Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319415 Inspection date 05 June 2006 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and three children aged twelve, eight and two, in a house in Hertford. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. Currently she is minding two children, one under five and one over five. She goes to a local school to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. The childminder has good procedures in place for promoting children's health. She obtains information about any allergies and dietary requirements. Parents are made aware of her policy on excluding sick children so that others are protected from infection. All medical records are maintained appropriately. The childminder takes the extra precaution of recording existing injuries on children. She has good access to first aid kits both in the house and on outings. Children rest when they feel tired and in a place where they feel comfortable. The childminder is attentive to hygiene. She uses wipes to ensure that children's hands are clean and washes her own hands whenever necessary. Children use their own towels when washing themselves. Her pet dog is well looked after and kept away from children at mealtimes. These practices contribute to keeping children healthy. Children have a varied and healthy diet. They eat a selection of home cooked meals,

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Helping children to be healthy

such as roast dinners, lasagne and jacket potatoes. They enjoy a range of finger foods, including various salad vegetables and mixed fruit. Children on special diets eat appropriately because the childminder liaises closely with their parents. They have access to drinks throughout the day. Consequently, children are well nourished. There are good opportunities for fresh air and exercise. The garden is particularly child friendly, with toys and equipment to suit children of all ages. These include swings, slide, trampoline, and wheeled vehicles. Young children are developing confidence on the equipment with the support of the childminder. She helps them feel secure and confident to explore further. They have fun at the local park and on trips to an activity centre. Overall, they are developing physical skills and keep fit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes various measures to ensure that children are safe and secure in her care. She has a system of safety gates in the house and all outdoor equipment has been set out on safety surfaces. Children are unable to access any hazardous materials because all cupboards in the house have locks. If sleeping upstairs, the childminder makes use of a monitor in order to keep a regular check on them. She supervises children closely whether upstairs, downstairs or out in the garden. Children move around the house safely as it is kept very tidy. There are good fire precautions in place. The childminder has devised an evacuation plan in case of an emergency. She has also organised an emergency bag with various necessities, such as, children's contact details, to take out with her. However, she has not yet practised an evacuation to ensure that children are aware of what to do in an

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

emergency. When out walking, children are safe in a buggy or on reins. Overall, children keep safe in her care at all times. The childminder has a good range of resources, all of which are in good condition and safe for children to use. The toys for younger children are colourful, stimulating

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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 and easily accessible. There is a mix of toys and games to suit children of all ages. All resources are checked regularly so that children can play safely. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues. She has attended training and keeps a list of contacts to enable her to seek advice if she has a concern. Therefore, children are adequately protected in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show interest in the various play activities. They have plenty of choice in the living room and outdoors on the decking. They particularly enjoy exploring sand and play dough. The childminder meets the needs of younger children appropriately. She provides them with special pens and paints so that they can create without becoming too messy. They are well settled and show increasing independence. They are starting to make connections and enjoy the freedom to explore objects of different shapes and sizes. They benefit from the close involvement of the childminder in their play. She engages them in conversation and suggests different ideas in response to their interests. Older children enjoy playing games on the computer. Therefore, children keep busy and happy in a variety of play situations. Children learn while they play. They enjoy much praise for their attempts at colouring

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pictures, and tidying pens away afterwards. They are developing communication skills through the childminder's ongoing conversation. They have a growing awareness of shapes and numbers. Children learn creative skills in organised activities, for instance, when making cards. They mix with other children at toddler and childminding groups. The childminder makes good use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help younger children develop appropriate skills. Overall, children are well supported and enjoy the variety of play opportunities

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued. They are content and enjoy playing together. The childminder ensures that they have equal access to all play activities. She follows their lead and interacts to extend play so that children benefit from each opportunity. She has a calm and caring personality and this helps children to feel secure in her care. Younger ones enjoy some reassurance as they have many cuddles and respond enthusiastically to suggestions for different activities. The childminder prioritises their welfare, making sure that she sees to their needs before clearing up or tidying away. Therefore, children feel well supported and have a sense of belonging. There are good strategies in place to promote responsible behaviour. The childminder has a set of house rules on display so that older children can be aware of their boundaries. Younger children have an increasing awareness as she encourages them to share toys and helps them to negotiate. They are learning to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

respect others' needs because she spends time explaining issues carefully to them. They are becoming aware of a wider society through using resources which reflect

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 diversity, for example, play people and dolls. The childminder has a close relationship with parents of minded children. She provides very clear and detailed information about herself and her practice. Parents are asked to acknowledge their understanding of her policies. They exchange day-to-day information with her through daily diaries, which are used as link books. They know how the childminder will deal with any concerns they have about their children's care. Consequently, children benefit from this close working partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's paperwork is very well organised and she ensures that all information on children is secure. She has a written set of policies to cover every eventuality. These are in an easy-to-read style so that parents can be well informed about her childcare. She has collated a written response to each of the National Standards and collected much background information about childminding to support her in her work. She has written agreements with parents and is very aware of the need for confidentiality. Her attendance register is well maintained. Overall, her documentation provides an excellent framework for her practice and contributes effectively to keeping children safe, healthy and happy. Her house is welcoming and the space is organised so that children have good access to resources both indoors and outdoors. The childminder organises her time around the children, enhancing

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Organisation

their enjoyment of the day. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • practise the emergency evacuation plan regularly.

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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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