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 EY256700 Inspection date 12/02/2009 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 2003. She lives with her husband; her 2 sons aged 14 and 9 years and daughter aged 4 years in Kettering. Local amenities such as local parks, shops and parent and toddler groups are within walking distance. The childminder cares for children during the day, as well as before and after school and she takes children to and from local schools.

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Description of the childminding

Ground floor rooms only are used for childminding purposes. The areas include a playroom, the lounge/diner and the kitchen. The children also have access to a toilet with washing facilities. The family has a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register to care for five children under eight and is currently caring for 11 children for a variety of sessions. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is accredited to the Northamptonshire Childminding Network. Courses and training undertaken include first aid, food safety and hygiene, effective working with parents, foundation stage planning and assessment and managing behaviour.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision is outstanding. The childminder provides an extremely effective planned range of activities which are assessed and evaluated to ensure children are progressing well. She works closely with the Northamptonshire Childminding Association Advisor, the Early Years Foundation Stage Advisor and with parents in order to ensure children's needs are very well met. Children are valued as individuals and feel a strong sense of belonging within the setting. This is because the childminder has very positive values with a clear commitment to providing children with good quality care and education.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 develop a regular two-way flow of information with other providers

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provision

Policies and procedures very successfully promote children's welfare, learning and development. The childminder regularly and comprehensively reflects upon the provision for children in order to ensure continuous improvement. For example, she developed an action plan following her last inspection to ensure the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recommendations were completed appropriately. Thoughtful and well-presented policies are shared with parents and underpin the successful organisation of the setting. The childminder takes great care to plan a varied and balanced range of activities for children that challenge their development in fun and interesting ways. Excellent systems are in place to foster effective working with parents in order to promote continuity of children's care and education. For example, very good quality verbal communications which includes regular sharing of children's profiles

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provision

help to keep parents informed and ensure children settle well because the childminder has a very good understanding of their individual needs. Children readily approach the childminder for cuddles and comfort and good relationships are established in this warm and supportive setting.

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provision

Children are well safeguarded because the childminder has attended training with regard to child protection and is confidently able to identify the different types of child abuse and is aware of possible indicators and how to make a referral if necessary. Furthermore, she has an up-to-date first aid certificate. A copy of the complaints procedure and a procedure for missing or lost children is given to parents in order to ensure a transparent service and ensure children's safety. Systems for keeping children's records are well-organised and used successfully to ensure their health and safety. The childminder stores confidential records safely in order to protect children and their families.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel a valued part of the setting because the childminder engages them in purposeful conversations and because she gives them good choices about their care and activities. The childminder works particularly effectively with parents in order to meet children's needs. She actively seeks parents' views about children's routines and interests and constantly shares information with parents. This helps her to plan effectively for children's individual learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are purposefully engaged in a wide and varied range of stimulating learning opportunities. For example, they enjoy free play and creative, cooking, music and reading activities, which are further developed by the childminder as she engages the children in spontaneous counting and letter recognition within the activities . Their experiences and social opportunities are broadened further as they visit various groups locally. This is further enhanced as the childminder actively promotes children's understanding of diversity through such activities as the celebration of festivals and visits to places of worship. The childminder has comprehensive and well-presented profiles to show children's progress, based upon discussions with parents and observations and assessments of the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is well promoted because they enjoy regular opportunities for outdoor play. For example they go on walks, visit the park and enjoy a variety of outings in the holidays. The childminder has a good understanding of a balanced nutritious diet and ensures that the children are involved in activities which develop their understanding of the importance of a healthy diet. Children are well behaved because they feel secure and are well occupied. They learn responsible behaviour because the childminder encourages them to consider and respect This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 others through discussions and through acting as a good role model. The childminder has attended training with regard to special needs and is very confident to care for children with physical/learning difficulties.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Overall, children's safety is well promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and supervises the children well through good organisation of routines and the regular use of risk assessments which are very comprehensive and cover all aspects of the provision for children. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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