Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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220525 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2007 Inspection date Rhonda Foster 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 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 has been registered since November 1995. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight. There are currently six children on roll. The childminder lives with her husband and four children aged 13, 17, 19 and 21 years, in a farm house near Towcester.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the ground floor of the house, including sleeping and toilet facilities. Children also have access to the first floor bathroom, if needed. The premises are a working farm but minded children are kept away from machinery and livestock. The childminder does, however, take children on visits to see some of the farm animals, with parental consent. The family has two dogs that are usually kept outside during minding hours. A working sheepdog is also kept in the yard but does not come into contact with minded children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable home where they learn to follow simple good health and hygiene practices. They are encouraged to understand why they need to wash their hands before and after activities, such as cooking, eating, messy play and playing outside. The childminder follows established hygiene routines, such as washing her hands before preparing food and after nappy changing. Children's health is promoted as the childminder seeks appropriate information from parents about children's individual health needs, including permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. Detailed written records of any accidents are kept and shared with parents. The childminder also gains parents' permission before administering medication to children and follows the dosage guidance. There is an adequately stocked first aid kit which is easily available. However, the childminder's first aid

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Helping children to be healthy

certificate has expired and consequently she does not have current knowledge of first aid, this puts children at risk in a medical emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met and increase their understanding of healthy living. The childminder follows parents wishes when preparing meals and snacks, taking into account children's individual dietary requirements. Children are encouraged to eat healthy foods, such as wholemeal sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables. They also have access to a drink through out the day which ensures they do not become dehydrated. The childminder raises children's awareness of how vegetables grow and takes them into the garden to plant seeds. A written nutrition policy clearly states that parents are kept informed of children's eating habits and that mealtimes are a social occasion where children sit together at the table.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a firm commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Children have daily opportunities for exercise and fresh air. They are taken on local walks around the village where they enjoy collecting conkers and acorns. All children take part in physical play in the garden and on occasions the childminder takes the children to visit the piglets, sheep and cows on the farm. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. They are able to bring their favourite comforter and snuggle down for a sleep in the pushchair or travel cot.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, where they can move around freely and independently under the childminder's close supervision. The childminder takes positive steps to minimise risk and makes regular visual checks on areas and toys. For example, a stairgate is fitted to the bottom of stairs and hazardous materials are kept out of reach of children. There are adequate fire safety precautions in place and the childminder practises the evacuation procedure with children. As a result, children know what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of toys and equipment stored in toy boxes. The comfortable lounge and large kitchen are the main play areas. In the lounge children safely play with toys on the floor or low table. In the kitchen children sit at the table for creative play activities. The environment is welcoming for children and their art work and informative posters are displayed. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe when out on local walks. The childminder ensures younger children sit in the pushchair or walk alongside her and older children know to stop at designated points on route. The childminder keeps parents

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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 informed of outings. However, she does not have written parental permission to transport children in her car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder who ensures that their protection is her first priority. She has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children and notes existing injuries that children have sustained before arriving at her home. As a result, children are fully protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled in the welcoming environment. Their art work and informative posters are attractively displayed and children enjoy measuring themselves against the wall chart to see how much they have grown. They develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder finds out about their likes and dislikes. She uses praise and encouragement as children engage in activities. For example, whilst manipulating play dough and making a play dough dinner. Children show interest in what they see and do. The childminder provides a good variety of stimulating activities and play opportunities using her sound knowledge of child development. For example, children observe duck eggs in an incubator and delight in watching chicks hatch out.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make positive relationships with the childminder and each other. The childminder is a patient and caring role model. She shows the children warmth and affection and they benefit from this. They are settled and confident and they show interest in interacting with visitors. The childminder uses many day-to-day domestic routines and activities to provide the children with a wealth of learning opportunities. For example, they count their footsteps as they march along on outings and sing nursery rhymes in the car. When children are taken on outings they learn about the natural world and the life cycle of animals and plants. For example, they enjoy collecting conkers and acorns. The childminder also takes them to visit the animals on the farm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's needs are well met and they are making good progress. The childminder reflects aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in her good practice and plans activities around the children's interests whilst ensuring that all areas of development are promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a good sense of belonging because the childminder knows them and their families well. She ensures they are all included in activities and valued. Children have built good relationships with the childminder who responds sensitively to them and respects their individual personalities. All children are able to choose an activity or toy that they would like to play and they are becoming increasingly independent. Children are learning about the wider world. The childminder discusses similarities and differences with them as they play and provides resources that reflect positive images of race and culture. For example, children look through festival books with the childminder and cook cultural dishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works closely with parents to provide individual care and has considers how to adapt activities to meet children's needs. She is willing to work with other agencies and is confident in informing parents when she is concerned about children's development.

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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 Children are well behaved and the childminder is a positive role model. She has a satisfactory understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies, such as distracting young children, explaining consequences of actions to and using time out with older children. The childminder deals with behaviour in a calm and consistent manner, she encourages self-discipline and respect for others. Children's positive behaviour is highlighted to them and praise is given. Consequently, children are learning to manage their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are able to view written information on policies and procedures when they attend introductory visits prior to placing their child. Written agreements set up with parents are clear and detailed with all legally required details. Parents receive satisfactory ongoing information about their children through daily conversations with the childminder. Children enjoy showing their parents what they have made at the childminders house and take biscuits and cakes that they have cooked home with them. The childminder has a complaints procedure which parents are able to view. However, it is not clear that parents know how to contact the regulator if they had a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises the home to provide a stimulating and child-friendly environment which promotes children's welfare and development. Space and resources are well organised to provide children with a balance of stimulating and interesting activities. Children's individual needs are met through appropriate adult to child ratios. Children benefit from individual care and attention given by the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards and her responsibility to comply with these. However, she does not display her registration certificate so that parents are made aware of the conditions of her registration. Appropriate checks have been carried out to ensure that children are cared for by suitably vetted adults. All the required documentation is well maintained and children's well-being is promoted by the organised records and procedures. For example, an accurate record of children's actual hours of attendance is maintained. However, the childminder has failed to maintain a current first aid certificate which is a breach of regulations. This is reflected in the overall judgement of satisfactory.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given three recommendations. Firstly, develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. The childminder has copy of the safeguarding booklet which she has read through. She is able to identify possible signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and knows who to contact if she had concerns about a child. Secondly, ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children are learning about the wider world. The childminder discusses similarities and differences with them as they play and provides resources that reflect positive images of race and culture. Thirdly, make sure the bolt on the bathroom door is inaccessible to children. The childminder has removed the bolt and re-positioned it at the top of the door so that it is out of reach of children. Action that has

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Improvements since the last inspection

been taken on all these issues ensures children's welfare and safety is now fully promoted.

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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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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.

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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 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 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): • maintain a current first aid certificate which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • display registration certificate so that parents are aware of conditions of registration • ensure parents have given written permission to transport their child in a vehicle • ensure parents are aware of how to make a complaint and have the contact details of the regulator.

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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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