Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 221292 Inspection date 22 July 2005 Inspector Coral Hales

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, six and one year in Walgrave, Northamptonshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding five children aged over five years before and after school. She also cares for children over the age of eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She runs the Walgrave parent and toddler

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 group and attends regularly. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and childminds on a full-time basis. The family has a dog, a cat and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home, which is clean and well maintained. This allows them to play and learn in a relaxed and caring environment. Children have a good awareness and understanding of health and hygiene because the childminder takes positive steps to promote and encourage them to develop suitable personal hygiene practices. This sustains levels of hygiene and helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children’s welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has appropriate procedures in place if children are unwell. Children take part in a good range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle and these are well planned to ensure they all benefit from daily outdoor play. They have many opportunities to develop new skills and use existing ones as they take part in walks, ride bicycles and play ball games.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious food and discussion promotes children's good health; for example the children help to prepare snacks and meals and take part in cooking activities. Children enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks in accordance with the wishes of their parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised and the childminder is aware of children’s developing abilities and generally ensures that appropriate safety measures are in place to avoid dangerous situations. Children’s awareness of safety issues is continuously developed through every day activities, for example, they learn about road safety awareness as they walk to and from the school. Children are safely transported in the car and use appropriate seats and belts as required. Children are well protected because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of what to do in the event of an emergency and a written policy is in place. She holds a current first aid certificate. Children access a good range of safe and well maintained furniture, equipment and resources. These are well organised to encourage independent choice. Children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

begin to take responsibility for their own safety as they play, because the childminder sets safe limits whilst allowing children to develop their own ideas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settle well in the childminder’s home. They play happily with the good range of accessible resources as well as participating in activities which require more adult support. For example, the childminder helps the children to make biscuits and cakes. The children relate well to the warm, caring relationships they have with the childminder and the atmosphere is relaxed. Children benefit from regular outings to parks, farms and open spaces, these promote learning and stimulate their interest in the wider world. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence. Consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to become increasingly independent, to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help. Their ideas are listened to and valued as the childminder talks to them about what they are doing. Planned activities encourage children to think and solve

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

problems and to develop their communication skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcome and respected as individuals and their needs are effectively met. They are developing a positive attitude to others and learn about the local and wider world by going on regular outings. They select from the resources and play materials provided making independent choices in their play. Children behave well and respond well to the expectations of the childminder and are aware of boundaries set. Children are beginning to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. This is enhanced by the childminders consistent approach which helps children develop their understanding of what is right and wrong. Children’s self-esteem and confidence is promoted by the use of regular praise. Good relationships with parents contribute significantly to children’s well-being and they are cared for in accordance with the wishes of their parents. Children are well

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Helping children make a positive contribution

settled with the childminder and her family and enjoy themselves. The childminder ensures that all parents know how their children are progressing and developing. Children benefit greatly from her involvement in their school as she attends special events such as sports day to allow her to give parents information about their child’s achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Parents are kept well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Records and procedures are in place for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the safety, care and well-being of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved children's safety. She has developed her medication records and these are now maintained and shared with parents. Resources and play activities now reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability and these promote children's learning about diversity.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that children take part in regular emergency evacuations

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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