Childminder in West NorthamptonshireOfsted inspection, 15 Feb 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310641 Inspection date 15 February 2006 Inspector Rachael Mankiewicz

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and child aged three years on the edge of Daventry, Northamptonshire. Local schools, pre-schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. On the first floor there are two bedrooms available for sleeping children and minded children also have access to the upstairs family bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. There are currently two part time children under five on roll.

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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 cared for in a warm and clean home, where they learn about good hygiene practices through daily routines, such as hand washing before they have their snack. They are beginning to understand about other personal care, for example asking to use the toilet and asking for their drinks. Children are developing their awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet. They indicate when they are ready for their snack and show preferences for the different fruits on offer. The childminder appropriately stores the children's meals from home and provides meals and snacks in accordance with the wishes of their parents, which helps to promote their healthy growth and development. Children actively take part in a range of indoor and outdoor play opportunities to develop their physical skills. Their co-ordination and dexterity is developed by handling small toys and construction equipment. Children enjoy play activities in the

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Helping children to be healthy

garden, walks around the local environment and using the large apparatus at the park and the Leisure Centre. The choice of outdoor play gives children a sense of freedom and they benefit from the regular exercise and fresh air. Children's health and well-being is supported by the childminder, for example, through her knowledge of paediatric first aid and understanding of what to do if children are taken ill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around safely and independently within the safe environment of the home and outdoors. They freely move around the house, within sight of the childminder, and are able to explore and play safely in effectively organised space. Appropriate procedures are in place when taking children on outings, and children benefit from learning about road and water safety. Children are beginning to learn how to complete potentially hazardous tasks in a safe manner. For example, using real tools and implements for baking and scissors for cutting paper. Appropriate safety equipment is provided within the home, and all toys and equipment are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development, encouraging children to stay safe and promoting their development. Children are well protected because of the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder generally maintains the necessary written

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

records and procedures to promote the children's welfare and to safeguard them. For example, accident and medicine records are shared fully with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They move freely

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 between the different play activities on offer, spending time playing with the toys they have chosen, and building on their concentration span with the encouragement of the childminder. For example, they persevere with jigsaw puzzles and show pride in their achievements. Children are able to select from a wide range of toys and activities to promote their learning in different areas, for example construction toys and artwork. They participate in lively conversation with each other and with the childminder who promotes their language and communication skills. Children have free access to a good range of age appropriate books, and children ‘read’ to each other as they act out a role play of schools. They spontaneously count alongside the childminder during activities and daily routines. Activities are adapted to meet the children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

individual needs, interests and abilities. The childminder uses her knowledge and experience to deliver the appropriate service. She has begun to use the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework as a basis for planning to enable her to encourage the children’s full development and help them to make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have easy access to play resources and activities, and they are able to choose what they do. They are happy to take part in the daily routine provided by the childminder, who ensures that all their individual needs and preferences are well met. Children have access to some play resources which reflect diversity and they are developing their understanding of the wider world. They meet different children and adults as they participate in other activities in the town. Children are kind and caring towards each other as they develop an understanding of the needs of others. They begin to share and play together as they are encouraged to take turns during role play activities and games. Their achievements are valued and praised and their behaviour is very good. Children benefit from having consistent boundaries, and older children are aware of house rules. The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents. Information is exchanged

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Helping children make a positive contribution

on a daily basis with parents regarding children's care, routines and progress, helping to ensure continuous and consistent care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. They are secure and comfortable within the childminder's routines which are based on well organised time and space. As a result, children have opportunities to engage in a good range of activities both indoors and outdoors. The childminder provides a reliable service for parents and children, which is based on her business-like approach to childminding. The childminder has yet to complete her initial training, but has attended other training including an appropriate first aid course. Children's care and welfare is generally well supported by written records and documentation. Parents are able to visit a comprehensive web site incorporating a range of policies and procedures. Overall, children’s needs are met.

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Organisation

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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course is completed • ensure all required records, policies and procedures are 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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