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 EY381704 Inspection date 28/05/2009 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 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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 years and two years in a residential area of Northampton. Local amenities such as parks, schools and pre-schools are close by. Children have access to all ground floor rooms and the first floor bathroom and two bedrooms. There is an enclosed decking area for children's physical play and activities. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children up to the age of eight years at any one time. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has clear knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and children are provided with a range of activities according to their age and ability. Children are kept safe and secure in a hazard-free environment where required policies, procedures and records to promote their welfare are mostly in place. She provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and their families, with whom she has developed friendly professional relationships.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a system to review and reflect on planning and activities to clearly identify strengths and priorities for development to improve outcomes for all children.  use the information gained from observations and assessments to link next steps for individual children to planning  develop resources and activities that promote children's understanding of equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 04/06/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children benefit from consistent supervision and are beginning to learn the necessary boundaries for remaining safe. The childminder takes action to eliminate risks to children within her home with comprehensive risk assessments for each room which are reviewed regularly. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of the correct procedure to follow if she has any concerns about a child in her care. Parents are informed of the childminder's responsibility to safeguard the children in her care.

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provision

The childminder knows the children well which enables them to feel relaxed and secure in her care. She has introduced daily diaries which are shared with parents who also receive a verbal feedback at the end of sessions and are offered regular review meetings. Although the childminder completes a self-evaluation form with regard to the children's welfare, she does not reflect or review her planning and activities provided for the children. This means that priorities for improvement are not as accurately targeted as they could be.

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provision

Children’s health and well-being are promoted by the childminder taking steps to prevent cross-infection. For example each child has their own flannel and towel. There is a fire evacuation plan and children regularly practice fire evacuation drills which are recorded appropriately. As a result children are cared for in a safe environment.

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provision

Generally, the required records are in place to ensure that children's needs are met, although there is no consent for emergency medical advice or treatment. All required policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents. The records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with interesting resources and activities which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. They are encouraged to be inquisitive and active thinkers and to develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being. The childminder has a clear understanding of the six areas of learning, and observes and assesses the children to record their next steps in learning. However, these are not linked to planning to improve the outcomes for children. She interacts very well with the children, asking questions, explaining and engaging them in conversation to support and promote their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to independently choose from a very good range of resources which promotes their understanding. They are taken on a variety of outings such as to the library rhyme time, soft play area and toddler group to ensure enjoyable experiences and develop their social skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive environment where each child is valued and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 clearly relaxed and comfortable in her care. However, activities and resources regarding diversity are limited. This limits a child's ability to develop an all-round knowledge and understanding of the world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that children have varied opportunities for physical exercise and fresh air when out on walks and playing in the garden. She encourages children to have a healthy attitude towards food because she provides a good range of balanced and nutritious snacks. She gathers clear information from parents about children’s dietary requirements and this ensures children eat safely. 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? 3 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? 3

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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? 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

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