Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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257341 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2007 Inspection date Melanie Eastwell 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 outstanding. 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom is an adult and the other is aged seven in Wootton, Northampton. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children who attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay healthy because excellent routines are in place to maintain a healthy environment. The childminder ensures that she maintains high standards of hygiene through practices such as cleaning the floors twice each day and following secure procedures when changing nappies to protect babies from cross-infection. Children are learning about the benefits of good personal hygiene because the childminder shows a good example and talks to them about germs. They have individual hand towels and toothbrushes in the bathroom and can access soap and wipes

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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 independently. Children who have accidents are managed sensitively, effectively and promptly because a well-stocked first aid kit is kept in an accessible place in the play room and in the car for use during outings. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and detailed accident records are in place which are signed by parents. Children's physical skills are actively promoted by the childminder who ensures they enjoy fresh air each day. They play in the garden which has space to run around and equipment to promote skills such as pedalling, balancing and hand and eye co-ordination. Children enjoy going for walks to the park which has large play equipment to promote balancing and climbing skills. Babies are able to explore their environment and can crawl around freely. The childminder provides them with equipment to

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide variety of healthy snacks provided by the childminder. They are provided with appropriate food for the season such as soup, crumpets and hot chocolate when they come home from school. Children begin to learn about healthy choices because the childminder talks to them and always offers a wide selection of fruit. They take part in baking activities that encourage healthy choices such as making pizzas and choosing from a variety of toppings. Children do not become thirsty because they are provided with drinks regularly throughout the day. They drink water or milk and older children are encouraged to help themselves to drinks as they wish. Babies and toddlers meals are provided by their parents. The childminder discusses children's dietary needs in detail with their parents and follows individual patterns for babies feeds. The childminder ensures that all food is stored at the correct temperature and is

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Helping children to be healthy

thoroughly re-heated and allowed to cool to prevent ill health. Children benefit from the childminder's involvement in the 'Northamptonshire Heartbeat Award' which promotes healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety is given the highest priority by the childminder who is proactive to identify and minimise any risks. Daily checks are made before children arrive to ensure that all safety measures are in place and the childminder has detailed risk assessments in place which are regularly updated. Sleeping babies are safe because a travel cot is used in the living room and the childminder makes regular checks. Children have access to an abundance of play materials which are safe, suitable and cover all areas of development. They benefit from the dedicated play room because they can self-select lots of activities such as books, threading and puzzles from low-level units. Babies enthusiastically explore the contents of the open fabric boxes and older children choose their own puzzles and books. Children benefit greatly because the childminder has planned the available space carefully. For example, the outdoor play space has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

been laid with an all weather 'grass' surface to ensure that children can enjoy outside play all year round without getting muddy. The childminder has a dedicated play room which beautifully displays lots of play materials and has space for children to sit together to eat. The childminder sets up a range of play materials in the living room before children arrive. This provides children with a wide range of activities that are suitable for their ages and promotes free choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe during outings because the childminder has highly effective procedures in place such as having wrist bands the children wear with contact numbers recorded on them. Children are learning about road safety because the childminder talks to them about stopping, looking and listening for traffic. Children understand the boundaries for safety such as walking on the inside of the pavement and how far ahead they can walk. Children are learning to protect themselves through discussion with the childminder about not talking to strangers or approaching dogs while in the park. Regular emergency evacuation drills are in place and the

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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 older children understand the procedure to follow. Children learn about fire drills because the childminder uses opportunities that arise. For example, if a fire engine is seen during a walk, the childminder talks to the children about the firefighters' role and extends this by carrying out a fire drill on their return home. This helps children to learn about the procedures for safety. Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder fully understands her role and responsibility to record and report all child protection concerns according to the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. She has attended further training in safeguarding children and is aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality when managing such issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy attending this vibrant and welcoming setting. They demonstrate that they are happy and relaxed because they move freely between their chosen activities. The childminder knows them very well and is skilled at providing a stimulating and fun range of activities that fully support their interests and abilities. This ensures that children's individual needs are effectively met. Children are confident in the childminder's home and willingly approach her for comfort and reassurance which is willingly given by the childminder. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's involvement in their games because she gives high quality interaction through her words, facial expressions and gestures. For example, she sits on the floor and smiles at the children giving them encouragement to try to succeed when manipulating puzzle pieces. Children respond to the constant praise and encouragement from the childminder which

