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 EY217014 Inspection date 30/01/2009 Inspector Andrea Ewer

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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 has been registered since April 2002 and is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range and she is currently caring for two children in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 9 and three years, in a house in Northamptonshire, close to schools, the library and parks. Children are cared for on the ground floor of the house, with toilet and sleeping facilities on the first floor. Children share access to the garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children make very good progress in their learning and development and their safety is well-maintained. They feel secure and confident in the childminder's care because every effort is made to meet their individual needs. Subsequently all children feel valued and are fully included. The ongoing use of self-evaluation generally supports the childminder to promote outcomes for children. The thorough written risk assessment supports the visual checks carried out daily and safeguarding procedures protect children from harm or neglect. Effective partnerships with parents promote consistent care to children.

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further?

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

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further?

 match observation and assessment records to the expectations of the early learning goals to identify the next steps in children's learning and development  develop self-evaluations by taking account of parent's views.

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provision

Children are confident, self-assured and feel valued as individuals. They make very good progress because the childminder works hard to make sure all children's welfare, learning and development needs are met and they are all fully included. She obtains information about children at the start of all childminding arrangements and she uses this to help children settle and meet their individual needs. Children develop a positive self-image and start to appreciate our similarities and differences as they have regular access to a suitable range of resources that reflects themselves and people of other races, religions, abilities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 cultures. They have access to left and right handed scissors, chunky paint brushes and books, and puzzles showing positive images of race, culture and gender. The strong partnerships with parents are reinforced through the daily exchange of

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provision

feedback about children which keeps them both fully informed. Parents are able to support their children's learning at home because the childminder provides them with written information about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Generally well thought out records of children's achievements are used to plan stimulating activities based on their interests and are shared with parents regularly. They do not, however, link clearly to development matters as set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, to identify the next steps for individual children. The childminder understands the importance of working in partnership with others delivering the EYFS to children in her care.

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provision

Extensive, well-organised children's records, policies and procedures contribute successfully to the safe and efficient management of the setting. For example, all written consents are signed by parents, and accident and medicine records are well-maintained. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection. She recognises signs of possible abuse and is aware of the correct procedure to follow if she is concerned about a child in her care. Overall, the childminder uses self-reflection effectively, however, she does not yet take account of parents' views as part of her self-evaluation. She has identified her own strength's and priorities for improvement, continues to attend training to keep up-to-date with current best practice and spends time with other childminders where they share skills and knowledge. Subsequently outcomes for children are continually enhanced.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are promoted very well which ensures they make good progress across all areas of learning. They are settled, happy and share caring relationships with the childminder who has a genuine interest in their welfare and development, and supports their play effectively. As a result, children feel secure and are very well behaved. They respond well to the childminder's guidance, praise and ongoing encouragement as they play, which helps them understand what is expected of them. Children benefit from a wide and stimulating range of activities that helps them develop skills for the future and meets their play and development needs very well. They explore shapes and size as they play happily with the shape sorter and inset puzzles which helps them start to solve simple problems and enjoy looking at books where they point to the pictures and learn to turn the pages. Young children have good opportunities to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

develop their physical skills as they play happily on the floor. They gain control of their bodies as they crawl safely from one activity to the next and enjoy pushing the walker around the room with effective support from the childminder. Well thought out planning covers each area of learning and ensures each child benefits from a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Children become socially confident during regular visits to toddler groups where they learn to play co- operatively within larger groups. Photograph's show children develop their creativity during painting activities where they use their hands, feet and brushes to create artwork and use their imagination well during role play. They dress up as doctors and nurses and hang out the washing. This helps children start to make This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sense of the world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Space is organised well and allows children to move around safely as they actively participate in activities of their choice. They become independent as they choose what to play with from the readily accessible toys and activities that are stored in toy boxes and feed themselves at mealtimes as they sit in the high chair. Very good hygiene standards are maintained throughout the home. For example, the childminder and children wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day and clear nappy changing routines effectively prevent the spread of infection. Children stay safe because appropriate measures are in place to minimise potential hazards and reduce the risk of accidents. For example, toys with small pieces are out of younger children's reach and safety gates prevent children gaining unsupervised access to the kitchen and stairs. 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 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 the last inspection.

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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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