Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY358791 Inspection date 16/03/2012 Inspector Catherine Sharkey

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and three young children in an extended caravan on their farm near Towcester. The areas of the home used for childminding purposes include the lounge and dining area, kitchen, two play areas, a bedroom and the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for six children between the ages of two and eight years old. She operates from 7.30am to 6.30pm for 48 weeks a year. There are a number of community facilities within a short distance of the home, including a pre-school, several nurseries, a primary school, shops and recreation areas. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local music and social groups with children as appropriate. The family has two pet dogs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of the early learning goals. This is evident in her conversations with children and the ways in which she encourages individuals to develop their learning. Children are safe and secure in her care and progress well in their learning and development. The childminder shows a thorough understanding of safeguarding practice and procedures through her written policies and close supervision of the children. Partnerships with parents are good and they are involved in their children's learning through continuing activities with them at home and contributing to their assessment records. The childminder is well-motivated and improves her provision by attending training courses where possible and acting on advice from other providers and professionals.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 continue to keep up to date with best practice and training for the constant improvement of provision. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Very detailed policies and procedures are in place which show that the childminder has a very good understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues. Children are safeguarded well in the childminder's home as she is very vigilant in her supervision. For example, ensuring they move around safely, not slipping on the floor and keeping away from the oven when it is on. Monthly fire practises are carried out and the date recorded. Annual and daily risk assessments ensure that the premises are safe for all children and hazards minimised. For instance, only the back rings on the hob are used when children are present and all knives and sharp objects are out of reach.

p.5

the early years provision

A good range of resources are used effectively to promote all areas of learning. Children enjoy choosing small world toys, construction, books and role play activities in the small play room or from boxes in the lounge. Resources are suitable for all children's ages. The garden is used very well for children to develop their physical skills through the use of the trampoline, large climbing equipment, swings and slides. The childminder is committed to improving her provision through attending training courses and sharing best practice and information with other local providers. She receives advice from a local early years advisor and runs a weekly group for childminders and the children they look after. The previous recommendations have been fully addressed. For example, the childminder now has all policies and procedures in place regarding sick children and has parental consents for emergency medical treatment. This means children's welfare is

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents and carers are good. They share information about their child when they first start and on an ongoing basis. They fill in questionnaires to make comments or suggestions on provision and are able to speak to the childminder at any time. They sometimes continue activities at home with children and take home their 'learning journals' which they also contribute to. This means they are involved in their child's learning. Parents are given information on the early learning goals and on the childminder's policies. The childminder has links with other local providers and liaises with staff at children's other settings when they start nursery.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the early learning goals. This is apparent in her stimulating conversations with children, asking them questions and encouraging them to think about their learning. For example, children are asked what they think they might need to make the chocolate bread or if they can name the animals and their babies in the story book. Planning is clear and shows a good balance between all the areas of learning. Observations on each child are used effectively to plan their next steps so that each child is able to build on their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning. Children enjoy an exciting range of outdoor activities in the garden and on trips to the park. They feed the chickens kept by the childminder and learn about these and other animals. Children enjoy baking, making salt dough decorations, painting them and making models from recycled materials. They are

p.5

and outcomes for children

imaginative in role play and with the small world toys. Children learn literacy and mathematical skills appropriate to their ages. For example, younger children count pictures in a book, identify numbers in jigsaws and sing number songs and rhymes. They show excitement when they fit the jigsaw pieces in the right place and enjoy feeling the flour and dough. Their experiences are extended at the two play sessions they are taken to each week. They enjoy using an exciting range of push button toys with sounds, lights and moving parts. This means they are developing their skills for the future well. Children make good progress as a result of their experiences.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children feel safe with the childminder, sitting on her lap, having cuddles and asking for things they need. They play happily, chatting to her and choosing their toys and activities with confidence. They are closely supervised by the childminder so that they are safe. Children go to sleep easily before lunch and are very happy and settled in the homely, family environment.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder observes very good hygienic practice and provides children with healthy lunches and snacks. They choose to have milk or water and are offered drinks regularly. Effective policies ensure that the spread of germs is minimised, such as changing nappies away from the kitchen area and washing hands at appropriate times. Children use anti-bacterial soap and their own named towels. Animals do not go in the kitchen area and this is kept very clean. Children have fresh air and physical exercise each day. This means that their health and well- being is promoted very well.

p.6

and outcomes for children

There are very good relationships between the children and the childminder. They learn to share the toys with gentle reminders when necessary. They share pieces of apple and pear. Children willingly help to tidy up or mop up spills when they are asked. Children are learning to be independent, choosing their own resources and asking for things they need. Behaviour is very good and children concentrate well on their play. They are praised when they do well, such as when finding the picture of a duck in a book. Children learn about other cultures and diversity through making a dragon collage for Chinese New Year. They make guacamole from Mexico and have a 'French Day' at their childminding group. Christmas decorations and pancakes for Shrove Tuesday are also made. Resources provided reflect other cultures and children learn about the wider world in this way. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8