Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309395 Inspection date 01 February 2006 Inspector Anne Archer

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 6 and 16 in Burton Latimer in Northamptonshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with access to the first floor for sleeping and additional toilet facilities. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 on a part-time basis. The childminder collects children from local pre-schools and schools. The childminder attends the local childminder support group. The family has a dog, a rabbit, a snake and a

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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 hamster.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy outside play and walks which aid their good health. They are cared for in a warm, clean, well ventilated home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children become familiar with personal hygiene routines and know to wash their hands after playing with the dog and before eating. Children's dietary needs are well met because the childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and discusses dietary requirements with them. Children enjoy regular drinks and snacks including fresh fruit. The childminder provides meals for children, as required, taking into account their individual preferences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around the house and garden in safety because the childminder has a good understanding of how to keep children safe and secure. She is able to identify and minimise potential hazards throughout the house and outdoors. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about it, particularly road safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of local child protection procedures and her responsibilities in relation to them. Children are able to select toys from a varied range which the childminder checks regularly to ensure they are clean and safe to use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. Their daily routines are maintained because the childminder discusses these thoroughly with the parents to ensure she has all the information she needs to care for the children. Children of different ages play well together and enjoy participating in a varied range of activities which includes learning about road safety, making crispy cakes and a visit to the local fire station. All children are able to take part and enjoy the activities because the childminder adapts them for the different ages and stages of development. She has recently obtained a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework for ideas on how to enhance the level of care she provides for children under three and hopes to develop this area of her practice. Children attend local groups including a childminder support group where they socialise and play with other children who are also being minded. They also

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy visits to the library where they choose books for the childminder to read to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children's needs are met and they are able to follow their normal routines. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder discusses these with parents and she ensures she has all the information she requires to care for them. By visiting local attractions and parks and attending various groups, the children are learning about their local community. This helps to provide a positive view of the wider world. Although the childminder provides activities that reflect diversity, the range of resources requires development. Children behave well because the childminder has a positive approach and is a good role model. She encourages children to share and take turns and teaches good manners. The children, including the childminder's own, helped to devise a list of house rules which is displayed. Relationships with parents are both friendly and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

professional. Through daily sharing of information, both written and verbal, and discussion about how the child has been and what they have been doing, the childminder ensures parents are kept fully informed about the level of care their child receives.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment enabling them to settle quickly and enjoy being at the childminder's house. The childminder has thought carefully about which areas of her home to use for childminding to ensure minded children have the space and freedom to initiate and extend their play while maintaining some privacy for her own children. She uses her policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. All required documentation and record keeping is well maintained and shared with parents. The childminder attends all available training that she feels will help her develop her childminding skills to provide better care for children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • continue to develop practice in the care and education of children under 3, for example through the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • continue to develop a range of resources to reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability.

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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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