Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 221104 Inspection date 19/11/2009 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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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 four children, two of whom are adults and a 15 and 12 year old. They live in a residential area in South Northamptonshire. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. Most of the of the property is used for childminding with the exception of the study on the ground floor and the small bedroom at the front of the house. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Children regular attend local carer and toddler groups. The family has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for maximum of six children under eight and is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently nine children on roll, four of whom are within the early years age range. All attend on a part time basis. School aged children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and runs a local support group for Northamptonshire childminders.

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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 provides a well-organised, very welcoming and child-friendly environment where children's learning is supported through a broad range of valuable first hand learning experiences. As a result children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has developed exceptional partnerships with parents and others to ensure consistency in their care, learning and well-being. She effectively promotes inclusion and securely meets each child's individual needs. All required documentation is in place and is well maintained. The childminder evaluates her practice and is fully committed to continuous development in order to 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 the use of information gained through observation and assessment in order to plan for the next steps in children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding children and is fully aware of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her care. She has a well-written policy in place which is shared with parents on admission. Children's safety is a priority. Written risk assessments of the home and garden are completed which identify potential hazards and actions taken to minimise any risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to the children. Robust vetting procedures are in place to ensure that adults in the household are suitable to be in contact with the children. Visitors are monitored and children are supervised at all times. The childminder is well-organised and dedicates time outside of her childminding hours for maintaining her documentation and written records.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an exemplary partnership with parents. Effective systems are in place to help and support children and their parents to settle into their new environment. Parents receive an abundance of information about the childminding service, including, a range of comprehensive policies and procedures which inform the childminder's practice. The daily exchange of information, both verbally and written ensures that children's changing needs are consistently met to a high standard. Parents are kept up-to-date with their child's progress as they have ongoing access to their child's learning journey which contains both written information and photographic evidence. The childminder has introduced parent’s evenings which allow parents further opportunities to discuss their child's individual needs. She has established excellent working relationships with other settings that the children attend within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This ensures

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the early years provision

that appropriate information is shared, and consequently, ensures that children receive continuity in their care, learning and well-being.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for by a knowledgeable childminder who demonstrates a professional approach to her role and responsibilities. She is caring and committed to providing a good quality service to children and their families. Secure systems are in place to monitor and evaluate her childcare practice and this helps her to focus on positive outcomes for children. The childminder attends local childminder networking meetings and makes good use of any advice or guidance in order to improve her practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a stimulating and child-friendly environment. The childminder has a good knowledge of EYFS and how to develop children's learning and development through play. Children are confident, happy and can freely choose toys and equipment from the well resourced play room. There is a balance of adult-led and child-led activities which support their differing needs. The childminder is skilful at using open-ended questions to challenge children's thinking. She effectively records ongoing observations of the children's progress; evidence is both written and photographic with lots of examples of children's work. However, this information is not fully used to clearly identify children's next steps and to build on what they already know and can do.

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and outcomes for children

Children's communication, language and literacy skills are very well supported. For example, children have their own library cards which they regularly use and they explore books both independently and with the childminder. For example, a child is particularly interested in books about vehicles and was delighted to see a 'combined harvester'. The playroom has bright and colourful wall displays which include alphabet posters and number charts; this also supports children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding that print carries meaning. Children begin to be problem solvers as they complete jigsaws. They are very proud of themselves when they fit a clock jigsaw together in the correct order, counting and naming the numbers. Together they build train tracks, trying different pieces until they have a complete track on which they can move trains along.

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and outcomes for children

All children are valued and treated with equal concern, with any specific requirement being shared and met sensitively in discussion with the child's parents. They develop an understanding of the wider world as they talk about and celebrate cultural festivals and dress up in the traditional costumes from countries such as Egypt, India and Portugal. Play figures, books and jigsaws are reprehensive of people in society and encourage children to notice similarities and differences. Children behave in a manner that is supportive of their learning. They develop confidence and high levels of self-esteem because the childminder praises children for their efforts and achievements. Children are aware of expected behaviour and have clear boundaries. They play co-operatively together and learn to share, take turns and show consideration for each other.

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and outcomes for children

Well-established daily routines ensure that children develop good hygiene practices; they are gently reminded to wash their hands before meals and have their own individual personal items. Children are learning to make healthy choices about food and drink through excellent support and encouragement. They learn about healthy lifestyles as they talk together about eating fresh fruit to give them energy and understand that exercise is good for them. Children have daily opportunities to play in the fresh air and confidently climb, negotiate the steps on the slide and enjoy running freely in parks. Their learning and enjoyment is further enhanced as the childminder provides excellent opportunities for children to visit places of interest such as the farm, indoor leisure centre and a childminding group.

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and outcomes for children

They receive freshly prepared healthy meals and snacks which are carefully planned taking into account any specific dietary requirement. For example, chicken and vegetables, shepherds pie, pasta dishes and hot pot. Children thoroughly enjoy growing potatoes, strawberries, runner beans, mint and onions which they help to dig up and prepare for dinner. All the children have a very sociable lunchtime sitting around the table and babies sit close by in their highchairs to ensure that they are fully included. The childminder helps children to develop a good understanding of how to stay safe. For example, whilst out walking, children learn about road safety as the childminder talks to them about the 'highway code' and also reminds children to listen carefully to her instructions. 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 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 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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