Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318692 Inspection date 25 July 2006 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 good. 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. She lives with her husband and four children aged four years, nine years and twins of seven years, in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Children have access to the fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and does not provide overnight care. She is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children. The family has one cat.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and child-friendly home where they are learning the importance of good hygiene, personal care, and independence. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their own needs according to age, supported by the childminder who acts as a good role model and offers clear explanations. This is demonstrated as she speaks clearly to them when helping them to wash their hands or prepare for meals, repeating careful instructions and explaining the importance of good hygiene routines. Children's developing awareness follows naturally as they repeat daily routines. Babies and young children have a daily diary which monitors their sleep, food and nappy changes. Sleeping children are given a comfortable room with a cot or bed with their own sheets and are monitored by the childminder regularly. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each

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Helping children to be healthy

day there are indoor and outdoor physical activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, as they explore the many resources and equipment in the safely enclosed garden. Babies and young children are given the room to safely explore their environment. Good use of baby activity mats and equipment encourages even the youngest child to participate in activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are learning to keep themselves safe due to clear explanations and safe routines during play and when on outings. For example, clear reminders are offered when using the garden and children are encouraged to discuss with the childminder the reasons why an action is unsafe. They benefit from premises that offer access to play activities and space enabling them to explore freely and learn to avoid accidental injury. Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder takes steps to prevent accidents and to plan for emergencies, for example, through written plans shared with parents and plans prepared for emergency evacuation from the home. The childminder works with another local childminder to offer emergency cover if required. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities and procedures to follow in the event of concern or child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection. This includes ensuring that parents have good information about child protection issues and understand her responsibility towards children in her care. However, she has no procedures to follow in the event of an allegation of abuse is alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder. Therefore, a recommendation to amend this had been imposed which will enhance children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very interested and enthusiastic in their play. They engage in a variety of exciting and stimulating activities that support their development both indoors and outside. Through play, they have opportunities to extend their learning using what they already know to question and experiment with new concepts. This is demonstrated as children re-visit experiences through photographs of places visited with the childminder and recall events, places, people and how they felt. Children are able to develop confidence because the childminder gives them opportunity to question and values their discussions. Children solve problems and explore reasoning during daily play. Children access facilities both indoors and outside developing choice and independence, they take part in some outings and socialise with both siblings and peer groups to further social development. They take part in an outstanding variety of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well planned and organised play activities which promote all areas of development. All information regarding children's activities, achievements and development is effectively shared with parents. This ensures that parents are fully involved in all aspects of their children's care. Children's development is diligently supported by the childminder's excellent knowledge and understanding of how children learn, their interests and abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed, confidentially and fully, with their parents. Relationships are positive and children are making early relationships with other children both in the childminder's home and at social groups. Children thrive because their individual developmental stages are recognised and supported by the childminder. This is supported by thorough daily records completed and passed to parents each day. Transition into the care of the childminder is well-planned and completed at the pace dictated by children's needs. Children are beginning to understand responsible behaviour and recognise the needs of others due to consistent boundaries being maintained by the childminder. Children are aware of each other's ages and abilities and individual needs. This broadens their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding and fosters good social development. Children benefit from resources and activities using various media to promote multicultural awareness and diversity. Children are treated as individuals and the childminder ensures there are varied opportunities in which they may participate.

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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 The organisation is outstanding. Children are secure within the surroundings where they develop a sense of trust in the childminder. They feel at ease in this organised environment leading them to confidently initiate play, explore their surroundings and lead conversations, both with the childminder and visitors. Children and parents are welcomed into the setting with clear and detailed information offered from the outset of any agreement. Procedures are both written and informal and are shared with parents on a daily basis, this promotes children's welfare and all-round development through clear information. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Children Act and associated regulations, ensuring that she addresses her responsibilities. Organisation within the home allows access to all play activities both indoors and

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Organisation

outside, children have independent access to personal care facilities and develop good awareness of their personal space and care through example and routines. These include personal hygiene, care for surroundings to ensure cleanliness, and responsibility for play materials and personal belongings. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 good. 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that there is a procedure in place to follow in any case where an allegation of abuse is alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder • ensure that a record of all complaints is maintained with the correct contact information and that appropriate information from that record is shared with parents on request.

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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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