Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY427319 Inspection date 12/12/2011 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

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 2011. She lives with her husband and four children aged 14, 12, 10 and five years in the East Hunsbury area of Northampton. The childminder's home is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childcare purposes. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder has two pet cats.

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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 years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group whose times vary. 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 attends toddler groups and collects children from the local school. She is a member of the National Childminder Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are warmly welcomed into this friendly and safe environment. They are settled and make sound progress in their learning and development. Policies and procedures are effective and the childminder is continuing to develop her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. The safeguarding of children is given high priority. The childminder is currently implementing self-evaluation systems to drive forward improvements and maintain the quality of care offered to all children. She forms positive relationships with parents and is continuing to develop relationships with other providers to promote integrated care and education for all children.

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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 ongoing assessment is used to plan and provide experiences which are appropriate to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals and develop opportunities for children to learn about the wider world  develop further partnership working where children receive education and care in more than one setting to ensure effective continuity and progression by sharing relevant information with each other and parents. 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 robust. The childminder is alert to the possible signs of abuse or neglect and knows how to liaise with the appropriate child agencies. A written policy and all required guidance materials are in place to support the childminder's practice. This ensures that children are well protected and given high priority at all times. The childminder supervises the children well and provides a safe and secure environment. She conducts written risk assessments and, as a consequence, steps have been taken to ensure that hazards to children, both in the home, garden and on outings, are kept to a minimum. The childminder has up-to-date first aid knowledge. She ensures that children's well- being is sustained through the recording and monitoring of any accidents, for the administration of medication and if children are unwell.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed the required training course within six months of registration. She has developed a range of written policies and procedures covering different aspects of her care, such as behaviour management and equal opportunities. The childminder ensures that children's individuality is recognised and that they are fully included in the life and activities of the setting. She treats all children with respect and sensitivity. The childminder is continuing to develop her knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements. She has begun to use ongoing observational assessment to identify future learning priorities. However, the childminder does not always effectively use this information to plan and provide a range of experiences across the six areas of learning as they progress towards the early learning goals. This potentially limits children's learning. The childminder is beginning to use self-evaluation to monitor

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the early years provision

The accommodation is welcoming to children and their families. Resources are accessible and effectively support children's learning and development. This enables children to take the initiative and become self-sufficient in choosing activities and selecting resources for themselves. The range of resources which positively reflect people of other races, cultures and abilities are continuing to be developed.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops positive relationships with parents and carers. She has a good knowledge of each child's background and welfare needs, which helps to ensure continuous and consistent care for children and ensures that parent's wishes are valued and respected. Parents receive a parent pack which contains a good range of information about the service provided. Verbal discussions are shared at drop-off and pick-up times, and home-link diaries and 'learning journals' are shared with parents. Parents have recently been encouraged to contribute their comments to this document. They speak positively about the service provided. The childminder communicates with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, communication is not yet focused on children's learning and development and, as a consequence, information is not effectively used to fully support children's achievements.

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the early years provision

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 range of play opportunities that support them in making sound progress towards the early learning goals. They feel at home, interact well and enjoy their time in the childminder's care. The atmosphere is happy and relaxed. Children benefit from the close, caring relationships they develop with the childminder and their peers, which actively promotes their social development. The childminder plays alongside the children, building on their ideas as they play. She offers gentle support and encouragement.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing their early communication skills. They look at books for enjoyment and, through the provision of mark-making resources, older children learn to communicate with marks and pictures as they draw and paint. Children are encouraged to count and solve problems. For example, children learn to stack the beakers in order of size, complete puzzles and post shapes into the shape sorter.

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and outcomes for children

Children's creative development is encouraged as they engage in imaginative play, such as feeding the dollies, and as they handle a range of small world resources. They paint, create collage pictures and draw around their hands and feet. Babies have opportunities to explore using their senses. They press the buttons on the activity centre, move the beads around the abacus and roll the balls down the slide. Children meet different individuals as they explore the local community and attend toddler groups. However, the range of activities reflecting our diverse society and the wider world in which we live are currently limited. As a consequence, children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world is potentially compromised.

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and outcomes for children

Children are valued and respected as individuals. There are clear routines to the day which help young children feel settled and secure. For example, babies' feeding routines are respected. They are developing an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe without being fearful. This is because the childminder teaches children how to cross the road unharmed, how to use large play equipment safely and how to evacuate the building in the event of a fire. Children are learning to manage their behaviour in an environment that sets, explains and maintains clear and consistent limits. They are encouraged to share, take turns and be kind to one another. Children receive support, praise and encouragement which effectively increases their confidence and self-esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Children play in a comfortable, clean and well-maintained home, where they are encouraged to learn about their personal hygiene through normal daily routines and appropriate role-modelling from the childminder. For example, children wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. This minimizes the risk of cross- infection. The childminder has obtained a 'very good' food hygiene rating. Dietary requirements are complied with in partnership with the parents, and menus are produced to give parents information about meal choices. Although children currently have meals which are provided by their parents, the childminder tries to ensure that children learn about healthy eating and encourages them to eat fruit This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 as a snack and to take regular drinks. This ensures that children remain well hydrated and comfortable.

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and outcomes for children

The garden and visits to the park offer children regular access to the outdoors for fresh air and exercise, which develops their coordination, control and fitness. For example, children access the swings, see-saw, balance beams and climbing frame at the park. Children engage in activities that develop hand-to-eye coordination, and strengthen small muscles effectively. They manipulate malleable materials and learn to hold the crayons with growing precision. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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