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 EY317993 Inspection date 31/03/2009 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 2005 and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, to care for up to four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for two children for part-time hours.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five years old in a house on the outskirts of Northampton. Care is provided on the ground floor which includes the playroom, living room and kitchen/diner. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder drives to take and collect children from the local primary school. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is currently working towards the NCMA Quality First quality assurance scheme.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment where they feel welcome and secure. The childminder recognises each child as a unique individual which helps them to feel valued and fully included. Although children enjoy the range of activities provided, the childminder's understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is limited. She is starting to establish some effective partnerships with parents and others to promote a consistent approach to children's learning and development. She is developing the use of self-evaluation to support continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that is tailored to meet their individual needs and covers each area of learning with particular regard to problem solving, reasoning and numeracy  match observation and assessments to the expectations of the early learning goals, identify learning priorites and plan suitable learning experiences for each child  develop the use of reflection and self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development to improve outcomes for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children enjoy their time with the childminder who spends her time consistently playing with and talking to them. She is developing her understanding of the welfare, learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides suitable care and activities that helps children make progress towards the early learning goals. Overall, partnerships with parents and others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to children are effective. Parents are given useful information about the setting and the childminder works with nursery staff and parents to promote a consistent approach to children's care and ensure any additional needs are identified and appropriate support is provided. For example, they work together to agree a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour and communicate regularly to monitor their progress. Parents are not fully supported to continue their children's learning at home because the

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provision

childminder has a limited understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

Safeguarding procedures are implemented consistently to protect children from harm or neglect. The childminder has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and documentation that supports her to carry out procedures in line with local authority guidelines is well-organised and readily accessible. The thorough written risk assessment includes action taken by the childminder to reduce the risk of accidents in the home, garden and during outings, and fire drills are practised regularly. As a result, children's safety is promoted very well.

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provision

Comprehensive children's records, policies and procedures are well-maintained and inclusive for all who attend. Some systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the provision. The childminder continues to attend training workshops to enhance her professional skills and knowledge and has met recommendations from her last inspection. She shares ideas with other childminders and has regular contact with her local authority development worker. Self-evaluation, however, is not fully developed to clearly identify strengths and priorities for development to improve outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel a strong sense of belonging in the welcoming environment where they share warm friendly relationships with the childminder and regular routines help them to feel secure. They move around freely and safely in the well-organised home where attractive displays create a child-centred playroom and independently access resources of their choice to develop their play. Useful information about children is obtained at the start of childminding arrangements and supports the childminder to meet their individual needs. Parents complete an 'All about Me' booklet and the information is used to help children settle and ensure appropriate care is given. The childminder does not, however, have sufficient understanding of the learning and development requirements, in particular, problem solving, reasoning and numeracy, to support children to achieve as much as they can in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

relation to their starting points and capabilities. She has started to record her observations of children's progress towards the early learning goals and some next steps are identified, however, they do not link clearly to the development matters as outlined in the practice guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to develop skills that contribute to their future economic well-being. They have many opportunities to develop communication, language and literacy skills and make effective links in their learning. They make a picture of a house using straw after the childminder reads the story of the 'Three Little Pigs'. They talk to mummy on the phone and become confident using language as they repeat simple words and the childminder responds to their sounds and gestures. Records show children explore natural materials as they manipulate the dough, dried leaves and cooked spaghetti. They use their imagination well during role play where they cook dinner and dress up as a turtle and sleeping beauty which helps them make sense of the world. Children are starting to appreciate our similarities and differences. They play with a range of resources that show positive images of people of various races, religions, abilities and cultures to themselves, for example,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

dolls of various skin colours, books and puzzles. They learn about their own and the culture and beliefs of others as they decorate pictures of Halloween pumpkins, make diva lights for Diwali and Eid cards.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very well-behaved. They respond positively to the simple explanations and distraction. The written behaviour management policy promotes the use of positive strategies to manage children's behaviour and help them to play co- operatively, share and take turns. Good attention is given to promoting children's health. They enjoy nutritious meals and snacks that contribute to their healthy growth and development and the childminder ensures they eat sufficient quantities for their needs. Children regularly benefit from fresh air and exercise which helps to develop their physical skills. Photographs show they balance on the see-saw, push and ride wheeled toys both indoors and outdoors and move in various ways in the ball pool. Subsequently, children develop increased control and co-ordination of their bodies. 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 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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