Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

220343 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Diane Mary O'Neill Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 was registered in 1990. She lives with her daughter aged 17, in an area close to the centre of Northampton. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one two-year-old full time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She runs a parent and toddler group and also takes children to the local library and the nearby park. The family has a pet budgerigar.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn simple health and hygiene practices from the childminder, who ensures that the premises and toys are clean and safe for children to use. The childminder further supports the children in their learning by regularly washing their hands before and after meals, as well as

p.2

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 after using the toilet. The childminder makes nappy changing time quite fun as she talks about the pictures on the children’s nappies such as bears, horses and cows.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health and well-being is potentially at risk as the childminder does not hold a current first aid qualification. However, she is a qualified nurse and uses her expertise to ensure sufficient medical supplies are available within her first aid box and all administration for accidental injuries and medication is well-recorded. The childminder takes further steps to protect children's health and welfare by having a clear and concise sickness policy and procedure in place that outline exclusion periods to protect children in her care.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses children's dietary requirements with the parents, however, most of the children attending have their meals supplied by their parents. The children have opportunities through the creative activities they do at the local toddler groups to learn about healthy eating.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have appropriate opportunities to participate in a range of physical activities outside the childminder’s home. They are taken on trips to the local parks where they have the chance to play with a variety of physical equipment. This contributes effectively to the promotion of their health and well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and reasonably safe environment. The childminder has identified and successfully minimised the risk to children by the regular checking of equipment, toys and premises. The children are fully aware of what they may or may not touch in the childminder’s home as part of the house rules. Children also learn about being safe when evacuating a building as the childminder practises this on a regular basis.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use the sitting room which is the main play area. This enables them to access the suitable range of play materials which meets their needs and stages of learning and development. For example, the children play with shape sorters, dolls, stacking rings and books. The childminder takes the children out to the park, local toddler groups and to visit friends which enables them to take part in other activities.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a suitable awareness of her responsibility to protect children in her care. She knows how to record and report concerns in line with local Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures. However, she does not ensure her guidance is up-to-date, especially the Department of Health booklet ‘What to do if you're worried a child is being abused’ – summary, therefore, there is the potential for children to not be fully protected.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a positive commitment to her practice. This ensures children have a good opportunity to play and learn in a stimulating and generally challenging environment. The childminder describes the varied routine that ensures children have suitable opportunities for free play, organised activities and outdoor play. The play materials and resources are set out in an inviting manner, which enables the children to make their own free choices about the toys they wish to play with. For example, puzzles, bricks, books, soft toys, and shape sorters.

p.3

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 The childminder described the various activities that the children take part in when attending the local toddler groups, or going on trips to the park so their learning opportunities are varied. For example, being involved in art and craft activities, socialising with other children and having access to large play equipment which benefits developing their various skills.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates that children are valued and respected as individuals. She makes sure that she is aware of their individual needs and is able to meet these. For example, there is a daily routine which allows children time to play, have meals and snacks and have rest according to their needs. The children learn about right and wrong, sharing and being polite to one another. This is achieved as the childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour management and uses age-appropriate strategies.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about diversity in their world. This is achieved through them seeing people when they are out and about with the childminder as she lives in an area with a diverse population. Children have opportunities to expand their learning through the topics and projects they take part in when they attend the local toddler groups and when playing with some of the resources that the childminder has. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she is, through her nursing training, aware of children’s varying needs and would happily include and support any child in her care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder spoke about the positive relationship she has developed with parents. There are suitable opportunities for each parent to have time to discuss their child’s progress which helps to keep them suitably informed about their child’s day. The parents can also record in the daily communication book which is used by them and the childminder for the sharing of information. There is a suitable system in place for the sharing and recording of any concerns a parent may have.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Although the childminder delivers most aspects of her care and attention well with children, she has not renewed her first aid certificate and some of her child protection guidance is out of date, therefore there is the possibility that children’s safety and welfare is compromised.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder supports the children well in their play and learning through having a variety of play materials for them. Their play and learning is further developed as the childminder takes them out to the local toddler groups where they get the opportunity to play with different toys and socialise with other children.

p.4

Organisation

Most of the childminder’s documentation supports her in the care and welfare of children. The childminder openly shares information with parents to keep them fully informed about the care of their children. The childminder is aware of ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and uses this in an informal manner to organise the planning of activities and play experiences for the children. Overall children’s needs are met.

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues including Northamptonshire Child Protection Committee procedures. The childminder went and sought advice from the local hospital and has spoken to a social worker, so is aware of procedures to follow. However she needs to ensure she has up-to-date guidance to fully protect children in her care.

p.5

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.

p.5

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 to Ofsted.

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): • ensure all child protection information is up-to-date including obtaining the Department of Health booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused'- summary • ensure up-to-date training in first aid for babies and young children is maintained.

p.5

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

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.5