Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY405677 Inspection date 23/09/2010 Inspector ISP Inspection

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2009. She lives with her husband and three children aged seven, five and two years in the Oakley Vale area of Corby, Northamptonshire. The childminder's home is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. Access to the premises is via one shallow step. Sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor and toilet facilities are provided on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time; of whom, no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder organises a flexible daily routine to ensure that children's individuality is recognised and that all children are fully included in the life and activities of the setting. She promotes all aspects of children's welfare and learning with success given their age, ability and starting points. As a result, children feel at home, interact well and enjoy their time in the childminder's care. The safeguarding of children is given high priority. Partnerships with parents are very positive and the childminder effectively liaises with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. This ensures progression and continuity in their care and learning. Self-evaluation is used to evaluate practice and to identify areas for improvement.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop further systems to ensure that ongoing assessment is used to fully inform the planning, and to identify future targets and challenges for all children as they progress towards the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Arrangements for safeguarding children are thorough. The childminder has a good understanding of her legal duties and responsibilities with regards to child protection issues. Effective procedures are in place for identifying children at risk of harm and liaising with the appropriate child agencies. For example, a written child protection policy and all the relevant guidance documents are in place. This ensures that children are well protected and given high priority at all times. Children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment. This is because the childminder supervises the children well and carries out regular risk assessments to ensure children's safety on outings and for all aspects of her home. This enables children to move around safely and independently. The childminder has up-to-date first aid knowledge. Clear arrangements are in place if children become sick in the childminder's care, for the recording and monitoring of any accidents and the safe

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good range of policies and procedures covering different aspects of her care such as child protection, behaviour management, complaints and equal opportunities. Each policy underpins her practice well. Parents are asked to sign up to say that they agree to work within them. The childminder is committed to the continual development of her practice by her attendance at training, and her caring and business like approach to childminding in order to improve outcomes for children. Sound inclusive practice is promoted which ensures that children have their individual needs met. Resources are good, fit for purpose and able to support children's learning and development. Self-evaluation takes into account the views of parents and is effective in identifying strengths and weaknesses. As a result, the childminder has made clear identification of targets for future improvement.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents and carers are promoted well. The childminder works closely with all parents to ensure that she has a good knowledge of the children's background and their needs. This helps to ensure continuous and consistent care for the children and ensures that parent's wishes are valued and respected. A portfolio of information is available to parents, and parents are well informed about their child's care, progress and development. For example, the childminder verbally exchanges information, shares a daily written record and the children's developmental record folder. The childminder liaises with other providers and services to promote the integration of care, education and any extended service which ensures progression and continuity in their achievements and well-being. She is able to provide care and support to children who speak English as an additional language and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities

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the early years provision

through discussing their needs with parents. Positive written comments from parents show they value the childminder and are very happy will all aspects of the service provided. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are offered a variety of play opportunities that support them in making good progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their capabilities and starting points in their learning. They learn at their own pace, make choices and are developing the skills to become active learners. The childminder is developing a good knowledge of the learning and development requirements. Ongoing observational assessment is used to find out how well children are developing and progressing. However, the childminder does not always evaluate this information against the development matters framework to plan and identify future targets and challenges for children as they progress towards the early learning goals. This potentially compromises the childminders good practice.

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and outcomes for children

Relationships are warm and caring, children are developing social awareness which increases their sense of well-being and promotes their emotional development. Children enjoy rhymes and use puppets to retell stories such as the, 'The Gingerbread Man'. They are beginning to make-marks as they handle crayons, draw in the sand and chalk on the chalk boards. Children use their imaginations as they play with the cooker and enjoy dressing up. Younger children explore through their senses, for example, they feel the texture of the soft toys, enjoy musical sounds and press the buttons on the brightly coloured ball. They have regular opportunities to explore paint and other craft materials, for example, children make foot prints in the paint and create collage pictures. Children have opportunities to participate in a range of first-hand experiences to learn about the world around them. They learn about nature, hunt for mini beasts and plant

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and outcomes for children

sunflowers in the childminder's garden to observe growth. Children have regular opportunities to meet different individuals as they explore the local community, for example, children attend toddler groups, visit the park and local shops. This effectively broadens their range of experiences. Children access resources that positively promote diversity which helps children to appreciate our similarities and differences as they play.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe by responding to the guidelines set out by the childminder. Younger children feel safe and secure as they snuggle into the childminder and older children learn about road safety and how to evacuate the building in the event of a fire. Children respond to the childminders appropriate behaviour management strategies that take into account their age and stage of development. This is supported by the childminder who praises and encourages the children to play harmoniously together, to share and take turns.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a clean, warm and comfortable childcare environment. They adopt good personal hygiene routines, for example, young children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and the childminder ensures that nappy changing procedures are secure. This prevents cross infection. Children have daily opportunities to get fresh air and are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Their growth and development is activity promoted. Children enjoy a good range of wholesome, freshly prepared meals and snacks and have access to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fresh drinking water throughout the day to ensure they remain well hydrated and comfortable. Children enjoy regular exercise as part of maintaining a healthy life style. For example, children learn to peddle and steer the go cart and use apparatus in the park which promotes their coordination, control and fitness. The

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and outcomes for children

childminder encourages younger children to develop their physical skills as they learn to crawl and practice their walking. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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