Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317187 Inspection date 17 May 2006 Inspector Suman Willis

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. The childminder is married with 2 adult children and 1 child aged 9 years. She works in a group setting with another childminder. The house in which she childminds is in a residential part of Borehamwood but close to the high street. The conservatory and family room are used for childminding purposes with access to the lounge for undisturbed sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 3 children in total and up to 6 when working with other childminders at the above premises. She childminds 2 mornings a week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 There are currently 14 children on roll, aged between 6 months and 4 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have regular access to outdoor play, and enjoy free outdoor play daily. They are developing their physical skills as they ride on wheeled toys. Younger children learn to become more mobile as they push trolleys and wheelbarrows. Babies are taken out into the garden in their buggies and, therefore, have regular fresh air. Children stay healthy because appropriate procedures are in place. For example, the childminder has completed her training in first aid, and permission to administer emergency aid and medication is in place. Children are beginning to understand simple hygiene practices as they independently access the toilet and know to wash their hands afterwards. Children are provided with healthy lunches, such as freshly cooked vegetarian pasta bake with fresh fruit to follow. Children are offered drinks but do not have independent access to regular fresh drinking water. Parents are also given the option

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Helping children to be healthy

of providing meals for their children. Information about children's individual dietary needs are included in their details. Therefore, children are well nourished and their specific needs met. Children rest and sleep according to their own needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and welcoming environment. Procedures to keep children safe are in place. For example, a stair gate prevents children accessing unsupervised areas. The garden and outdoor equipment are checked prior to children going out, thus ensuring they play safely at all times. Children have access to a wide range of resources which are readily available and housed in appropriate storage boxes and on low window ledges for easy access. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. They are given clear explanations, such as why they should use the steps on the slide and not climb up the slide. Children are protected by the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and very settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy participating in group activities and sing their name song with enthusiasm. Children feel valued as they confidently stand up and sing to the group. Children are given

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 ample opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities, some of which are organised and planned for in advance around themed topics. They are excited when making parrots using cut out shapes, different colour paints and feathers. Babies are encouraged to join in as they sit on the childminder's lap and choose crayons to colour with. Children's learning is extended as they are asked what colour paint and feathers they would like to use, and relish being told how clever they are as they guess the correct colour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for, information about their background and individual needs is provided by parents, thus enabling the childminder to provide appropriate care for all children. Children learn about their community through their play. For example, they are asked to purchase butter and milk from the shops as they ride around on their bikes. They learn about trees and plants through outdoor play. Planned activities celebrating different festivals enable children to understand the wider world. All children have equal access to all of the resources and both boys and girls enjoy playing with dolls in the home corner, and ride on toys in the garden. Older children are given responsibilities, such as handing out bibs at lunch time. Therefore, they are learning to share responsibilities in a calm and friendly environment. All children are very settled and play well together. Children benefit from the good working relationship developed between the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder and parents. All information is shared verbally between both parties, and this enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are familiar with their routine which helps them to feel secure. They are protected because all adults in the house have been fully vetted. Children enjoy the organised structure to their day, this enables them to participate in a wide range of age-appropriate activities. They are fully supported as they explore safely. Consequently, children's care, learning and play are enhanced by the care provided by the childminder. Most policies and procedures are in place to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. This would be further enhanced once the procedure to log complaints appropriately is in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the childminder's first inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure fresh drinking water is available to children at all times • ensure an effective procedure to log complaints is in place.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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