Childminder, Out-of school day care in North Northamptonshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 25/02/2013 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop, he carefully observes to assess their skills and interacts effectively to improve their learning.  Children play in a well-organised, child-centred environment where they are able to easily select a wide range of resources for themselves. This helps them grow in confidence and independence.  Children form secure attachments with the childminder, which means they are confident, settled and keen to explore and learn.  The childminder has a good understanding of health and safety, carefully assessing risks to the premises and minimises hazards. Consequently, children move freely in a safe and secure environment.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 There is scope to improve the two-way flow of information with parents to consistently identify children's individual learning needs in order to maximise the progress they make.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities taking place in the designated play rooms.  The inspector viewed the areas of the premises and garden used for childminding.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's learning journey documents, planning documentation and a selection of policies and children's records.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2009. He lives with his wife who is also his co-minder, adult child and two children aged six and 10 years in a suburb of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Local amenities, such as, shops, a park, pre-school and school are nearby. The whole ground floor is used for childminding. Entry to the house is via a high step into a small lobby. There is a secure garden used for outdoor play. The childminder is able to take and collect children to and from local schools. The family has three pet cats. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There is currently one child in the early years age range on roll. The childminder provides care all year round from 8am until 6pm. A breakfast and after school club is also available between 7am until 9am and 3pm until 6pm during term times. The childminder holds an early years and play work

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 promote an ongoing dialogue or sharing of regular two-way observations on learning with parents and use this shared knowledge and understanding to plan together and think through ideas of how to move the child forward.

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who attend

The childminder's practice is based on a secure understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and how to promote children's learning and development. As a result, children make good progress. He carefully observes children to find out about their immediate interests. This enables the childminder to provide a broad range of challenging and enjoyable learning experiences which take into account the individual needs, interests and stage of development of each child. The childminder records children's progress through observations and takes photographs of them to illustrate the activities they enjoy. Parents are encouraged to share information about their children's starting points at the outset of care and their learning journals are available to view. However, there is scope to improve two-way communication with parents to fully support their learning in the home and therefore help them to make best progress in

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who attend

The learning environment is very inviting and keeps children motivated and eager to learn. Resources are plentiful and attractively displayed so that children can make choices about their play. This supports children's independence well. The childminder skilfully transfers the play room into a space ship because the children show a keen interest in planets. They learn new words, such as 'astronaut' and 'alien' and name the planets in the solar system. This effectively fosters children's language development and helps to extend their vocabulary, therefore, they are confident communicators. The large selection of books and clear labelling throughout the home, supports children's understanding that words have meaning. Children are helped to make marks with chalks, pencils and crayons. They can recognise their names on their name cards and attempt to copy them. Consequently, early writing skills are well-developed.

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who attend

Puzzles, board games and electronic toys introduce mathematics as the children learn to count and recognise, shape and colour. The childminder uses the children's interest in the planets to further extend their understanding of size and distance. They learn which ones are nearest and furthest away from earth. The childminder clearly explains to children how the projector works to project images of the red planet onto the ceiling. This develops their information and communication technology skills. Children join in a varied range of creative activities including painting, baking and collage. They collectively use silver fabric and large boxes to design their space ship and recycle materials to make models of what they think they would see on the moon. These activities support the development of their fantasy play and imagination very well.

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who attend

Children benefit from fresh air and physical activities. They go for walks around country parks and learn to climb and balance on large equipment. The garden is frequently used for ball games. Consequently, children have a positive attitude to being active. The childminder fully understands how using the local community and visits to the library and toddler groups help to develop children's social skills in preparation for later transitions to nursery and school.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children's emotional development is promoted as they develop secure, trusting relationships with each other and the childminder. He makes sure he finds out about children's preferences and their daily routines by gathering good information from parents. Good settling-in procedures tailored to each child's needs means the transition between home and the childminder's home is a positive experience. For example, he encourages parents to share information about their favourite toys and activities so that he can ensure that these are readily available on their first day. This helps to promote children's sense of security and they settle readily in his care.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children's safety is given good priority as the childminder ensures his premises are secure. Daily checks of the premises ensure children play in a safe and clean home. The childminder encourages children to be active and explore their environment, whilst teaching them to be safe. For example, on outings he talks about crossing the road safely, why we do not talk to strangers and the need to stay within his sight. This means children develop their understanding of how to be safe. The childminder acts as a good role model in the calm and consistent way he approaches behaviour management. He is positive and offers lots of praise to develop children's self-esteem and this helps them to feel good about what they do.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children enjoy outdoor play, which effectively promotes their physical development. The childminder makes good use of local venues, such as parks, to extend the options for physical play so that children benefit from fresh air and exercise. Young children visit local play sessions, this helps to prepare young children for the transition to pre-school. Children's health is promoted very well. For example, the childminder offers guidance and support to help them learn sensible hygiene routines. Children design a poster in the bathroom to remind them of the importance of hand washing to prevent the spread of germs. They demonstrate good independent self-care skills, as they serve their own cereals at breakfast time and pour their own drinks. Meals are varied, healthy and freshly prepared and cooked as needed. Therefore, children learn about the importance of eating healthily.

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provision

The childminder has an indepth knowledge and understanding of both the welfare and learning and development requirements. He is clear about the procedures to follow in the event of any concerns about a child in his care. A well-written safeguarding policy is shared with parents so that they are aware of his role and responsibility in protecting children from harm. He carries out both visual and written risk assessments to ensure children are cared for in a suitable environment. Adults in the household have been vetted and undertaken suitability checks. Consequently, children are effectively safeguarded.

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provision

The childminder recognises the importance of building close links with parents. He has secure working relationships with them and they regularly share information so children's individual needs are consistently met. He is also clear about the benefits of sharing information between settings when children attend more than one provision. However, there is scope to enhance the two-way flow of information to consistently support children's learning in the home and help them to make the best possible progress.

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provision

The childminder is keen to provide good quality care and learning for children and strives to continually improve his practice. For example, he has completely renovated the garden, introducing different surfaces and textures to provide children with interest and challenge. The childminder is committed to continuing his professional development and has plans to attend future relevant training courses. He demonstrates a drive for improvement and through careful monitoring and evaluation has identified areas for development. For example, he uses his knowledge from forest school training to enrich the experiences for children in their outdoor environment. As a result, this enables him to set appropriate targets to improve learning opportunities for children.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY394656 Local authority Northamptonshire Inspection number 885120 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 11

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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