Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY330122 Inspection date 15 September 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 2006. She lives with her daughter aged two in the Bedwell area of Stevenage. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The garden is not currently suitable for use. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time. She is currently minding two children under the age of five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. 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 The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. 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, repeating careful instructions and explaining the importance of good hygiene routines. Children's developing awareness follows naturally as they repeat daily routines. Sleeping children's routines are discussed and agreed, currently children sleep in their own buggy downstairs. The childminder does offer a comfortable room with a cot or bed with their own sheets. All sleeping children 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 local park and childminder groups. Babies and young children are given the room to safely explore their environment. Good use of wheeled toys encourage toddlers to develop their walking and balance. The children are encouraged to join in all activities to support their good health and develop control of their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe. They are given clear explanations and participate in safe routines during play and when on outings. For example, clear reminders are offered when crossing the road and using large equipment in the park. Children benefit from a safe and secure premises which offers access to safe play activities and adequate 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. 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 protection. This includes ensuring that parents have good information about child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection issues and understand her responsibility towards children in her care. Children's safety will be further protected when the childminder attends an updated child protection course scheduled to start later this year.

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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 good. Children are interested and enthusiastic in their choice of toys and play activities. They engage in a variety of exciting and stimulating activities that support their all round development. Through play, they have opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills using well thought out activities, toys and equipment. This is demonstrated as very young children use wheeled toys to help them stand up and confidently make their first steps. A selection of photographs of the children participating in a wide variety of activities show that they have many varied opportunities to learn about the world around them. Children are able to develop confidence because the childminder gives them opportunity to choose their own activities and toys. They are beginning to learn how to solve problems and explore reasoning during daily play with a good selection of age appropriate toys and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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. However, the garden is currently not registered for use. The childminder aims to clear and develop the garden in order to provide the children with further activities within the home environment. All information regarding children's activities, achievements and development is effectively shared with parents verbally each day. This ensures that parents are fully involved in all aspects of their children's care. Children's development is well supported by the childminder's excellent knowledge, experience 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 discussions with the 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 understanding and fosters good social development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a good selection of resources and activities using various

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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 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

The organisation is good. Children are secure within the surroundings where they develop a sense of belonging and trust in the childminder. They feel at ease in this organised environment leading them to confidently 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. The childminder is committed to updating her training and knowledge to develop her good practice and provide further learning and developmental activities for the children in her care. Procedures are both written and verbal and are shared with parents on a daily basis, this promotes children's welfare and all-round development through sharing of information. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Children Act and associated regulations, ensuring that she addresses her

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Organisation

responsibilities. Organisation within the home allows access to all play activities indoors and at outside venues such as the local childminding group. Children have access to personal care facilities and are beginning to develop an awareness of their own and other people's personal space. 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 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

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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 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): • provide further opportunities for physical play by developing the garden for use

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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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