Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY256700 Inspection date 11 July 2005 Inspector Mark Evans

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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 registered as a childminder in 2003. She lives with her husband; her two sons aged 10 and 6 years and daughter aged 5 months, in a house in Kettering. This is within walking distance of local parks, shops and amenities, including parent and toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Ground floor rooms only are used for childminding purposes. The areas include a playroom, the lounge/diner and the kitchen. The children also have access to a toilet with washing facilities.

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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 The family has no pets. The childminder cares for children during the day, as well as before and after school and she takes children to and from local schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association; she is accredited to the Northamptonshire Childminding Network and can receive funding to provide nursery education. Courses and training undertaken include first aid, food safety and hygiene, effective working with parents, foundation stage planning and assessment and managing behaviour.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The excellent adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene and a desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care, for example, explanation of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and use of individual towels to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Children's health and well-being is supported by the childminder's knowledge of paediatric first aid and sound arrangements are in place to exchange information with parents for the administration of medicines and any incidents. Outdoor play and visits to the park improve children's developing control of their bodies. Children regularly use large play equipment and experience adult led activities that provide good challenge and encourage physical skills. Choice of

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Helping children to be healthy

outdoor play gives children a sense of freedom and they benefit from regular exercise and fresh air. The types of foods provided and the opportunities for children to help prepare some meals, for example, salads, contribute significantly to their independence and understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Children receive excellent nutrition and have a very good range and balance of foods, including pasta and rice dishes and fruit for snacks. The childminder gains information from the children and parents to ascertain preferences, dislikes and special requirements to ensure that children's dietary needs are met. Children can have drinks at any time and have access to drinking water with use of a purpose water cooler/dispenser, keeping them well-hydrated and comfortable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are very well supervised and cared for within a safe environment, with the childminder working hard to minimise most risks both inside and outside of the home. This gives children a suitable environment to explore and play safely. Children can make choices of where to play, whether indoors or outdoors, and the childminder helps them to understand how to keep safe. Children develop good understanding

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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 and awareness of what to do in an emergency by regular practise of fire drills. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that is suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder keeps a check on the condition of the equipment, keeping it clean and safe for children's use. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder having all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and available contact details for relevant agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children experience and enjoy a range of activities that promote their development, for example, use of various role play scenarios to enact their experiences, and cooking activities that include maths and sensory aspects. Children's imagination is encouraged through creative activities and they also have opportunities to explore natural things such as insects which help to develop their knowledge of the world around them. They have developing social awareness and growing ability to share and be co-operative. Children are able to make choices of where to play and what activities to engage, which encourages them to make decisions and to explore their environment. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of the Foundation Stage as she uses this to assess children's individual developmental needs and to plan interesting and challenging activities. The programme for younger children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

progress is being supported by developing use of the Birth to three matters framework. Children experience warm, caring relationships with the childminder, who shows interest in what they say and do. They respond to the childminder's appropriate use of gesture and voice intonation, which offers them reassurance and stability. Children discuss home-life issues and recall past and significant events with the childminder. Younger children are confident without the support of their main carer, showing a sense of security. They can play independently on their own, but are also happy to seek close interaction with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's knowledge and attitudes of the wider community is promoted by the childminder's constructive outlook on equal opportunity issues and the development of equipment and activities that include positive images of diversity. However, children's awareness of others with disabilities is restricted by limited resources for this. Children are valued and respected as individuals with the childminder having very effective systems for exchanging daily information with the parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder meets the children’s needs well; they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children experience stable and consistent care arrangements, with the childminder and parent securing agreement

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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 for business and care aspects. Children behave very well, with praise and encouragement expressed by the childminder to promote their confidence and self-esteem. They have co-operative attitudes with the childminder and understand the need to share and play harmoniously. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest as well as routine outings to the library and local parks.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children experience individual attention, with childminder maintaining very good adult to child ratios. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Comprehensive planning and assessment systems are monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and practice which is reviewed and developed through undertaking relevant training and quality accreditation. Overall, the provision meets

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her knowledge of child protection issues and has developed the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity. She has developed her knowledge of child protection, having relevant documentation and guidance, and is aware of issues linked to types of abuse and relevant indicators. The childminder has also arranged to complete a child protection course in the near future. The range of activities and resources to promote children's awareness of people from various cultures has been increased, including additional books, play figures and activities to celebrate religious/cultural festivals.

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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

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 that the outdoor play area is safe with regard to the raised lawn and patio area • develop the range of resources that promote equality of opportunity with particular regard to disability

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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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