Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 221292 Inspection date 03/11/2008 Inspector Kristin Hatherly

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12 years, 10 years and four years in a village close to Northampton. Children have access to all of the downstairs and a bedroom upstairs. There are no steps to the front door. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years, Compulsory Childcare and Voluntary Registers to care for five children at any one time. When working with an assistant is registered for seven children under 8 years at any one time.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from a warm, caring environment in which the childminder and her assistant have a very good understanding of the individual needs of the children and ensure that their welfare is promoted well. The childminder and assistant foster positive relationships with parents and other carers providing information about the setting in the form of policies and procedures. They work with parents to ensure the individual needs of the children are met, all of which further enhances the care of the children. Children are kept safe and secure in a hazard free environment. They enjoy a variety of activities and make progress in their learning through a variety of planned activities and outings. The childminder has a good understanding of treating the children as individuals and ensures all children are included in all activities. She reflects on practice using the Ofsted self- evaluation system and parent questionnaires to identify key strengths and areas

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

for improvement which are followed up effectively.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure fresh drinking water is available to children at all times  develop up-to-date knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children issues and be able to implement procedures appropriately  ensure that the actual hours of attendance of the children are recorded.

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provision

The childminder and husband, who is her assistant, work together very well to provide a caring and enjoyable childcare provision. She has good relationships with parents and carers to ensure that children's individual needs are met and continuity of care is promoted well. Parents receive good information about the setting which includes all policies and procedures. They also share information about the children through verbal feedback at the end of sessions which assists parents to continue the activities at home. As a result, children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder has a basic understanding of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguarding issues, although she is not clear with regard to the appropriate procedures for reporting any issues.

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provision

Generally, all of the necessary policies, procedures and records are in place which are implemented effectively to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. Children's safety is ensured as the childminder carries out and records regular risk assessments of the premises. Children are very well supervised at all times. Although the childminder keeps a daily register this records the contracted hours of attendance rather that the actual hours of attendance. All records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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provision

Children are fully included in the setting and children with learning difficulties or disabilities are well supported. The childminder has a good understanding of working in partnership with other providers and liaises with the local school and pre-school that she takes and collects children from which further ensures continuity of care for the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's interests and plans interesting and stimulating activities accordingly. Children are well supported in their learning through the provision of a range of interesting resources and activities which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the six areas of learning and plans interesting learning experiences. She interacts well with the children to support and promote their learning and play. Children are able to independently choose from a range of resources which promote their understanding well and engage in imaginative role play. Children's creative abilities are promoted through a variety of imaginative craft activities. They enjoy learning about food through growing vegetables and being involved in cooking meals. The childminder observes

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and assesses children's progress while they are playing which are recorded and used to promote children's learning further. Children progress well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment. However, emergency evacuation drills are not carried out regularly. Children's health and well being are effectively enhanced because the necessary steps are taken, such as clear regular hygiene procedures, for example washing their hands at appropriate times, to prevent the spread of infection. This is further supported as the childminder and her assistant have up-to-date first aid certificates. Children are provided with nutritious, healthy snacks and meals which usually include organic vegetables. They are provided with drinks regularly although they do not have access to drinking water at all times to ensure they are always well hydrated and comfortable.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from very good relationships between the childminder and parents and the other children in the childminder's care which promotes their confidence and self-esteem well. Children are well behaved and encouraged to play together showing care and consideration for others, sharing and taking turns in their play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are provided with a very good range of suitable and safe toys and equipment which is easily accessible. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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Detail of the complaint/s

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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