeping children's records are clear and used efficiently to promote children's welfare. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that children have an appropriate range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. There is now a very good range of resources available to 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 to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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 The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see upon 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): • make sure children have safe access to the stairs at all times.

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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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