Childminder, Out-of school day care in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY252340 Inspection date 07 March 2006 Inspector Jan Clarke-Potter

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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 good. 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 2003. She lives with her husband and four children aged seven months, three, thirteen and one adult son in a residential area of Desborough, Northamptonshire. Shops, schools, a park and leisure centre are within close proximity. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor as well as the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding five children at various times. The family has two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children are developing a good knowledge and understanding of health and hygiene routines, because the childminder explains the importance of hand washing. She provides encouragement and support and children wash their hands regularly, before meals, after going to the toilet and after stroking pets, this inhibits cross contamination. Children's personal care needs are met well. Children benefit from a clean and warm environment. There are effective procedures for collecting and excluding sick children. First aid arrangements are good, and the childminder keeps her first aid training up to date, this ensures effective welfare of the children. Accurate accident and medication records are kept and children's welfare is also promoted because parents consent for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment is maintained. Children begin to understand the role of a balanced diet to help them grow and

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Helping children to be healthy

develop, because the childminder has a very good understanding of food nutrition and explains the importance of a healthy balanced diet and exercise. She also provides colourful and informative posters on food and nutrition and children take part in preparing their own food. Children are offered fruit on a daily basis and they walk daily to school or to the park, which gives them plenty of fresh air and exercise. There are opportunities for younger children to relax, sleep and rest comfortably during the day. Children are offered fresh drinking water regularly throughout the day. Their individual needs are respected, with regard to diet and particular allergies, and appropriate action is taken as parents and children's wishes are respected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of health and safety, and all reasonable steps are taken to minimise risks to children. There are good security procedures in place, including ensuring external doors are secure and there is very effective supervision of children. Children practise emergency evacuation procedures on a regular basis and this ensures their safety. Children are safely escorted on outings. For example, younger children are secured in a pushchair, they have reins when they walk, and children travelling in a car have appropriate car seats or restraints, and permissions are sought from parents. Children learn to keep themselves safe in their own environment and learn about safety issues whilst on outings with the encouragement and guidance of the childminder. For example, children learn to cross the road safely by learning to stop,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

look, and listen. Children use a wide and varied range of good quality resources, furniture and equipment, which supports their play and development. The childminder checks the resources regularly to ensure that they are safe and suitable for the children's individual needs. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's appropriate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 knowledge of local child protection procedures, and the sound understanding of her responsibility to the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have warm, caring relationships with the childminder. Children's self-confidence is promoted by having consistent expectations and trust. Children are valued and appreciated by the childminder. Children are actively listened to as the childminder gives them her full attention when she communicates with them. Children are developing independence, and are able to access resources for themselves. They behave well in response to the childminder's warm encouragement and praise. Children have opportunities to develop their creative skills. Children play with dough, paint, and draw. The childminder reads stories to the children. She shares books with them and patiently helps them to develop their language. Dressing up clothes and props are available to help children explore role-play. They have opportunities to learn about people who help us, and they dress up in doctors and nurses' outfits and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pretend to play hospitals. Children bake cakes, they enjoy washing-up. They play with sand and water outside and chalk on the patio, which helps their mark-making skills. Generally, children are provided with suitable activities and play opportunities to develop their emotional, social, physical and intellectual capabilities. However, the childminder does not use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to adapt activities for younger children. Children enjoy outings when they play in the local park. Older children enjoy a relaxed session at the end of the school day, they are able to play in the garden or on computer games, complete art and craft work or watch television.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities. She uses positive images in her toys and resources helping children to develop an understanding of diversity in the wider world. She ensures that they have equal access to small world toys and disability figures, books and jigsaws. Children learn about other cultures and religions as they celebrate different festivals and develop a sense of belonging. Children are engaged in positive behaviour and are involved in what is going on around them and are gaining self-confidence. Children show concerns for each other, the childminder promotes kindness to others and teaches them right from wrong. She encourages the children to share and help others. Such as helping to set the table and clear their toys away. Children's behaviour is very good and is managed in a way that is appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met because the childminder has developed an effective partnership with parents. Systems are in place to establish and exchange information. The childminder seeks the views of parents to help settle their child and daily information is exchanged about the children's activities and achievements. This ensures that parents wishes are respected and individual needs of the children are met.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home in the childminder's care. Space, routines and resources are organised well to meet the children's needs. This enables them to confidently initiate and extend their play. Children are able to play and learn independently, as well as receiving adult support. She has thought carefully about which areas of her home to use for childminding to ensure children have the space and freedom to play, while maintaining some privacy for her family. Children's welfare, care and learning is promoted by effective records, policies and procedures, and through the childminder's knowledge of child development. All the required documentation and record-keeping is well maintained and shared with parents to ensure continuity of care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the provider has increased opportunities for children to play outside and developed further activities to promote children's intellectual capabilities. For example, children can design and make models, they work things out for themselves on the computer, and play with board games. She improves children's welfare by becoming familiar with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance and procedures and has obtained the Department of Health booklet. As a result children's safety is further safeguarded by her increased knowledge of child protection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they may see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints, other than those made to Ofsted. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted, since the last inspection.

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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 good. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop practice in care and education of children under three, for example, through the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure the complaints procedure is in line with new guidance issued in October 2005.

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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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