Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY386879 Inspection date 26/10/2009 Inspector Anne Archer

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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 lives with her husband and three children aged 11, six and three years in the Lings area of Northampton. Childminding takes place primarily on the ground floor although the first floor may be used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a dog, a cat, several rabbits and fish as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for up to four children at any one time including two children in the early years age group. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a warm, child-friendly environment. Each child's individuality is clearly recognised by the childminder which ensures that their welfare needs are met and that they are able to make satisfactory progress in their learning and development according to the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is continuing to develop her knowledge and understanding of the EYFS learning and development requirements, including obtaining regular information from parents and using it to promote the integration of care and education. The childminder has started to consider ways to use reflection and self-evaluation to identify key strengths and areas for development of her practice and has recently completed her first paper self-evaluation and booked herself onto additional training to support her childminding practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 review exclusion periods in the children's illness policy in line with current Health Protection Agency advice to help prevent the spread of infection and maintain children's good health  continue to explore ways to encourage and enable parents to contribute to their child's ongoing assessment by sharing what they know about their child and further develop the use of observation and assessment to identify learning priorities for each child.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her legal responsibilities in relation to child protection. She has clear procedures in place for identifying children at risk of harm and is familiar with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance for the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 referral and recording of any concerns. This ensures that children are well protected.

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the early years provision

The childminder supervises children well and provides them with a safe and secure environment in which to play and rest. She conducts and records risk assessments of her home, garden and the venues of regular outings ensuring that appropriate steps are taken to minimise any highlighted hazards.

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the early years provision

All the required records are maintained and policies and procedures are in writing so that parents can have access to them. The child illness policy requires review to ensure that exclusion periods for some illnesses are in line with current Health Protection Agency advice to ensure children's health is not compromised.

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the early years provision

The childminder has so far been unable to obtain the support of all parents to provide ongoing information about their child's development to enable her to have a clear picture of their achievements and to then use this information when planning for children's next steps.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed all the required childminder registration training including obtaining a certificate in paediatric first aid. She has also attended other courses to support her childminding practice and has further courses booked. She has a keen interest in healthy eating and holds a Level 2 qualification in food safety. The childminder has recently completed her first written self-evaluation and has sought the children's views on the care she provides, putting their comments into action. She has not yet managed to achieve this with the children's busy parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively promotes inclusion for all children and has a flexible daily routine to ensure that all children's needs are met. Resources and play materials are readily available for the children to enable them to follow their interests and the childminder ensures they are used effectively to support children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development. They feel comfortable and content and enjoy their time in the childminder's care. Space and resources are organised to allow children access and choice in their play which actively promotes their independence. The childminder is continuing to develop her knowledge of the EYFS learning and development requirements and the early learning goals. She has started to record observations of each child's interests and achievements but is not yet using this information to plan for their next steps.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder interacts very well with the children, becoming involved in their play, encouraging them to persevere and so extend their learning. Play is both child-initiated and adult-led, such as when the childminder planned an art and craft activity to make scarecrows which related to a particular child's interests. She also offers suggestions when children are unsure what to do next. For instance, a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 conversation about castles led to children making their own with further discussions about how to make a moat and a drawbridge. Children also enjoy playing outside in the garden and taking walks to a nearby lake to feed the ducks with any stale bread the childminder has saved.

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure and develop a sense of belonging whilst in the childminder's care. They receive positive support, praise and encouragement which helps to build their confidence and self-esteem. They respond well to the childminder's appropriate behaviour management which takes account of their level of understanding and maturity. She also encourages children to be kind to each other and to share.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about safety procedures as they practise the emergency escape drill, walk home safely from school and take care near the lake. They are beginning to show an understanding of healthy lifestyles and are learning to follow appropriate personal hygiene routines as they wash and dry their hands before snack. The childminder consults with parents about their children's dietary needs. She has a keen interest in providing fresh, nutritious meals and does so for her family. However, current parents prefer to provide their own convenience foods for the childminder to cook and serve to the children. Children sit and eat their meals together at the kitchen table which provides a social time and an opportunity for them to learn and develop their social skills. 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 3 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 2 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

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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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