Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301157 Inspection date 12 September 2005 Inspector Margaret Coyne

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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 two children aged six years and four years. They live in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. The children access the living room, dining room, kitchen, hall and toilet on the ground floor and two bedrooms, a play room and a bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Currently the childminder is registered to care for four children under eight at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder

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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 attends a local toddler group and the local childminders support group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy home cooked meals, which have been planned in advance to meet their preferences and dietary needs. Meals include all the food groups and are healthy and nutritious for children. Children enjoy trying new tastes and experiences as they take part in many food preparation activities and also grow some of their own food such as cress and ginger. The children help prepare some of their own snacks and meals, this helps develop their awareness of healthy eating and encourages them to try new things. A sample menu demonstrates to the parents what choices of food are available. Children have drinks available at all times and are encouraged to drink milk with meals. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age, through well organised routines and practice. They know to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals and snacks. Children contribute to their own good

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Helping children to be healthy

hygiene practice by using tissues and wipes. They enjoy helping around the home and wash some of their own toys and equipment. The children are protected from infection because the childminder is well informed about their health and employs suitable methods to prevent infections spreading, such as implementing her sick child policy and providing separate towels and flannels for the children to use. She has developed procedures and records to protect the children and safeguard their welfare. Information is shared with parents relating to any aspect of their child's health and she values and respects parents' wishes. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident she can deal with any minor accidents. The childminder has taken the children to the dentist alongside her own children so they can gain an understanding of why we brush our teeth and what the dentist does for us. Children take pleasure in a wide range of activities which contribute to their good

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Helping children to be healthy

health. Each day there are opportunities to walk to the local school and park, play outside or engage in indoor activities such as ten pin bowling, football, sliding and climbing which improves their all round physical skills. The childminder has an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the younger children are able take part in the activities. Children have access to highly varied activities and excellent levels of support which give them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. Recent visits to the local bowling alley proved a great success for the children who learnt to play there after practising at home. The childminder supports the children and is on hand to guide their play. Children are able to rest and sleep in accordance to their own needs and the wishes of parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a safe, clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has an excellent awareness of safety. An effective risk assessment is carried out on the premises, toys and activities to ensure potential risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around the home and garden and explore and take risks in a safe, controlled environment. Space and resources are organised to allow maximum free space for the children to enjoy and access safely. Children benefit from an effective range of safety measures. For example, cupboard locks, stair gates, socket covers and a range of fire safety equipment. Extra precautions are taken in the garden with toys and equipment suitable for the ages of the children attending and a secure lock on the gate prevents any child leaving the garden and prevents strangers from entering. Children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge of emergency evacuation is extended through discussions and regular evacuation practise. The children learn about keeping themselves safe both in and out of the home. They learn about acceptable behaviour and the impact this has on their safety. For example, children know to hold hands or the buggy when out of the home and to stay together always in sight of the childminder. They learn about the reasons to pick up after themselves to keep things safe for all children playing. Supervision is of a high standard. Car safety is taught as children have appropriate sized car seats and restraints. They learn about the importance of keeping the belts in place at all times. Children have access to well-maintained, developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. These are selected according to their age and ability to ensure they gain maximum benefit from them and can play safely with them. Well thought out activities

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensure the children's safety at all times. Children are able to play and take risks in a safe and controlled environment with suitable adjustments made to meet all their needs. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder is attentive to her responsibility to protect the children in her care and shares responsibility with parents. She has all supporting documents in place to reinforce her practice. She keeps all records up to date to provide a clear record of her practice and to ensure the protection of the children. However, the childminder does not have a confidential system in place to record any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, secure and contented as they take part in an extensive range of activities both in and out of the home. Children have excellent opportunities to socialise with others as they attend toddler groups and enjoy trips in the local community. The childminder arranges outings to the park where children benefit from new experiences and can explore new areas of interest, particularly exploring their physical capabilities and discovering nature. One outing to the sand park gave children the opportunity to enjoy and explore sand on a large scale.

