Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295653 Inspection date 11 May 2005 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 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 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged 5 and 9 in a ground floor flat in St Albans. She uses the whole of the flat for childminding but children do not have access to her bedroom. A communal outdoor area is available for supervised play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding three children under five part time and one child over five after school. 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. Children have nutritious meals during the day and enjoy a choice of fruit at snack times. They are encouraged to eat healthy foods and those with special diets are catered for appropriately. Drinks are available at all times. Children are becoming aware of the need to rest at times. They understand why they need to wash their hands before eating. A clean environment is provided for children and this helps to prevent infection. Good health is promoted by the exclusion of any children who are ill and the maintenance of medication records. Children have good opportunities for developing physical skills at toddler groups and on visits to the nearby park and farm. They also enjoy supervised play with bikes and balls in the communal outdoor area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children choose from a selection of safe toys which are appropriate for different age groups. Older children enjoy the opportunity to play with alternative toys from the toy library and local childminding group. They are learning how to keep themselves safe while they play, for example, using furniture sensibly. They are aware that the living room is designated for play, although other areas of the flat are also safe for them if they wander. They have plenty of space to play on the floor or take part in activities at the small table. When playing outdoors they understand the danger from cars in the car park and are well supervised by the childminder. On outings children are kept safe in a buggy or on reins. They talk about road safety. They are further protected through the childminder's good knowledge and awareness of child abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their visits to various toddler groups during the week. They are becoming aware of numbers and letters when talking with the childminder during play. They like sharing books and exploring different materials in art and craft activities. Babies especially enjoy the stimulating play mat. Children are guided in their development through observations made by the childminder. She has knowledge of child development from previous training and is interested in making use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children show interest in play and are supported and encouraged by the childminder. They are gaining confidence in communicating their needs. Their self esteem is boosted through praise, for example, when counting pictures on puzzles correctly. They practice phonics sounds learned at nursery with the help of the childminder.

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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 The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. Link books promote the exchange of information and a comments sheet is available for parents. All children are included in activities, although their wishes are respected if they prefer to play elsewhere. They are learning to share toys. They behave well and play happily in a calm atmosphere. Inappropriate behaviour is explained carefully so that children are aware of right and wrong. Older children are encouraged to be good role models for the younger ones. Children with special educational needs are helped to make progress through a close liaison with parents. Children relate well to the childminder and feel comfortable in her care. They have an increasing awareness of different cultures through the childminders' willingness to talk about diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met by the childminder. She has much experience of looking after children. She takes care to carry with her children's contact details and any other useful documents. She is about to start the Introduction to Childminding Practice course and is waiting for a place on a First Aid course. Children have a set daily routine so that they feel secure. They are given choices during the day according to their interests. The childminder has a flexible routine so that children are kept busy and contented.

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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):

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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 • complete the Introduction to Childminding Practice course and an appropriate First Aid course

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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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