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 EY266757 Inspection date 26/01/2009 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in a village near Daventry, Northamptonshire. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and is accessible. 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 three children aged five or under at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day. She is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for three children from five to eight years and is currently minding four 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 dog and keep chickens. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled, obviously enjoying the time they spend together. The childminder is familiar with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and as a result, most of these are fully in place. She understands the importance of meeting children's individual needs and obtains necessary information from parents to ensure she can, building and maintaining positive relationships with them as a result. Children are making good progress in their learning and development due to a wide variety of activities and the positive interaction they experience. The childminder has begun the process of self- evaluation, including planning improvements to the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop children's assessment records to show the full extent of their progress  ensure that low glass is made safe.

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provision

The childminder is very well organised and ensures that all policies, procedures and documentation are effective, fully shared with parents, easily to hand and available for inspection. She has already made most of the changes necessary to meet the EYFS requirements, such as updating her complaints documents and obtaining information about parental responsibility, demonstrating her commitment to maintain high standards. The setting runs smoothly on a day-to- day basis, with the childminder skilfully balancing the varying demands of those attending and necessary routines whilst still treating each child as an individual. Safety is given a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 high priority to ensure that children have an appropriate learning environment, supported through risk assessments on the premises and outings, with the childminder adding to these as new activities take place. However, currently the

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provision

low glass is not protected and as a result children could be at risk, particularly those still developing their mobility.

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provision

The childminder has started to reflect on her own practice, including taking action to meet previous recommendations. She makes use of local opportunities, such as attending sessions with other childminders, and continues to attend relevant training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. Parents are provided with regular information about the provision, for example, daily discussions take place about children's activities and their progress and a newsletter is sent to pass on important dates such as holidays. Information is obtained from parents about children's individual interests and routines, particularly when they first attend, with the daily exchange ensuring that everyone is kept updated about any changes. Children are safeguarded because the childminder understands her responsibility to protect them, for example, maintaining a log of all visitors, ensuring that those in her household have been vetted and promoting children's own knowledge of

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provision

how to stay safe on outings. She is confident in her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures, and shares her policy with all parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the quality of the interaction they have with the childminder. She plays alongside them, posing appropriate question to stimulate their thoughts and understanding of activities, for example, as to where something is in a book. Children are provided with age-appropriate resources, sometimes altogether, such as a variety of jigsaws with more complex puzzles for older children, and at other times they do differing activities. Facilities within the local community are well used to broaden their experience, for example, they do cooking activities at the local children's centre. Regular observations are performed so that the childminder is aware of what the children can do and she is in the process of developing their individual records, although these do not currently include details of their starting points and do not fully reflect the true extent of their progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is well promoted. Their health is protected through the sickness policy, robust toileting or nappy changing procedures and the introduction of sound personal hygiene routines, with independence encouraged as children grow up. Younger children bring packed lunches, with a cooked evening meal provided after school. The children are encouraged to take an active interest in healthy eating, sometimes selecting the recipes to cook together. All of the children are well-hydrated due to the availability of drinks. Fresh air is assured through the amount of walking that takes place and physical play opportunities take place in the many group activities attended each week or in the setting, for example, younger children practise their walking around the furniture. Children are helped to understand what good behaviour is through the application of house rules, the childminder's explanations to them when incidents occur and her responses to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their questions and requests. They are given praise and encouragement during activities with gentle reminders when necessary, such as to be considerate of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 those younger than themselves. As a result, children are helped to develop 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 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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