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 EY376974 Inspection date 05/03/2009 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 registered in 2008. She lives with her partner and 20 month old son in Kettering, Northamptonshire. Local amenities such as parks, library, shops, schools and pre-schools are close by. Care is provided mainly in the living and dining room and there is a bedroom upstairs for sleeping children, together with a bathroom. Children share access to the secure garden for outdoor 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 five children at any one time.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, although she has not yet developed a system to liaise with other care providers. She has positive relationships with the children and their families, which help the children to make progress in their learning and development. Children's individual needs are recognised as the childminder knows them all well and puts systems in place to ensure these are met. Children are kept safe and secure in a hazard free environment. They enjoy a variety of activities and make progress in their learning through the good communication and interaction of the childminder, who also encourages children's independence well. She is beginning to reflect upon her practice, however, formal self-evaluation systems to identify key strengths and areas for improvement are not yet firmly established.

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further?

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

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further?

 introduce a self-evaluation system to monitor the provision and identify key strengths and areas for improvement  develop a system to maintain a regular two-way flow of information with other providers that children may attend.

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provision

The childminder is well-organised in the daily routines, activities and documentation maintained. She has not completed a self-evaluation but does reflect and review her practice and demonstrates a willingness to continue attending relevant training to update her knowledge and skills. The childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard children, for example, ensuring that all adults in the household are vetted and she maintains a secure premises.

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provision

Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe as they practise the evacuation drill and by being aware of the setting boundaries which are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 reinforced through reminders when necessary. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of potential risks to children and carries out and records regular risks assessments to ensure that a safe environment for the children is maintained. Parents receive clear information about the setting in the form of a portfolio, as well as information with regard to activities and a sample menu. They also share information about the children through daily diaries and regular chats. Children are fully included in the setting and the childminder has a good understanding of the need to work closely with parents and other agencies when caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled and enjoy their time with the childminder who shows a good awareness of the children's interests and supports them well in their learning through the provision of a wide range of interesting resources and activities which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. She encourages the children to be inquisitive and active thinkers. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the six areas of learning and plans learning experiences for the children based on the areas of learning to ensure they are progressing. She interacts well with the children, asking questions and engaging them in conversation to support and promote their language and communication skills. Children are able to independently choose from a good range of resources which promotes their understanding. The environment within the premises is designed to provide increasing opportunities for independence. The childminder has profiles for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

each of the children which she shares with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Steps are taken to promote children's welfare. Children's health is protected by procedures and cleaning routines that help prevent the spread of infection, such as individual towels and bedding. This is further supported as the childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate. Suitable strategies are used to encourage good behaviour and to handle any incidents that occur consistently. As a result, children behave well and understand what is expected of them. The childminder has a good understanding of providing a balanced healthy diet which includes a good variety of fruit and vegetables. She ensures that children have easy access to drinking water to ensure they are well hydrated and comfortable. The childminder consults with parents to ensure she is aware of any dietary needs. Children are provided with opportunities to socialise, be active, communicate with others, make choices and decisions and increase their understanding of the wider world, and as a result,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

begin to develop 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? 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 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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