Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY219144 Inspection date 15 March 2006 Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones

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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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and son aged nine years. They live in a house in Borehamwood, a short walk from the local shops, parks and amenities. The ground floor is used by the minded children where there is a downstairs cloakroom, they do not generally access upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under the age of eight

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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 years at any one time. She is currently minding four children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from infection because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene procedures. For example, regular hygiene routines ensure children play in a clean, healthy environment and positive encouragement of hand washing before eating ensures children are developing good habits. Children are offered nutritious meals and their dietary needs are met because the childminder works with parents and is careful to respect their wishes. Children take part in regular physical activity both indoors and outdoors which encourages their physical development and their enjoyment of exercise. They play football in the garden, visit the local parks or go for interesting walks most days where children can hunt for items such as leaves and stones. Children are not adequately safeguarded because the childminder does not have up-to-date training in first aid and documentation that records any medication given is not sufficiently

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Helping children to be healthy

maintained. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and child-friendly environment. They are provided with a wide variety of toys and equipment that are developmentally appropriate for all ages. Children independently select toys and equipment, which means that they have good opportunities to make choices for themselves. Children move freely around because space is well-planned and has been made safe. Children's security is safeguarded by the care the childminder takes to ensure children are well supervised. Appropriate procedures such as walking close to the childminder or holding hands to cross roads, helps reinforce safety on outings. They also discuss road safety drills whilst walking to school or by using newspaper as roads inside to practice and this encourages them to think about how to keep themselves safe. The childminder has a reasonable knowledge of child protection procedures and she is fully aware of how to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

obtain guidance should the need arise. However, a detailed understanding of specific child protection issues have not been effectively extended since the last inspection. Consequently, this compromises children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem because they are

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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 comfortable and settled in the provision. Children have many opportunities for different activities and outings. They go for walks, take part in art and craft activities and enjoy imaginative play, for example when the childminder sets up a sweet shop. Younger children are learning to communicate, share and negotiate because the childminder provides the necessary support. They benefit from the childminder's involvement in their play, talking to them and encouraging their ideas. Children's language skills are challenged as the childminder asks lots of open ended questions. Children respond very well to the childminder's friendly approach and guidance. The childminder ensures younger children's needs are met by planning a variety of activities to suit their interests as well as allowing them freedom to play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

independently. Although, the 'Birth the three matters' framework is not currently used to plan their activities. Children benefit from regular opportunities to mix and play with a wider group of children through their attendance at toddler groups and they enjoy the visits out in the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging and therefore are confidently able to explore and participate in all activities on offer. They are treated as one of the family and are familiar with their normal routines. They each have their own labelled drawer to keep some of their personal items in, these help the children feel secure and at home. The childminder has a clear understanding that children with special needs may require additional resources and support to enable them to reach their full potential and be fully included in the life of the setting. Children are happy and at ease in the childminder's care. They receive lots of praise and encouragement which aids the children's sense of security. Children's well-being is enhanced through the strong relationships the childminder has with parents. This results in children forming close and trusting relationships with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have equal access to all the resources and materials. They are becoming aware of wider society through a range of resources and planned activities that reflect positive images and enable them to begin to understand diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space to play and rest. Their independence is promoted as a wide range of resources are accessible in the lounge. Children are secure and happy in the care of the childminder and the well-organised day she provides. Most of the necessary documentation is effectively organised in line with the National Standards. Information that is maintained is kept secure and respects confidentiality. Procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. However, an approved registration course has not been successfully completed and this is a requirement of registration.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children's needs are met through the good communication the childminder has with parents, which contributes to continuity in care. This leads to a professional working partnership with parents. Overall, the childminder meets the needs the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was asked to attend a registration course approved by the local authority and to extend knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Children benefit as some progress has been made. The childminder commenced study for an approved registration course studying from home, however has been unsuccessful in completing. The childminder intends to finish this through enrolling on an appropriate college course. A course was booked to extend her knowledge in child protection, although it was postponed. Consequently, these improvements are carried forward from this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2005. 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): • improve documentation on the administration of medication and update first aid knowledge that includes training for infants and young children • extend knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures • consider the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning resources or activities for young children • complete an approved registration course for childminders.

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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 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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