Childminder in West Northamptonshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY369657 Inspection date 06/11/2008 Inspector Kristin Hatherly

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Type of setting Childminder 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. 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 2008 and works in partnership with her mother who is also a registered childminder. She lives with her mother and father and siblings aged 17, 11 and 10 years in a house in a village close to Northampton. The local school, shops and park are within walking distance. The whole of the house is accessible to children, however, childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor in a purpose-made playroom leading into a secure garden. There are toilet facilities on the ground floor. There are no steps to the front door. The family have two dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to care for six children at any one time. When working with another childminder at the above premises she is registered for 12 children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from a caring and child-friendly environment in which the childminder's clear understanding of the individual needs of each child in her care ensures that their welfare is promoted well. The childminder and co-childminder foster positive relationships with parents and other carers providing detailed information about the setting and regularly reviewing children's progress all of which further enhances the care of the children. Children are kept safe and secure in a hazard free environment. They enjoy a variety of activities and make progress in their learning through the good communication and positive interaction of the childminders who also encourage children's independence well. She reflects on practice using the Ofsted self-evaluation system to identify key strengths and areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop written risk assessments which are used and reviewed regularly.

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provision

The childminder and her mother, who is her co-childminder, work together well to provide a caring and enjoyable childcare provision. She has very good relationships with parents and carers to ensure that children's individual needs are met and continuity of care is promoted well. Parents receive comprehensive information about the setting in the form of a Parent Pack which includes all policies and procedures. They also share information about the children through regular chats and review meetings, looking at the children's individual learning journals which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they are given each year at Christmas time. As a result, children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures are readily available and parents are informed of her responsibility towards the

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provision

All of the necessary policies, procedures and records are in place which are implemented effectively to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. Children's safety is ensured as the childminder carries out a visual risk assessment of the premises. However, these are not recorded to ensure they can be reviewed and improved upon. Children are well supervised at all times. Fire evacuation drills are carried out and the hours of attendance of the children are recorded. All records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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provision

Children are fully included in the setting and children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well supported. The childminder liaises with the local school where she takes and collects children which further ensures continuity of care for the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder is aware of the children's interests and is effective at keeping the children stimulated. They are well supported in their learning through the provision of a wide range of interesting resources and activities which are appropriate to their age and stage of development and encourage children to be inquisitive and active thinkers. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the six areas of learning and plans learning experiences for the children according to their individual needs and interests. She interacts very well with the children, asking questions and engaging them in conversation to support and promote their language and communication skills. Children are able to independently choose from a very good range of resources which promote their understanding well and engage in imaginative role play which is well supported by the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's creative abilities are promoted through a good variety of imaginative craft activities. Children benefit from a good range of activities to ensure they receive an enjoyable and challenging experience across all areas of learning. The childminder observes and assesses children's progress while they are playing which are recorded and used to promote children's learning further.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment. Children's health and well-being are effectively enhanced because the necessary steps are taken, such as clear regular hygiene procedures, for example, washing their hands at appropriate times using paper towels, to prevent the spread of infection. This is further supported as the childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate. Children are provided with nutritious, healthy snacks with a variety of choice. They have access to drinking water at all times which ensures they are well hydrated and comfortable. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children benefit from very good relationships between the childminder and parents and the other children in the childminder's care which promotes their confidence and self-esteem well. Children are well behaved and encouraged to play together showing care and consideration for others, sharing and taking turns in their play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a very good range of suitable and safe toys and equipment which is easily accessible. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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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