Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 221358 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Sarah Harrison

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in the village of Harpole, Northamptonshire. There are a number of community facilities within walking distance of the house, including schools, pre-schools, shops and recreation areas. Minded children have access to the whole of the downstairs of the house which includes sleeping facilities. The first floor, which includes toilet facilities, is also available for childminding, with the exception of the main bedroom. An enclosed garden is available for outdoor activities. The childminder is registered to care for 6

p.2

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 children at any one time and currently minds 16 children on a part time basis. The childminder has established close links with other childminders locally.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a satisfactory awareness of healthy lifestyles as they enjoy a range of physical activities. They benefit from regular walks to local parks and walk to and from school on a daily basis. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. They are offered opportunities for quiet times throughout the day but particularly at key points, such as after school and after lunch. Children are well nourished and experience a healthy selection of food including fruit and vegetables that are freshly prepared and often grown by the children themselves. This helps to strengthen their understanding of healthy eating. Children enjoy eating together at snack and lunch times. They talk and share jokes with each other and are generally excited by what is offered to them. Their dietary requirements are recorded in their personal records and so their individual needs are met. Children use good hygiene practices with

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

appropriate hand washing, after visiting the toilet and before and after eating. They develop their knowledge of hygiene by cleaning the table and washing germs off their hands before starting a cooking activity. The safety and welfare of the children is promoted, as the childminder has several measures in place to safeguard their well-being. Her first aid certificate is up to date and parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment is maintained. This ensures that accidents are dealt with appropriately.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are at home in an environment which is clean, welcoming and suitable for its use. They develop their independence and self care skills because there are suitable toileting and wash facilities which the children can access freely. Through this, their personal needs are adequately met. Children are excited by the toys, furniture, equipment and resources which are safe, sufficient and of good quality. They can choose from them freely, as they are all kept in good clean order and stored at child height. For the main, children can move around the childminder’s home and garden freely and independently as most risks have been identified and reduced. However a water feature in the garden remains accessible to children. Children keep safe as they understand and have practised correct fire and safety procedures. This ensures that they keep calm in the event of an emergency and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

know what to do. Their welfare is safeguarded because the childminder understands current child protection guidance. It is further promoted in her supporting documentation. For example there is a written agreement with regards to outings, transporting children in her car, and consent for children to use large apparatus.

p.3

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 Children learn about safety and caring for themselves and others through discussions with the childminder. Through everyday activities, children learn skills to keep themselves safe such as learning how to cross the road properly. They know and understand the importance of wearing the correct safety clothes when cycling.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day which are planned, and based on their current level of development and understanding. For example, during a cooking activity they make patterns with the Smarties that they use to decorate the cakes; they count them out, put them into colour groups and support each other with this. They are clearly excited and highly involved in their play. They are stimulated and challenged appropriately. Children relate well to the childminder and each other. They speak to each other freely and confidently, they ask questions and discuss play scenarios amongst themselves. They are happy and content. Children’s personal and social skills are developed and they have increased self-esteem. For example, they are gently reminded to share toys with each other and are praised meaningfully when they do this. They benefit from varied opportunities to play independently and with their

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

peers. They also like to participate in adult led activities such as gardening. Through this, their interest is maintained. Children relish opportunities to write their names and practise simple mathematical problems throughout the day. They enjoy showing each other what they can do and are becoming confident learners. They benefit from challenging activities designed to make them think. For example, when cooking, they talk about what they are doing, the ingredients they need, measurements and what needs to be done next.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing an awareness about race and different cultures through resources which reflect diversity, although these are limited. They ask questions about the resources and about issues they see when on outings. The resulting discussions are generally informative and help children's knowledge about the wider world to develop. Children follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. They have their individual needs met well and as a result, feel valued and respected. Children behave well. They understand the positive, age appropriate strategies that are in place. They know what to expect and quickly understand boundaries. They respond well to the childminder's calm, friendly manner. She treats children with respect and as a result, children want to behave well. Children benefit from parents’ involvement in their care. They enjoy the continuity of care as parents are able to access their children's records at any time and they are

p.4

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 fully informed of any changes that may affect their child’s welfare and development. Such a positive exchange of information means that all aspects which contribute to the children’s well-being, are shared by the childminder and parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall the needs of the range of children are met. Children feel at home and at ease in the way the environment is organised. Space is used effectively so that children benefit from a broad range of activities which help them to develop in all areas of learning. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children in her care. She plans and organises her day so that all children's routines and needs are met. In the main, policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution to the life of the setting. However, certain records which support children’s health lack detail.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the quality of the information she provides to parents. They now know about the types of activities she offers children and her policy on behaviour. As a result, parents and their children are more knowledgeable about the life of the setting.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 that the water feature is made safe or inaccessible to children • ensure that records with regards to the administration of medicine are shared and signed by parents

p.5

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 • develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and ensure that resources reflect positive images of diversity.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6