Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 220691 Inspection date 15/10/2009 Inspector Hazel Christine White

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and adult child in a residential area of Kettering in Northamptonshire. There are shops and schools within walking distance. The premises are easily accessible and the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two dogs and two rabbits.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are currently five children attending, three of whom are within the early years age group. All children attend on a part time basis.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are nurtured by the childminder who has a secure knowledge of their family and home circumstances. They engage in a general range of activities which help them to make satisfactory progress in their learning and development. The childminder has a growing awareness and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and as a result meets the majority of requirements and most documentation is in place. Planning and observation and assessment systems are currently being developed to ensure that the activities provided are balanced across all areas of learning. The childminder has sound partnerships with parents which suitably promotes inclusion and ensures that each child's individual needs are appropriately met. She demonstrates a commitment to continuous development and is in the early stages of introducing systems to evaluate her practice.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 make available to parents details of the safeguarding procedure and the procedure to follow in the event of a child not being collected at an appointed time or a child going missing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 30/10/2009

p.4

further?

 conduct a risk assessment of the premises and maintain a record of when they were conducted and by whom (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 19/11/2009

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop the use of information gained from parents regarding children's starting points and observations and assessments in order to identify the next steps in children's learning  ensure that children have regular opportunities to develop their creativity and increase resources to support their knowledge and understanding of the world with regard to promoting race, culture, gender and disability in a positive way  lead and encourage a culture of reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion to identify strengths and priorities for development.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are suitably safeguarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to protecting children in her care. She is aware of her duty to record and report any concerns and has recently updated referral contact numbers to ensure that they are current. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of safety issues and completes daily checks of the premises before children arrive, for example, checking that stair gates are in place and that electrical sockets are covered. A risk assessment, however, has not been conducted to demonstrate what action has been taken to minimise all risks to children in the home and garden. Consequently, this may have an impact on children's safety.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder strives to provide a service that is inclusive for all children and their families. She builds sound relationships with parents and provides them with valuable verbal information about her provision and chats to them on a regular basis about the activities their children have taken part in. She maintains required records such as attendance, medication, accidents and all necessary parental consents. However, she has not yet shared with parents, the child protection procedure and what would happen in the event of a child not being collected at an appointed time or a child going missing. Therefore, they are not fully aware of these processes. Parents are kept up to date with their child's progress as the childminder is beginning to share individual learning folders which contain both photographic and written evidence of their involvement in various activities. She thoroughly discusses children's care needs and has started asking questions about

p.5

the early years provision

starting points with regard to their learning. However, this information is not yet fully used to identify the next steps in their learning.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has started to identify a few areas for further improvement. Although, there is not a strong enough focus on reflecting on her practice and seeking the views of others. This means that priorities for improvement are not accurately targeted. Partnerships with other professionals and other EYFS settings that minded children attend are beginning to develop in order to promote continuity of care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a growing knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and how children learn through play. As a result, children make satisfactory progress towards most of the early learning goals. However, there is less emphasis on creative development. Opportunities for them to use media such as paint, water and dough and to express their feelings in music making, dance and role play are not fully explored. Children are able to freely access resources which are stored at a low level, as a result they are gaining independence and make choices about their play. Some resources show positive images of people in society and this is an area that the childminder is developing. They talk about similarities and differences in people they see in the community and children enjoy celebrating their birthdays and discuss other special days such as Christmas and Diwali. Although, there are no children currently attending who

p.6

and outcomes for children

have special educational needs or disabilities, the childminder is able to demonstrate through discussion how she provides care which is inclusive and discusses each child's individual’s needs with their parents.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has implemented a development folder for each child and an observation and assessment system. However, information gained through observations is not yet effectively used to plan for the child's next steps in their learning. Children have access to a suitable range of first hand learning opportunities. For example, they help the childminder's husband to plant tomatoes and chillies in the garden and learn how to care for them and make them grow. Younger children confidently access programmable toys, pressing buttons and lifting flaps to make something happen. Good use is made of routines and spontaneous opportunities to support children's learning. They talk about size, shape, colour and numbers as they walk to and from the pre-school. They count how many wheels they see on cars and the colour and number on the doors of houses.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy sitting close to the childminder to look at a book or listen to a story. They confidentially chat to adults and are included in conversations. Physical skills are enhanced as they access a range of play equipment in the local park and regularly walk to and from the pre-school. They negotiate the climbing frame and slide, kick balls and run off their energy. The garden is used frequently so children get plenty of fresh air. It has several seating areas for children to sit quietly with an activity or to enjoy their snack.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Established daily routines ensure that children begin to develop good hygiene practices. For example, they are reminded to wash their hands before meals and snacks. Drinks are readily available and the children receive healthy packed lunches which take full account of any dietary requirements. They are developing an understanding of how to stay safe. For example, whilst out children learn how to walk safely on the pavement and learn about road safety as the childminder talks to them about the Highway Code. Children behave in a manner that is supportive of their learning. They develop confidence and self-esteem because the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder gives regular praise, encouragement and support. Consequently, children learn to share take turns and show consideration for each other. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.8

Stage

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

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.

p.9

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:

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 19/11/2009

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 provide parents with a copy of the written statement of safeguarding procedures (Providing information to parents) 30/10/2009

p.9