Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY431740 Inspection date 02/02/2012 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. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, one adult child and one child aged 17 years in the Ecton Brook area of Northampton. The childminder's home is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the property is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are provided on the ground floor and sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully-enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet dog, cat, hamster and giant snail. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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, and when working with a co childminder the childminder may care for a maximum of 12 children of whom no more than six may be in the early years age range. There are currently six children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, whose times vary. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. He is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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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

Children are well cared for in a homely and inclusive environment. They are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder implements all legal requirements well and is continuing to develop his knowledge of the learning and development requirements. Partnerships with parents are positive and the childminder is developing relationships with other providers and services to promote the integration of care, education and any extended service. The childminder is beginning to implement self-evaluation systems in order to maintain the quality of the service provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the range of questions in order to continually build on children's ideas, concepts and skills  continue to lead and develop a culture of reflective practice to identify 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 takes appropriate steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. He has a good understanding of the indicator signs of abuse and understands how to implement safeguarding children's policies and procedures. This ensures that children are well protected at all times. A record of visitors is maintained. The childminder has up-to-date first aid knowledge. He ensures that children's well-being is sustained through the recording and monitoring of any accidents, for the administration of medication. The childminder supervises the children well and has a good awareness of how to keep them safe. He carries out regular risk assessments of all aspect of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis and 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

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended the required training since his registration as a childminder. He is enthusiastic, willing to learn and eager to develop his practice further. The childminder understands the importance of self evaluation and is beginning to implement systems, however, to date this is not an integral part of his practice. Subsequently, clear objectives for the childminder's future development have not been set. 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 makes observations and assessments of each child's achievements and interests in order to identify learning priorities. He is continuing to develop the skills to ask appropriate questions to fully extend children's developing knowledge across the six areas of learning. However, the childminder occasionally misses opportunities to question and fully extend

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the early years provision

children's learning as they play which potentially compromises their progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a child-centred environment. All children receive attentive care in accordance with their needs and requirements. They are listened to, respected and fully included in the life of the setting. The accommodation is welcoming to children and their families. For example, informative posters, a world map and evidence of the children's work are displayed. Good-quality resources, including those which reflect positive images of others are accessible in labelled boxes and effectively support children's learning and development. The childminder is taking well-considered steps to ensure resources and the environment is fully sustainable. For example, additional resources are borrowed from the toy library.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Parents comment positively about the care and learning provided. Children's continuity of care is promoted as a good range of information is gathered at the point of registration. For example, 'All About Me' forms and information is exchanged to ensure that specific dietary needs and preferences are catered for and any medical needs are known and accurately met. Parents have access to the childminder's informative portfolio and useful information leaflets are provided in the entrance area. Verbal discussions This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are shared at drop-off and pick-up times and parents have opportunities to review their child's development record folder and are encouraged to contribute their comments. The childminder is currently developing partnerships with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity and

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the early years provision

coherence by sharing information with each other and with the parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn at their own pace, have fun and participate in a range of adult-led and freely-chosen activities. Consequently children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their capabilities and starting points in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive warm, responsive care. They feel secure and develop a sense of belonging whilst in the childminder's care. Children make friends, share experiences and learn to take the initiative and become self sufficient in choosing activities and selecting resources for themselves. During outings and activities children have opportunities to learn about and practise the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe. For example, children learn how to cross the road safety, participate in evacuation drills and are taught how to use tools, such as scissors safely. Children behave well. This is because the childminder sets clear 'house rules'. For example, the childminder encourages children to share resources, to speak nicely to others, to respect furniture and why it is inappropriate to use unkind words.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn to sign as a form of communication, verbally communicate with growing confidence and through the provision of mark-making resources they learn to communicate with marks and pictures as they draw and paint. They learn to count, sing songs that promote simple calculation and recognise different shapes as they play. Children solve problems, such as fitting puzzle pieces together and post shapes into shape sorters. Their creativity is actively encouraged. For example, children dance, sing, play musical instruments and enjoy creative art activities, such as hand painting. Children act out real and imagined events, dress up and use their imaginations as they handle a range of small world resources, such as the dolls house.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to appreciate diversity and develop a positive view of society and the wider world. They make dragons and taste Chinese food to celebrate the Chinese New Year, meet different individuals as they explore the local community and visit places of interest, such as the petting farms and zoo which actively broadens children's range of experiences. Children learn to respect and care for living things, for example, the childminder's hamster and giant snail. They plant and nurture vegetables and fruits which helps children to understand how different produce is grown. Children observe how ingredients change, for example, during baking activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health, physical and dietary requirements are well met. Children benefit This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 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. Children enjoy being physically active. They benefit from daily fresh air and exercise which actively promotes their growth and development. Children swing on the swings, manoeuvre wheeled toys, play ball games and slide down the slide. They go on regular walks in the woods and access the park and activity centres for larger more challenging equipment. Children engage in activities that develop hand-to-eye co-ordination and strenghten small muscles. For example, children use tools, such as paint brushes and manipulate and mould dough.

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and outcomes for children

Children's dietary needs and parental preferences are met and menus are provided to parents. They enjoy a good balance of nutritious meals and snacks, such as macaroni cheese, tuna, sweet corn and pasta bake, chicken, homemade burgers and fresh fruit. Children remain comfortable and well hydrated because they are offered regular drinks. Meal times are social occasions where children sit around the table and develop good table manners. The childminder has successfully completed a food hygiene course and was awarded a 'four star' rating. 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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