Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY425374 Inspection date 07/11/2011 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 partner and two children aged five and two 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, including toilet facilities. Sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four 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 four 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 and attends toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the Northamptonshire Childminding 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

The childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment and ensures that all children are included and supported. Consequently children settle well and make sound progress in their learning and development. Policies and procedures are effectively implemented. The safeguarding of children is given high priority. The childminder is beginning to self-evaluate the provision in order to continue to improve outcomes for children. She develops good relationships with parents and carers and understands that partnership working with other professionals further enhances children's care and learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 strengthen the programme for problem solving, reasoning and numeracy and develop systems to track children's development as they progress towards the early learning goals  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 and that the targets set to achieve continual improvement are effectively implemented. 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 understands her role and duty to protect children from harm. She has a good understanding of the indicator signs of abuse and is familiar with the procedures to follow to report any concerns. A written policy and all relevant guidance documents are in place to support the childminder's practice. The childminder supervises the children well and detailed written risk assessments ensure that hazards to children in the home, garden and on outings, are identified and minimized. For example, a stairgate prevents children from access the stairs and dangerous substances and sharp knives are made inaccessible to children. The childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She ensures that children's well-being is effectively 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 holds an appropriate early years qualification and is continuing to develop her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She makes observations and assessments of each child's achievements and interests in order to identify future learning priorities. However, systems to track children's development as they progress towards the early learning goals, are not fully established and assessment records indicate that not all areas of learning are given equal priority. This is apparent for the development of children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills. Consequently, the childminder is unable to match her observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and the development of children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills is potentially compromised. The childminder actively plays along side the children offering gentle support and encouragement. She is continuing to develop the skills

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the early years provision

to ask appropriate questions to fully extend children's developing knowledge across the six areas of learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains a range of well-organised records, policies and procedures. She is enthusiastic and keen to develop her provision further. Systems for self-evaluation are currently being implemented in order to identify strengths and areas for development. Some targets have been set for future improvements, although, to date objectives are still to be implemented in practice. The childminder treats all children with respect and equal concern and provides a service which is inclusive for all children and families. Resources and play materials are fit for purpose and appropriate to the children's age and stage of development.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops good relationships with 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. For example, information is exchanged to ensure that specific dietary needs and preferences are catered for and any medical needs are known and accurately met. Settling-in arrangements are flexible to meet the needs of the children and their parents. Information is verbally exchanged and home-link diaries provide daily feedback. Parents are able to view their child's developmental recorder folder and are encouraged to contribute their comments. The childminder understands the importance of developing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relationships with other providers and services to promote integrated care and education for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are content, settled and willingly to take part in the activities provided. They are developing positive attitudes to learning and are offered a sound range of opportunities to support them to make satisfactory progress in their learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive warm, responsive care and develop a strong sense of belonging to the setting. Supportive interactions and consistent routines, enable young children to become secure and confident in the setting. This promotes children's emotional development well. Children independently select resources for themselves which enables them to build and develop their own ideas as they play. They are encouraged to develop their language skills, for example, the childminder encourages younger children to copy different animal sounds. Children look at books for enjoyment and listen to stories. Through the provision of mark-making resources, children are learning to communicate with marks and pictures, as they draw and paint.

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and outcomes for children

Children have opportunities to participate in art, music, dance and role play activities. For example, children play with small world resources, prepare food on the toy cooker and purchase food from the shop. Children dance and enjoy playing the musical instruments, such as, the drum and shakers. They paint, make papier mache faces and create collage pictures out of autumn leaves. Children are learning to appreciate diversity and are beginning to develop their understanding and knowledge of the world. They make new friends during visits to different toddler groups, visit places of interest, such as, the farm and handle some resources that illustrate positive images of others. For example, books and small world resources which helps children to appreciate our similarities and differences as they play.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning the importance of keeping safe by responding to the guidelines and boundaries set out by the childminder. For example, children are taught how to cross the road safely, why they should not speak to strangers, how to use equipment in the park safely and how to evacuate the building in the event of a fire. Children behave and respond well to the childminder's appropriate behaviour management strategies, that take into account their age and stage of development. They receive positive support, praise and encouragement which develops children's confidence and self-esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a good awareness about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. They have regular access to the outdoors for fresh air and exercise which actively promotes children's well-being, coordination and fitness. For example, babies are encouraged to practise their developing skills, such as, learning to walk and older children manoeuvre wheeled toys, throw and kick balls, bounce on the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 trampoline and access more challenging equipment at the park. Children's good personal hygiene habits are carefully promoted to help minimise any opportunities for cross-infection. For example, children are encouraged to blow their nose and pictorial signs remind older children to wash their hands after using the bathroom. This is further enhanced by the childminder, who implements secure nappy changing procedures and ensure that the premises are clean and suitable for their

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and outcomes for children

purpose. Although, children have meals which are currently provided by their parents, the childminder tries to ensure that children learn about healthy eating and she encourages them to eat fruit as a snack and to take regular drinks. This promotes children's growth and ensures they remain well hydrated and comfortable throughout the day. 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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