Childminder in West NorthamptonshireOfsted inspection, 14 Feb 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY137319 Inspection date 14/02/2011 Inspector Ann Austen

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2002. She lives with her partner and two children in the Abington Vale area of Northampton. The childminder's home is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of floor of the childminder's house is used for childcare purposes. Toilet facilities are provided on the ground floor and sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder has a pet cat and dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three 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 takes and collects children from the local school.

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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 children's individuality is recognised and that all children are included in the life of the setting. Consequently, children feel at home, are settled and make good progress in their learning and development. Polices and procedures are effective and inclusive for those children who attend. Partnerships with parents are positive and the childminder understands the importance of developing relationships with other providers and services to promote integrated care and education for children. The childminder is beginning to use self-evaluation to identify priorities for future development.

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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  lead and develop a culture of reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder fully understands her role and duty to protect children from harm. She has a good understanding of the indicator signs of abuse and is conversant with the procedures to follow to report concerns. A written child protection policy and all relevant guidance documents are in place to support her practice. The childminder supervises the children well and the environment in which children are cared for is safe and secure. This is because the childminder carries out regular risk assessments of all aspects of her home and on outings. Safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, for example, safe barriers prevent children from accessing the stairs and kitchen. Consequently children move around safely and independently. The childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. Clear arrangements are in place if children become sick in the childminder's care for the recording and monitoring of any accidents

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the early years provision

and the safe administration of medicines.

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the early years provision

The childminder holds a National Vocational qualification. She is committed to the continual development of her practice. For example, she has attended training to develop her knowledge and skills and has acted on recommendations made at the last inspection. The childminder is beginning to self-evaluate the quality of the provision. However, this is not sufficiently developed to provide an accurate appraisal of its effectiveness and what needs to be done in order to ensure continuous improvement. All required records, policies and procedures are maintained and made accessible to parents. This ensures the safe and effective management of the provision. The childminder cultivates an environment of equality and respect where children receive attentive care which ensures their individual needs are met. The childminder encourages the children to learn through play. Children have access to a designated play area and handle a range

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the early years provision

of good quality resources and play materials which are appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops good relationships with all parents and carers. Parents are able to contribute what they know about their child so that their wishes are met and the needs of their child are promoted. They are able to view the childminder's portfolio and receive information about the Early Years Foundation Stage. Home-link diaries provide daily feedback in relation to all aspects of the children's care and parents have regular opportunities to review their child's development record folder. Parents are invited to make comments and share what they know about their children's learning and development. Positive written comments from parents show that they value the childminder and are happy with all aspects of the service provided. They comment on the 'home-from-home' environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children settle quickly in the friendly and relaxed family atmosphere. They 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 stating points in their learning. The childminder carries out ongoing observational assessments to find out how well children are developing and progressing, and is continuing to develop her skills to evaluate this information against the development matters framework. However, evaluations are not always used effectively to inform the planning and to better identify future targets and challenges for all children. This potentially compromises children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time in the childminder's care; relationships are warm and caring. The childminder takes the lead from the children, building on their ideas as they play. She asks appropriate questions to further encourage children to think and extend their learning. Children are developing their personal independence as they clean their teeth and take off their shoes. Babies and young children start distinguishing sounds and attach meaning to them. Activities to promote this include conversation, tone of voice, singing and musical activities. For example, younger children are encouraged to copy animal sounds and the childminder introduces new vocabulary. Children are developing their appreciation of books, looking at those independently as well as enjoying a story by the childminder. They make marks as they drew and paint. Children learn to count and solve problems. For example, children fit puzzle pieces together, sort different vehicles into

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and outcomes for children

appropriate groups and post shapes into the range of shape sorters.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning to appreciate diversity and develop a positive view of society and the wider world. They meet different individuals as they explore the local community. Children access resources such as books, dolls, puzzles and small world resources which positively reflect people of other races, cultures and abilities, helping children to appreciate our similarities and differences as they play. Children use their imagination during art, music, dance and role play activities. For example, they handle small world resources such as the doll's house and aeroplane. Children paint pictures and create collage pictures using leaves and twigs.

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and outcomes for children

Good quality interaction and well-organised routines help babies and young children to feel secure and confident in the setting. This increases their sense of wellbeing and promotes their emotional development. Children are developing an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe. They learn to cross the road safely, why they need to keep safe in the sun and to stand away from the water when they feed the ducks. Children are learning to manage their behaviour in an environment that sets, explains and maintains clear and consistent limits. They are actively encouraged by the childminder to develop good manners, to be polite, to share and take turns. Children receive support, praise and encouragement which actively builds their confidence and self-esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Young children are content and settled because their health, physical and dietary This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 requirements are well met. Children benefit from a clean, warm and comfortable childcare environment and are learning to keep themselves healthy by adapting good personal hygiene routines. For example, pictorial signs remind older children to wash their hands after using the bathroom. This is further enhanced by the childminder who provides individual bedding and a travel cot for each child and has secure procedures in place to change younger children's nappies. This actively sustains level of hygiene and helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children have regular access to the outdoors for fresh air and exercise and are able to relax and rest according to their needs. They are learning to develop control over their bodies as they ride on wheeled toys, bounce on the trampoline, climb on the

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and outcomes for children

climbing frame, push buggies and use larger scale apparatus in the park. Although children have meals which are provided by their parents, the childminder tries to ensure that children learn about healthy eating and she encourages them to eat fruit and yoghurt as a snack and to take regular drinks. This promotes children's growth and ensures they remain well hydrated and comfortable. 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 2 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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