Childminder in North 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 EY314174 Inspection date 19/02/2009 Inspector Anne Archer

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and four children aged two, five and nine in Kettering in north Northamptonshire. The ground floor rooms of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is access to a rear garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of four children, including two in the early years age group, at any one time. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to Ronald Tree Nursery and Avondale Primary Schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends play sessions at the local Children's Centre and a childminding support group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a reliable and flexible service to each child ensuring their welfare needs are met and their learning and development needs are generally supported. The childminder knows the children well and is fully aware of their welfare needs because of well established partnerships with parents which ensure that all children are fully included. Links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are still being established. Children make choices about their play with activities linked to the six areas of learning although the childminder has not yet fully adopted the learning and development requirements of the EYFS. The childminder reflects informally on her practice at the end of each day and attends training periodically to ensure she keeps up to date.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of observation and assessment to identify learning priorities for each child and to plan purposeful, challenging play covering the six areas of learning with a balance of adult led and child initiated activities  provide parents with the opportinity to be involved in the ongoing assessment of their child by sharing what they know about their learning and development and report progress and achievements to parents throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain a record of the risk assessment clearly showing when it was carried out, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident 30/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)  share policies and procedures with parents to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 30/03/2009

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provision

The childminder supports children to enable them to make satisfactory progress in their learning and development and is promoting their welfare well. She adapts the level of support she gives to each child to enable them to participate in activities and so feel included. Information relating to the children's care is shared verbally with parents each day and a diary is maintained for younger children. Children's records show observations and photographic evidence of them participating in activities linked to the six areas of learning. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to share information with other providers of the EYFS to support children's progress and has started to establish links with a child's nursery.

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provision

The childminder is able to discuss and explain clearly her practice relating to all aspects of the welfare requirements including safeguarding and complaints although not all procedures and records are documented or shared with parents as required. For example, risk assessments for her house and garden are carried out periodically but the action she takes to minimise risk or eliminate hazards is not recorded. The childminder does not routinely share the policies and procedures which underpin her provision with parents because as close family friends it has not seemed relevant to either party to do so.

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provision

Although she does not formally evaluate her practice the childminder is proud of the cards and letters received from parents and children thanking and complimenting her on the care she provides. She reflects on her practice when she has a quiet moment at the end of a busy day and ensures she attends training updates such as first aid and EYFS when they become available. She also attends a local childminding group each week for support.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder interacts very well with the children, encouraging their communication skills and independence at every opportunity while still providing an appropriate level of support to enable them to fully participate and feel included. Resources and toys that are linked to their interests are easily accessible to the children. Most play in the home is child-initiated although the childminder provides opportunities for creative development through art and craft activities and dressing up clothes to support their imaginary play which is currently mainly about mummies and babies. Children's physical development is supported by weekly attendance at a 'Wiggly Jiggly' session at a nearby Children's Centre.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder informally assesses children's capabilities from her own observations, from information shared by parents at the start of the contract and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 from speaking to the children. However, at present she does not make full use of this information by linking it to the early learning goals and then planning a full range of activities for each child. There is currently no opportunity for parents to be involved in the ongoing assessment of their child's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to keep themselves healthy by adopting appropriate personal hygiene routines such as washing their hands before eating. They learn about healthy eating from discussions at the dining table as they spread honey on their toast and from the reminders they receive about taking regular drinks. Children learn about road safety on the way to school when they use the crossing and in the car when they sit in the correct seat and know to stay strapped in until the childminder helps them out.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children's emotional development very well, making them feel secure and content. They learn how to acknowledge their own feelings and how to behave acceptably around other children and adults. Children learn about the differences in the world around them when they go on outings and when they participate in activities at the childminder's support group which acknowledge festivals being celebrated within the local community. 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? 3 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? 3 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 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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