Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 221402 Inspection date 24 October 2005 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 satisfactory. 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 2000. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Wellingborough in Northamptonshire. The ground floor rooms of the house, except the kitchen, are used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder's daughter is also a childminder. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children over 5 before and after school and 1 child over 5 during school holidays. The childminder drives to the local school to take and collect children. She is also the supervisor at a local pre-school.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about personal hygiene routines. They are aware of the importance of washing their hands before eating and after going to the toilet to prevent cross infection. Children enjoy playing in the garden and going on outings to the park and the local embankment for exercise and fresh air to maintain their health. Children's individual dietary needs are met because the childminder takes account of parents' wishes and discusses dietary requirements with them. Although children only have snacks when with the childminder, she tries to ensure that they learn about healthy eating and encourages them to eat fruit and take regular drinks, particularly in hot weather.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move about the ground floor of the childminder's home and her garden in safety because she is aware of potential hazards and tries to minimise them. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about it. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and, with one exception, has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate, is familiar with local child protection procedures and is aware of her responsibilities in relation to them. Children independently select toys and games from a small range which the childminder regularly checks 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 satisfactory. Children are settled at the childminder's house. They are able to maintain their daily routines because the childminder is aware of these from discussions with their parents. Children have opportunities for free play from a small range of toys and activities and occasionally join in with more structured activities such as making plum jam. Children relate well to the younger children cared for by the childminder's daughter and help them with their play. Children enjoy going to the local park to play on the equipment and like to visit the embankment by the River Nene to see the swans.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children's individual needs are met because the childminder ensures, through discussion with parents, that she is aware of the level of care each child requires and that she is kept up to date with any changes that occur. Also through daily discussion the childminder keeps parents informed about what their child has been doing and how they have been. Children learn something about the diversity of adults and children and the wider world through discussion with the childminder while they are out and about. However, there are only a few resources that reflect positive images for them to play with at the childminder's home. Children behave well because the childminder encourages good manners, turn taking and sharing. The childminder praises positive behaviour and the appropriate methods she uses to deal with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

unwanted behaviour are shared with and supported by parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children settle easily in the childminder's home. They have opportunities for free play with a small range of toys and resources and also have outings in the local area. The childminder has thought carefully about which areas of her home to use for childminding to ensure children have sufficient space to play and relax while taking account of other members of the household. The childminder has many years experience of working with children and is fully aware of her responsibilities when caring for them. With one exception, she has all the documentation and records in place to support her childminding practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to improve safety in relation to emergency evacuation and the glass in the china cabinet; obtain written consents from parents in relation to emergency medical care and administration of medication and ensure all household members over the age of 16 undergo a police check. The childminder has taken action to ensure all recommendations have been met and in doing so has improved the level of care provided to children.

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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 satisfactory. 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure childminder public liability insurance is in place.

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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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