Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 220674 Inspection date 26/04/2011 Inspector Tracey Boland

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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 registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and eight-year-old in the town of Rothwell, Northamptonshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is direct access to the home. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The childminder minds with another childminder at her own home.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early year's age range. When jointly minding, the childminders may care for up to seven children at any one time. The childminders currently have 10 children on roll who attend, with varied arrangements during the day and after school. There are currently six children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to take and collect children to and from local schools. The family has two pet cats, one dog, one rabbit, one guinea pig, five chickens, fish, one tortoise, one hamster, a budgie, a land snail and tropical fish. The childminder attends local toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 demonstrates a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is knowledgeable about the individual care needs of the children in her care. She gains some information from parents about their child's starting points in their learning and provides an interesting variety of activities, both indoors and out. Children are encouraged to feel valued and included and activities are adapted to ensure the involvement of all children. The childminder has an awareness of her strengths and uses self-evaluation to develop and enhance her practice. Most issues regarding safety have been addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment that includes everything with which a child comes into contact, with specific regard to the underneath of the trampoline  develop the information obtained from parents about their child's development in order to effectively inform children's starting points in their learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children enter a child-friendly environment where their individual care needs are incorporated into the day. Children are well supervised and systems to ensure children are not left unattended with unvetted adults are good. The childminder demonstrates a firm understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to protecting children in her care from abuse and neglect and ensures she keeps her knowledge and understanding of current legislation and practice through training. Written risk assessments are in place, identifying most potential risks and how they have been minimised when indoors, outdoors and on trips. However, although a risk assessment has been completed for the use of the trampoline, it does not include the procedures should a child walk underneath it which compromises children's safety. Documentation is maintained and all required policies and procedures are shared with parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder gathers the views of the parents and evaluates their comments to ensure the service provided meets the needs of the children and parents. Basic information is obtained from parents about their child's care needs. However, information regarding their child's development is minimal and does not sufficiently inform them of each child's starting points in their learning. This impacts on the planning for each individual. Good communication systems ensure that the childminder and parents share relevant information regularly.

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the early years provision

Children's health needs are effectively met and the childminder is able to deal with accidents appropriately as she holds a valid first aid certificate. Clear health records are maintained following minor accidents or the administration of medicines and these are countersigned by parents. Children's individual dietary needs and preferences are known and respected and drinks are provided throughout the day. Children's individual routines and personal care needs are included within the daily routine which encourages their feeling of security and belonging.

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the early years provision

Children who attend other Early Years providers thrive because the childminder has formed good relationships with staff at the local school and nursery, sharing information with them about different aspects of children's welfare and learning. Although not currently caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of cohesive working with parents and outside agencies to ensure the child's needs are consistently met.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning and the childminder provides an interesting variety of activities and play opportunities for all children. Planning takes place taking account of all six areas of learning and the various ages and abilities of the children. The childminder completes concise observations of the children, evaluating them and using the information to plan for the next steps in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their learning. Resources and activities meet their needs well and children are happy and contented in their play. Children are able to access resources independently from low-level boxes and shelves. Interaction between the childminder and children is good and relationships are lovely.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel secure in the clear and consistent rules and boundaries that are in place and behaviour is good. They enjoy an interesting variety of resources, books and resources that reflect the wider world and diversity and are involved in the celebration of cultural events throughout the year. Children learn about the living world and are currently looking at the lifecycle of tadpoles. The wide variety of animals encourages discussion about caring for them and the importance of ensuring they have food and water to help them grow.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy developing their physical skills when using a variety of outdoor equipment in the garden, at the park and the groups they attend. They develop control and coordination and gain plenty of fresh air each day. They enjoy developing their imagination through role play and enjoy pretending to shop for foods for their meals. Children are involved in cooking activities where they are able to mix ingredients and talk about the changes to the mixture through the cooking process. This also encourages discussion about the foods they are using and where they come from. Children are reminded about their own safety and learn how to cross roads safely when out, and the childminder supervises the children at all times to ensure their continued safety. 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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