Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY390500 Inspection date 30/09/2009 Inspector Ann Austen

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 2009. She lives with her partner and one child aged four years in the town of Brackley, Northamptonshire. The childminder is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor of childminder’s home is used for childminding, including toilet facilities. Sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder's home is accessed via one shallow step. She has two pet cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding eight children, whose times vary, in this age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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

Overall the provision was judged to be satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm, caring child-friendly environment. Each child's individuality is recognised by the childminder which ensures that their welfare needs are met and enables them to make satisfactory progress in their learning and development according to the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder is continuing to develop her knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements, including sharing information with parents and other providers and services to promote the integration of care, education and any extended service. She is developing her skills to use self-evaluation to identity key strengths and areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a systematic and routine approach to using observations, and develop systems to ensure that ongoing assessment is used to plan and provide experiences which are appropriate to each child’s age and stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals  improve the progress children make towards the early learning goals by using knowledge from parents of what children can do as the starting point for their learning and development, and provide opportunities for parents to contribute to their learning and development record. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her legal duties and responsibilities with regards to child protection issues. Effective procedures are in place for identifying children at risk of harm and the childminder knows how to liaise with the appropriate child agencies. This ensures that children are well protected and given high priority at all times. Parents have access to a policy statement that outlines her responsibility to protect children. The childminder supervises the children well and provides a safe and secure environment. She conducts written risk assessments and as a consequence steps have been taken to ensure that hazards to children both in the home, garden and on outings are kept to a minimum. For example, the childminder ensures that hazardous substances and equipment are inaccessible to children in the kitchen.

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the early years provision

All required records are maintained and clear policies and procedures are in writing so that parents can have access to them. The children's care experience is enhanced by the childminder's caring approach to her childminding. She has an appropriate early years qualification. The childminder is currently developing her practice to help and support children to make progress and to reach their full potential in their learning and development in relation to their starting points. She is beginning to set targets for the continuous improvement of her practice in order to further improve outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to promoting inclusion for all children throughout the provision and organises a flexible daily routine to ensure that the children's needs are met. She encourages the children to learn through play and is beginning to develop their knowledge of the wider community. The childminder effectively uses available resources and play materials to support children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder works closely with all parents to ensure that she has a good knowledge of the children's background and their needs. This helps to ensure continuous and consistent care for the children and ensures that parents wishes are valued and respected. However, systems to obtain information in relation to children's starting points in their learning and opportunities for parents to regularly contribute to their children's learning and development record are not fully established. The childminder is able to provide care and support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities through discussing their needs with parents. She understands the importance of working in partnership with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure progression and continuity in their care and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are offered a variety of play opportunities that support them in making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. They are developing positive attitudes towards learning as they play. Space and resources are organised well which allows children to access and have choices in their play. The childminder is continuing to develop her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. She is currently developing systems to record observations of each child's achievements and interests against the six areas of learning. However, the childminder does not always effectively use observations to identify children's next steps in their learning against the expectations of the Early Years Foundation Stage Development Matters framework in order to ensure that every child makes progress. This potentially compromises children's learning and developing.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop positive, caring relationships with the childminder which effectively increases their sense of well-being and promotes their emotional development. As a result they are content, settled and willingly take part in the activities provided. The childminder becomes engaged in the children's play, which effectively provokes their thinking and extends their learning. Children learn to take responsibility and are developing their independence. For example, children help to tidy away the toys, to put rubbish in the bin and find their wellingtons for outdoor play. Children whose speech is not yet developed are developing their communication skills through their interactions with the childminder who encourages the children to imitate animal sounds and to repeat simple words. Children look at books for enjoyment, listen to stories and enjoy singing songs such as 'row, row, row the boat'. Children develop their imaginations with regular

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and outcomes for children

craft and role play activities and learn to communicate with marks and pictures as they chalk, draw and paint. The garden, visits to the park, attendance at 'balancing bears' movement sessions and walks around the local community offers children regular access to the outdoors for fresh air and exercise which develops their coordination, control and fitness. Children are beginning to appreciate diversity and develop a positive view of society and the wider world. They meet different individuals as they explore the local community and handle a range of resources which positively reflect people of other races, cultures and abilities. All these activities help children to develop their underpinning knowledge and skills in literacy, numeracy and technology.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel secure, confident and develop a sense of belonging to the setting. They are actively encouraged to learn about dangers and how to keep safe. For example, children learn how to cross the road safely, dangers in the kitchen and how to evacuate the building in the event of a fire. Children respond to the childminders appropriate behaviour management strategies that take into account their age and stage of development. They receive positive support, praise and encouragement which builds their confidence and self- esteem. Children learn to play harmoniously together, to share and take turns.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to show an understanding about healthy lifestyles and are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning to follow appropriate personal hygiene routines. The childminder actively promotes healthy eating. She takes account of the wishes of parents as she discusses dietary requirements with them. Meals and snacks are relaxed social occasions where children sit together, develop good manners and enjoy, for example, dipping their bread sticks and cucumber into the cheese and chive dip. Clear procedures are in place in the event of accidents, for the administration of medication and if children are unwell. The childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. 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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 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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