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encourages them to try new experiences and to overcome anxiety when separating from their parents. Younger children's learning is encouraged because the childminder has a very good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and she uses this very effectively to plan and provide a great range of activities to help them succeed. Their achievements are recorded using written observations, samples of their art work and photographs. Babies are encouraged to explore and be curious. They find out about texture and colour through seeing and touching a range of exciting play materials. They benefit from the childminder's skills in engaging them with facial expressions and songs. They respond by giggling and smiling at the childminder which promotes their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of interesting and imaginative art and craft activities, they make seasonal items and cards for birthdays and other celebrations. The childminder provides them with a creative selection of items which encourages free expression. Children learn about the weather. During a snowy day the childminder gives them a sheet of black paper to take outside. They look with wonder at the different shapes of snowflakes that land on the paper. They enjoy looking at books that they choose themselves and take to the childminder who reads the story and talks to them about the pictures which extends children's vocabulary. The childminder is highly skilled at managing children's individual needs and divides her time efficiently between them which promotes a harmonious atmosphere that is highly beneficial to children's well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are treated as individuals and with respect in this high quality setting. They demonstrate a clear sense of belonging and are confident to approach the childminder to ask for items they want. The childminder is extremely efficient at meeting children's individual needs and effectively divides her time which ensures they all receive sufficient one to one attention. All children are

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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 involved in art and craft activities. The childminder successfully adapts the activity according to children's ages and abilities. Children are valued. For example, displays of their work are on the walls and they proudly show their achievements in photographs. Children are learning about the wider world because the childminder is confident to talk to them and to answer any questions they have about people who are different to themselves. They have access to a great range of resources and play materials that show positive images of and celebrate diversity. For example, a poster displaying the flags of the world, books, dolls and dressing-up clothes. Children enjoy becoming involved in celebrating festivals such as Diwali, Halloween and Christmas. The childminder carries out thorough research beforehand to ensure that activities are meaningful

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to the children and that they understand the purpose and story behind the celebration. All children are welcomed by the childminder following thorough discussion with their parents to ensure that any special needs can be met effectively. The childminder is keen to enhance her skills and has an interest in learning Makaton sign language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They are provided with enthusiastic interaction and a range of stimulating activities which helps to minimise behaviour issues. Children benefit from the significant praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder for their efforts and achievements which develops self-esteem and confidence. Children are encouraged to share and the childminder uses distraction to great effect with younger children. Older children understand the expectations for behaviour and respond to the childminder's gentle reminders to be careful and to consider the effect of their actions and words on other people because she talks to them and ensures she listens to their opinions and thoughts. Children benefit from the highly positive relationship between their parents and the childminder. Parents are given verbal and written feedback each day about the activities their child has enjoyed and for babies

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Helping children make a positive contribution

this includes information on sleep times, food intake and nappy changes. This relationship, the childminder's friendly, welcoming and highly organised approach, ensures that children receive consistent, individual care that follows parental wishes. Parents are kept informed about their child's progress through the daily communication books which include photographs, the information recorded through the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the notice boards that contain information about the daily and weekly events. The childminder has devised a system to record any complaints that may arise from parents relating to the National Standards.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Outcomes for children are excellent. The childminder is accomplished at providing a warm, welcoming environment for children that promotes their care, well-being and development. She ensures that effective lines of communication are built with parents to provide high levels of individual care and attention. Effective use is made of the available space and children benefit from the alterations made to the garden and the dedicated play room. The childminder has exemplary documentation which is well organised and kept up to date. The written policies and procedures are clearly reflected in her daily activity with children and she is keen to keep her knowledge up to date. She attends lots of training courses and workshops that enhance her practice with children.

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Organisation

The childminder is an active member of the Northamptonshire Childminding Association and finds the support from other childminders and the development worker, invaluable. She works as a link childminder to support newly registered childminding provisions and has completed the National Childminding Association's 'Children Come First' accreditation scheme. She regularly reviews and evaluates her practice through self-evaluation to ensure she is working efficiently.

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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 The childminder is clearly committed to providing children with a safe environment where they can flourish in their development. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to increase her knowledge of the code of practice for children who have special needs. The childminder has developed a knowledge of this document and has increased the play provision and resources that show positive images of special needs and disabilities that the children can freely access and which promote lots of discussion. The action taken enhances the childminder's and children's awareness of disability and special needs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 01 April 2004 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 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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