Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 221072 Inspection date 30/11/2009 Inspector Claire Jenner

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and children aged 16 and 17 years in Northamptonshire. The whole of the childminder's house with exception of the two small bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is level access to the property and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and she takes children to the local library and park. The family have one dog and three chickens.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years. All of whom attend on a part-time basis. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and Northampton Childminding Network.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and uses this to enable children to make good progress. Children are happy, settled and confident and the childminder ensures that all children are valued and included in the environment. Established relationships with parents ensures relevant information is shared in order for children's individual needs to be met. The childminder is aware of her strengths and has identified areas for future development. She is enthusiastic in her work and has a strong commitment to continue to monitor and extend her practice which supports the development of children's care and learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 review systems to ensure observations are meaningfully used to consistently plan for children's next steps  extend arrangments to liaise with other people who supply the Early Years Foundation Stage to children.

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the early years provision

All children's care, welfare and safety are effectively promoted because the childminder has been pro-active in ensuring that all positive steps have been taken This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to minimise potential hazards in order to keep children safe. For example, comprehensive risk assessments on the premises, outings and resources are carried out regularly. The childminder has a very good understanding of the required procedures to protect children from harm or neglect. She continues to update her professional skills and knowledge through regular attendance at relevant courses. Secure vetting procedures ensures all adults living on the premises are suitable to be with children and the childminder ensures that children are within her sight or hearing at all times. A thorough safeguarding procedure is in place, discussed with parents and a copy provided to them. All relevant records

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the early years provision

are up-to-date and in excellent order. The childminder manages her time and the available space effectively in order for children to enjoy a good balance of activities and learning experiences both in and outside of the home. The environment is well organised, bright and welcoming to children. Toys, resources and equipment are of good quality and state of repair. They are easily accessible and well chosen to support the different developmental needs of children attending.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established excellent relationships with parents and they are kept very well informed of all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents have sight of the childminders personal portfolio which contains an extensive amount of well presented information, which includes details of her family, previous experience and attendance at training, insurance certificates and references from former parents. In addition to this it contains a wide range of well considered and thorough policies and procedures required to support her child care practice and so promoting positive outcomes for children. All new parents are provided with their own welcome pack which contains their own copies of key policies including safeguarding, complaints, sickness and equal opportunities. Information is shared from the onset detailing children's individual needs, such as daily routines, health or dietary needs and interests. As a result, children settle

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the early years provision

quickly with the childminder and feel confident in her care. Ongoing exchanges of information in the form of a comprehensive daily written diary, discussion and access to children's observations and assessments files mean that parents continue to be kept fully informed of their child's care, learning and development. Parents are included in the self-evaluation process as the childminder regularly asks for their views and suggestions through discussion and the distribution of parental questionnaires. The childminder is aware of the benefits of establishing and maintaining positive links with other professionals and with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to the children in her care. However, systems are informal and not yet fully effective in ensuring children consistently receive a co-ordinated service. The childminder provides a broad range of activities that link to the children's awareness of the wider world and

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the early years provision

encourages them to gain an understanding of difference. For example, she provides resources that reflect different cultures and disability and visits the local community groups and surrounding areas. She has a good understanding of children's individual needs and a commitment to challenge any negative remarks, attitudes or behaviour. In discussion, the childminder explains how she will ensure that the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities, and English as an additional language will be met.

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the early years provision

The childminder has shown a strong commitment to improvement as she has addressed all recommendations raised at the last inspection and has successfully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 completed a self-evaluation of her setting, so improving the outcomes for children. The childminder is committed to her work and strives to continually improve the provision for children as she attends relevant training events and has undertaken quality assurance assessments. In addition to this, the childminder is pro-active in researching and seeking out new and updated information from books and articles and actively seeks advice and support from development officers.

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and outcomes for children

Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's home. They feel safe and secure as they are familiar with the routines, the environment and are well supported by the childminder in all that they do. Children move confidently around the identified play spaces and make free choices in their play from the extensive range of easily accessible toys and resources provided by the childminder. Children make good progress and the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to ensuring that all children are sufficiently challenged. She provides a balance of adult-led and child initiated activities both within and outside the home providing children with a broad range of play and learning experiences. The childminder has implemented some systems to enable her to observe and assess children to ascertain what they have learnt and need to learn next. However, although large in number some records do not contain sufficient

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and outcomes for children

detail in order for her to meaningfully and consistently plan for children across all areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children have developed warm and positive relationships with the childminder and their peers. The childminder interacts well with all children and they enjoy the time they spend with her. For example, they talk animatedly together about photographs of themselves engaged in play recalling past events and recognising familiar faces. Children's listening, communication and language skills are promoted well as the childminder listens carefully to what they have to say, has conversations and extends their language in line with their development. Children regularly count during daily routines and activities. They show interest and curiosity and will ask questions which supports their learning and development. Children completing an 'under the sea' puzzle become interested in the creatures names and together with the childminder skilfully use the number key to identify each animal in turn. Children enjoy looking at books and they enjoy frequent visits

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and outcomes for children

to the library. Children are encouraged to chose books that they would like to borrow and also look forward to joining in with the sing and rhyme sessions. Children's independence is effectively promoted as the childminder supports them in their developing skills. For example, children are able to address their own personal hygiene needs as they have easy access to the ground floor toilet and a young child is able to expertly feed herself with appropriately sized cutlery. Children behave very well. They learn the consequences of their behaviour and the impact on others as they are encouraged through consistent management to be caring and kind to each other. There is a great emphasis on celebrating children's positive behaviour through praise and encouragement, as a result children are confident and gain good self-esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children play in a safe environment and they are learning how to keep themselves safe. For example, they are gently reminded not to run in the house and learn how to use tools, such as scissors appropriately. They look at books about road safety and are encouraged to follow the green cross code when out walking. Children are provided with frequent opportunities to be physically active, enjoy fresh air and open spaces. They visit local nature areas and parks where they spend time looking at the environment around them and making use of the large play equipment. They have good access to the garden where they enjoy playing on the bicycles and climbing frames, so helping them to develop their physical skills. A wide range of healthy, balanced and nutritious meals and snacks ensure children's good health is promoted. Children's knowledge of healthy eating and food is increased through activities which include shopping to buy fruit and vegetables,

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and outcomes for children

food tasting and baking. The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure that all children's dietary and health needs are met. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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

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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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