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 EY246684 Inspection date 09/06/2009 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 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

Tracy Elliott has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and six in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The house is close to local amenities, which include primary schools, pre-schools and parks and is also close to the A45 roundabout which has access to local towns. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, as well as one bedroom on the first floor, which is used to sleep minded children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group for minded children and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She also help train new childminders as part of the Northamptonshire Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children in the Early Years age range receive good quality care and their learning and development needs are promoted well. The childminder generally organises her records, time and resources to ensure children's individual needs are met and overall their safety is promoted well. Positive relationships with parents and others involved in caring for children promotes a consistent approach to their welfare, learning and development. Consequently, they all feel valued and fully included. Written policies and procedures underpin the childminder's practice and overall, their safety is promoted well. Some use is made of evaluation to continually improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities for children to make choices by making resources easily accessible to them.  link indoor and outdoor environments so that children can move freely between them.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the risk assessment following changes to the premises to ensure children's safety is maintained with particular regard to cords on the blinds and tie backs on curtains (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 31/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Written policies and procedures are well maintained and inclusive for all children who attend. Policies and procedures are shared with parents and carers so they know what they can expect from the childminder and they understand how to make a complaint. The childminder has started using self-evaluation to reflect on her practice which in turn improves outcomes for children. Children's records are very well maintained and provide information that supports the childminder to meet their individual needs. For example, parents and carers give written information about children's regular routines, medical and dietary requirements. Relationships with parents and carers are open, friendly and professional. They share information about children daily and the childminder provides parents and carers with information about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder understands the importance of developing partnerships with others

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provision

involved in delivering the EYFS to children in her care.

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provision

Effective safeguarding procedures ensure children are protected from harm or neglect. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and implements procedures confidently. Space is generally well organised to allow children to actively participate in a wide range of activities. Children have direct access to the garden which they use regularly for outdoor play during all weathers. Furniture, resources and equipment are in good condition and suitable for their purpose. The thorough risk assessment clearly identifies potential hazards and effective measures are put in place to reduce the risk of accidents within the home, garden and during outings. The childminder has not, however, reviewed the risk assessment following changes to the premises and some potential hazards remain such as cords on the blinds and curtain tie backs that are within children's reach.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel secure in the welcoming and homely environment where they share friendly relationships with the childminder and are developing relationships with each other. They develop a positive self-image as they play with resources that show positive images of diversity and participate in activities that helps them start to understand their own and the culture and beliefs of others. This helps children gain an understanding of our similarities and differences and respect for each other. Children are well behaved and understand what is expected of them. The childminder organises herself well, spending her time playing with and talking to children consistently. They respond well to the frequent praise and encouragement as the childminder effectively supports their play and regular daily routines helps children feel secure.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are active learners who purposefully engage in the stimulating range of activities provided. The childminder has a very good understanding of the learning and development requirements and the well-organised records of children's achievements are used to provide stimulating activities that builds on skills children already have, ensuring they make good progress towards the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children thoroughly enjoy handling the soft toy sea creatures, listening to stories about fish and singing simple songs and rhymes about fish which shows they have good opportunities to make connections in their learning. They count how many 'arms' the octopus has and match the socks to make pairs which helps them gain confidence in numbers for counting and develop sorting skills. Children start to make sense of the world as they purposefully engage in role-play where they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

cuddle and talk to the dolls. The next steps in children's learning and development are clearly identified and linked to the development matters as set out in the EYFS guidelines and used by the childminder to plan activities that help them make progress. For example, the childminder places toys just out of the reach of very young children to encourage them to crawl.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Overall, children's welfare is promoted very well. Good hygiene standards are maintained throughout the childminder's home and effective procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has up-to-date first aid knowledge and clear procedures are in place to ensure children receive appropriate care in the event of minor accidents, for the administration of medication and if they are unwell. Although space is generally well-organised and allows children to move around freely as they participate in activities, currently opportunities for them to independently select further toys to develop their play and ideas and to use the outdoor garden for outdoor play are restricted. The childminder provides nutritious meals and snacks that contribute to children's healthy growth and development and drinks are always available which makes sure they are well hydrated and comfortable at all times. Children have many opportunities to enjoy

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

fresh air and exercise. They make good use of the garden during all weathers and often visit local parks and the Aquadrome where they enjoy regular fresh air and a range of activities that promotes their physical development. 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? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks with particular regard to the cords on the blinds in the garage conversion and curtain tie backs (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 31/07/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years childcare section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 31/07/2009

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