Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY266757 Inspection date 26 July 2005 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 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 has been registered since July 2003, and is registered for 5 children under the age of 8 years. She is currently caring for 8 children on a part-time basis, with the majority of them being school-age children. The childminder lives in the village of Woodford Halse, near Daventry with her husband and 2 children, aged 3 and 8 years. Minded children use mainly the ground floor of the house, and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor activities.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing an understanding about healthy living. Their physical development is fostered well through a range of appropriate activities both indoors and outside. They take part in daily activities in the open air in the garden or through walks, and look forward to playing at the park and elsewhere on outings. Children are aware of the development of physical skills and the way that activity affects their bodies, as they enthusiastically follow the dance instructions on the DVD. They have the knowledge and independence to choose when to take a drink, including using their individual water bottles, and when to have a rest or do relaxing activities. The children's well-being benefits from the childminder's effective and regularly updated procedures and practices regarding the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children are developing good hygiene practices and learn how to eat healthily. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder has a very good understanding of health and hygiene, seen in the warm, clean environment of the home and her practice which encourages the children with their personal care and good hygiene. For example, they understand why they wash hands after touching the dog. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and eagerly try new tastes and meals they have chosen from recipe books. Their dietary needs are met through close cooperation between the parents and the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around with ease indoors and with ample space to take part in the various activities. Effective organisation of space allows for different ages of children to play within sight of the childminder. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and allow children to explore safely but with appropriate challenge. Outdoor space is arranged for the children's safe play and is well resourced with safe outdoor play equipment. This is supplemented by walks around the village, visits to the park areas and outings further a field. Children learn how to keep themselves safe in their play environment and on outings with the encouragement and guidance of the childminder. They know they must behave sensibly when out and about by following road safety guidance and by being aware of strange dogs. Children's welfare and safety are promoted through the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder's knowledge of the local Child Protection Committee procedures, and she has the most recent documentation regarding these procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They know what activities are available, and are able to access other resources easily, including a range of books and games, across the different age ranges. Children's learning opportunities are varied. For example, older children choose to play and dance to music while others are absorbed in art activities. Children engage confidently with each other and with the childminder, responding well to questions and asking their own. They socialise with other children through regular attendance at toddler groups and other community facilities, and older children look forward to planning outings for the holidays. Children enjoy a wide range of activities to enhance their development and generally make good progress across all the areas of learning and skill achievement. Taking part in outdoor and indoor play encourages their physical development, and creative

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills are developed through a range of art and craft experiences. The childminder is beginning to use the "Birth to three matters framework" to adapt activities for the younger children and to ensure their general development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled with the childminder, and clear routines help them feel safe and secure. They are able to make choices and act independently within the routines and activities on offer. Children move easily and confidently between activities, with older children encouraging the younger ones to take part, and all children take pride in their achievements. They enthusiastically access other resources from the shelves and drawers, and show great interest and preference within the activities. For example, they use a variety of different art materials to decorate their activity books, and choose menus and recipes to prepare themselves and to try new tastes. Their curiosity is fostered well. Children are eager to attend and take part in life with their friends at the childminder's house. They show care and concern for each other as they talk about other children,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and they play together very well. They are increasingly aware of their own needs around personal care and are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example learning road safety and keeping safe in the sun. Children are developing their understanding of the needs of others and of their own place in the wider world. They have the opportunity to meet different individuals at children's groups and as they explore the local environment. The children begin to recognise positive images of people different from themselves in resources and activities which promote their understanding of diversity, for example celebrating festivals with art and craft activities. The children's behaviour is good and is based on the routines and expectations of the childminder. They are aware of the level of behaviour required. Children are

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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 encouraged to sort out their own arguments and to use the situation as a learning experience. The childminder involves the parents in the management of behaviour and other elements of the child care, by keeping them well informed of their children's achievements or any concerns, and sharing her policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and secure and benefit from the effective organisation of space and resources. Clear daily routines help children feel settled and happy. The childminder is able to make the most of opportunities that come along, such as good weather, and has a flexible approach to her minding. She uses a range of policies, procedures and recording documents on which she bases her practice, and which help her ensure that children keep safe, develop well and stay healthy. The children's child care experience is enhanced by the childminder's commitment to developing her practice, by her attendance at recent training, and her caring and business-like approach to childminding. The welfare of the children benefits from consistency of care which is attributed to the effective sharing of information and by the childminder checking that she is meeting the needs of the children and their

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Organisation

parents. This, along with her other good practice, ensures the provision is meeting the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was recommended to review her documentation. This has been completed to help ensure the welfare of the children and the consistency of their care.

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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): • continue to develop a range of activities for the younger children, for example by using the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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