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 EY374098 Inspection date 08/12/2008 Inspector Sheila Dawn Flounders

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and five children, one of whom is under school age, in the Duston area of Northampton. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and is accessible, although there is a step to enter. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of two children aged five or under at any one time and is currently minding three children under five at various times of the day. She is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for children from five to eight years and is currently minding three children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a cat and hamster.

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Description of the childminding

She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is supported by the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has implemented most of the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She ensures that the individual needs of all children are met with any additional needs supported, through forming strong relationships with parents to the benefit of the children. Her practise promotes equality of opportunity and all children are included. Children make good progress in their learning, with the childminder using comprehensive assessments to monitor their development. The high quality of her self-evaluation demonstrates a strong capacity to maintain improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure there are suitable hygienic nappy changing procedures to reduce the risk of cross infection  take necessary steps to protect young children from hazards associated with the fireplace.

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provision

The childminder is very well organised and maintains comprehensive records, policies and procedures, including all those required for the EYFS, which are fully shared with parents. She makes good use of her time, resources and the premises to provide children with a homely, child-friendly, secure environment which meets their needs. Most potential risks are effectively identified within her home and on This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outings so that measures are put in place to protect children when necessary, although the fireplace is currently unprotected, which could be a hazard particularly for younger children.

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provision

As part of her self-evaluation the childminder has realistically identified her strengths and weaknesses and considered pertinent areas for improvement that will benefit the children and their families. Parents are consulted as part of this process and changes made, for example, a behaviour policy is now in place as some were unfamiliar with the strategies used.

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provision

Partnerships with parents are established before children attend through settling in visit and a detailed exchange of information, so that all necessary information is in place to enable the childminder to meet children's individual needs. Parents are provided with written and oral feedback daily and also have opportunities to view, and add to, their child's assessment records.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder is confident about how to protect them from harm, using appropriate strategies such as stories to help children learn to keep themselves safe. She knows what procedures to put in place if child protection concerns arise and has shared most of these with parents. These are well supported by additional measures, such as the complaints procedure, systems which protect children from unvetted visitors and the level of supervision.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time at the setting, being happy, well settled and eager to learn. They are keen to engage in their play and, parents report, reluctant to leave. They access a wide range of activities and experiences within the setting and local community which enable them to cover all areas of learning, with the childminder having liaised with parents to establish children's interests. Independent access to resources is encouraged and children have freedom of movement around the ground floor allowing them to develop their own play and ideas. As a result many activities are child-initiated, with the childminder planning broad themes, currently animals, to which she links certain resources that are available such as the books. The childminder makes regular, detailed observations on the children which enable her to effectively track their development and progress, identifying the next steps for them individually. This enables the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder to provide more adult-focussed activities when necessary through her interaction alongside them. As a result children’s progress and development is well supported because the childminder provides appropriate activities linked to the EYFS framework, observes and records their achievements. Links with other settings children attend are currently being developed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is a high priority for the childminder. Positive steps such as providing individual towels, regular cleaning routines, a robust sickness policy and encouragement to spend time outside daily promote children's good health, although the nappy changing procedure does not currently protect children from the risk of cross-infection. Appropriate measures are in place to handle any illness or accidents, supported by the relevant paperwork and the childminder's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 knowledge of first aid. Children are provided with opportunities to think about their own safety, for example, when crossing the road or handling resources such as scissors. Children are encouraged to respect each other and the house rules resulting in good behaviour generally, with the childminder using age-appropriate strategies to manage behaviour if necessary. All children contribute to the ethos of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the setting and are encouraged to be active, curious and engage positively with the childminder and each other. She aims to provide them with the skills they need for the future. 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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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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