Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 220863 Inspection date 15 August 2005 Inspector Andrea Ewer

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1990. She lives with her family, who include her 2 children aged 15 and 17 years old in a house in the Kingsthorpe area of Northampton. There are parks, shops and schools within walking distance. Care is provided on the ground floor of the house including the playroom, living room, kitchen and downstairs toilet. Children also have access to the fully enclosed garden at the back of the house. The childminder is registered to care for a total of 6 children under the age of 8 years.

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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 She is currently caring for 3 children under the age of 8 years, for various hours during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home where they learn about good hygiene through everyday routines. They understand they must wash their hands before eating, after visiting the toilet and after handling animals in order to prevent the spread of infection. Children's good health is supported well because the childminder holds an appropriate first aid qualification and well stocked first aid kit. This ensures children receive appropriate care in the event of minor accidents or illness. Children enjoy healthy, well balanced packed lunches that meet their individual dietary needs well. The childminder encourages them to eat sandwiches and fruit, before crisps and sweet foods in order to ensure children's nutritional needs are met. Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise as they have good access to the garden and walk often. Younger children develop control of their bodies and co-ordination skills as the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder supports them to negotiate the steps in the garden and play on the see-saw. Older children develop their large muscles as they enthusiastically run, ride tricycles and scooters and play on the swing with increasing control.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe in the well organised home. They know which areas of the house they can use, and are well supervised by the childminder. Overall space is used effectively and allows children to develop their independence. They choose to play either inside or out in the garden, and older children confidently visit the toilet by themselves. Although most potential risks have been minimised with the use of appropriate safety equipment, shelving used to store toys are not secure enough and this compromises children's safety. Attractive displays of children's artwork, photographs and useful information create a welcoming environment and help children feel secure. There is, however, no comfortable seating area where children can relax. Children play happily with the wide range of toys and activities that meets their individual play and development needs well. They independently choose what to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

play with from the low level shelves, and help to prevent accidents as they tidy up at appropriate times. Children are protected from harm or neglect because the childminder has sound knowledge of child abuse and understands the correct procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are content and secure in the childminder's care. They feel valued as they

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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 are welcomed warmly by the childminder when they arrive, and quickly make themselves at home. Children enjoy participating in the stimulating range of toys and activities that meets their play and development needs well. The childminder spends time playing with and talking to children in order to develop their ideas. Children play well together and independently. They learn to share, take turns and respect each other. They learn about wildlife as they play in the garden and develop positive relationships as they talk to each other about their drawings and act out real life situations during a dressing up activity. Younger children gain confidence and a sense of achievement as the childminder supports them to roll, bounce and catch the ball. Children develop their independence and social skills during regular visits to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a strong sense of belonging. They are well behaved because they know what is expected of them and are familiar with everyday routines. Children express themselves freely during activities, and start to make their own decisions. They develop their independence as they choose what to play with and decide when to eat. Children start to appreciate our similarities and differences as they play with toys and activities that positively represent themselves and others. They learn about people from other parts of the world as they look at the map of the world, and make music with the instruments from various countries. Children show care and consideration to those who have special needs because the childminder explains their needs and ensures all children are successfully included in all activities. Relevant information about children is shared between the childminder and parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

daily, which ensures appropriate and consistent care given.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel safe and secure in the well organised environment where they are well supervised. Overall space is used effectively, and allows children to participate safely in a wide range of activities. Their welfare, care and development are promoted well because the childminder continues to update her own skills and knowledge by attending training workshops. She has recently attended training in equal opportunities, managing children's behaviour in a home based setting and child protection. Most records that support children's safety, care and welfare are kept. Although parents give written information and consents, neither the childminder or parents sign medicine records to confirm that medicine has been given. Also daily attendance records are not kept for children who attend occasionally. As a result their welfare is not sufficiently met at these times. Overall the needs of the range of

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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 The last care inspection recommended that the childminder develop her knowledge and understanding of the procedure to follow if an allegation of child abuse is made against her or a member of her family, and obtain written consent for emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder has recently attended child protection training and is now familiar with the procedure to follow if such an allegation is made. Children's health is more effectively promoted because the childminder has written consent from parents to seek medical treatment or advice in the event of an emergency.

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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): • keep a daily record of all children's attendance including times of arrival and departure, and ensure all medicine records are signed by both parents and childminder • make sure the toy storage units are secure, and provide an area for children to relax.

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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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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