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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 Children are very well supported and are provided with an imaginative range of stimulating and challenging opportunities and activities. These include imaginative play, being creative, and experimenting with cooking and growing plants such as sunflowers and ginger roots. Books play a large part in the child's day as they enjoy shared reading and trips to the library. Free play is incorporated into each day where child-initiated play is encouraged and supported by the childminder. Children have free choice and activities are readily available and well presented to encourage children to take part. Activities are appropriate for the individual children's development, enabling them to move forward at their own pace. Themes are carried out throughout the week and children develop rapidly due to the care and excellent

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

preparation which goes into the planning and implementation of the activities. Activities are extended into different areas. For example, children are growing a ginger root and will go on to make ginger bread, cakes, cookies and to use as an ingredient in Chow Mein. Children's individual needs and stages of development are considered and activities are often adapted to ensure all children present can participate. Children benefit from activities which incorporate relevant real life experience. For example, they learn to use chop sticks and visit the local Chinese restaurant to experience real Chinese food. The childminder is skilled in listening to the children and introducing new language which they imitate in role play experiences. Children have warm relationships with the childminder. The childminder interacts at the children's level, encouraging communication and independence skills. Children approach her for physical comfort and reassurance which contributes to their sense

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of belonging. They have opportunities to think for themselves, express their ideas and thoughts and interact with others by sharing and taking turns. Children's learning and development is extended by the childminder's constant awareness. She involves them in suitably challenging, fun activities and has an excellent knowledge of them as individuals. Their self-esteem is developed carefully with praise for their achievements and the childminder displays some of their creative work at the door so parents can also praise their child. The children have written to the childminder expressing what they like most about their time with her. These comments vary from what they like to play with, to having lots of company and enjoying the food. The childminder has found the 'Birth to three matters' framework a useful aid to her practise and she is adept at understanding the children's needs in order to help them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

grow and extend their development. She clearly knows the children well as she deciphers gestures and language, thus avoiding any child becoming frustrated or despondent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities and resources which promotes a positive outlook of the wider world. Books are readily available and children enjoy discovering the world around them through sharing stories with the childminder. Dressing up and sampling food from around the world also provides

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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 children with a clearer insight of others. Children accept each other as individuals with the childminder setting an excellent example by valuing and respecting each child. Children's needs are meet in a sympathetic manner through her open, honest and effective communication with parents and children. Activities are adapted to meet the needs of all children and a sensitive approach ensures children can play without fear of discrimination. The childminder's happy and respectful attitude encourages children to feel good about themselves and show respect for others. The childminder knows the children very well and is responsive to their needs. For example, if a child needs extra reassurance or cuddles this is happily provided and children respond positively knowing they can climb up for a cuddle at any time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children know and accept the realistic boundaries in place and this impacts positively on their behaviour. For example, children know not to jump on the furniture. They respond well to the childminder and the high level of support and consistent strategies help them understand what is acceptable. Children are happy and confident. They ask for help when needed and praise and encouragement for their positive behaviour is widely given. Their confidence and self-esteem is enriched by the support and praise provided. When asking a child to respond the childminder always gives a reason and explanation for her request. This again helps children feel valued and respected. Children are absorbed and enthusiastic when playing happily and there are smiles, cuddles and other unspoken communication which confirms the happy and relaxed environment they have created between them. The childminder has developed information for parents' detailing all aspects of her

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Helping children make a positive contribution

practice. A portfolio is in place which provides parents with excellent and clear information about activities, partnership with parents, consent forms, contracts and many other useful information. Also included are photographs of children enjoying their time at the setting with extra copies made for parents to keep at home. Videos of the children enjoying activities are recorded and shared with parents so they can fully share and appreciate their child's time spent with the childminder. Each parent has time to discuss their child's day and are able to share and play an active and important role in their child's care. Children's care and development is fostered due to the childminder's commitment to working closely with parents. Children benefit from having details of their day recorded into a daily diary which is shared with parents and opens an effective line of communication between them. A notice board is in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

place for parents and examples of their child's work is displayed for them to delight in. The childminder has developed parents questionnaire forms to gain further feedback from parents. These have been extremely useful when evaluating her own practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are happy and secure playing in an exceptionally well organised environment. Space and resources are extremely well planned to ensure maximum play space is available to the children and helps them become self reliant and independent. Children are confident when initiating their own activities and when playing with others in this vibrant safe setting. Well organised activities provide

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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 stimulating and challenging experiences for children of all ages within a fun and supportive environment. The childminder has a highly professional, yet caring and sensitive approach to her practice. Her organisational skills are superb and benefit both children and parents. High regard to the organisation of records and documentation impacts on each child's care. Records are shared with parents and communication is excellent. This contributes to the trusting relationships developed between them and impacts on the children's feelings of security. The childminder has developed purposeful policies and procedures which are clearly reflected in her practise. Ratios are met at all times and the childminder has an excellent awareness of the impact these have on the children's health, safety, socialisation and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder has an extremely professional approach to her childminding and this is clearly demonstrated in her plans for the future development of her practice, additional training she would like to attend and the daily organisation and planning of activities for the children. These ensure each child's potential is recognised and activities support, challenge and stimulate each child. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • devise a system to record any concerns about a child in a confidential manner.

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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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