Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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155725 Unique Reference Number 30 April 2007 Inspection date Tina Kelly Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and son aged nearly eight in Croxley Green on the outskirts of Watford. The family home is close to schools and local amenities. Children do not access upstairs other than to use the family bathroom. Most care takes place in the playroom at the side of the house. There is a secure garden for outside play, there are no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). There are two children aged two and four years on roll, they were both being cared for at the time of the inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. Their health is monitored as the childminder discuses the children's individual needs with parents on a regular basis. Young children are well supported as they start toilet training. They know when they need to use the potty, the

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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 childminder explains what they need to do and gives praise when they have finished. Flexible routines are in place to ensure children are able to rest and to play when they need to. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of young children who settle quickly to sleep in a prepared cot in the front room. Children feel secure in their familiar daily routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional needs are met. The childminder provides home cooked meals each day, these are supplemented with a constant supply of fruit and healthy snacks. Children's well-being is maintained as the childminder is aware of the expiry date of her first aid course. She takes appropriate measures to ensure her training is relevant and up to date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a range of opportunities for robust, physical exercise. Each day they walk to the local school, they may visit the park or playground. The garden offers space for children to run and play with hoops and sporting equipment such as racquets and bean bags which are readily available. They show great concentration as they practise their football and catching skills. Children's hand to eye co-ordination is developing well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure environment. The childminder is aware of potential hazards and ensures appropriate safety measures are in place to maintain the safety of the children at all times. Children are able to make independent decisions about their play. They have easy access to the toys and games stored in the playroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young children sleep in a travel cot in a room at the front of the house, this ensures the childminder can hear a child and respond when needed. Older children may rest on comfortable chairs in the playroom. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they play. They are reminded to put toys away, to take care and to make sure there is enough room so they can move around freely. They are learning how their actions can impact on others playing nearby.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is maintained as the childminder has information leaflets provided by the Local Safeguarding Children's Board. However she has little experience or understanding of the referral process which means that potentially children's welfare is compromised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities to access a range of resources in the playroom. They can see the toys as they are stored in see through bags. When younger children have a rest the older children can play with more age appropriate toys such as train tracks and small world people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make free choices about their play. They ask their childminder for help when needed, she provides good support and sets the toys out across the floor. Children's language and understanding is extended as she explains how the trains fit on the track and how great care is needed in putting it all together. Children respond well, they show great concentration as they watch and follow her advice carefully.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing in the garden, they make up their own games with good interaction from the childminder. The daily routines ensures children have opportunities to meet with other children at toddler groups and at the park. Photographs are taken of the children taking part

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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 in a various activities, these are given to parents to enable them to share in the experiences their children have enjoyed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are respected and valued within the setting. The childminder is aware of their individual needs, she discusses their day to day routines with parents at the end of each day. The childminder has strategies in place to ensure all children reach their full potential and to meet their needs including cultural, learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's good behaviour is reinforced with praise. Children are encouraged to share and to take turns as they play. They learn about good manners as they are well supported by their childminder. They are reminded to 'ask nicely' and to say please and thank you in their everyday routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong relationship has developed between the childminder and the families she cares for. Long standing arrangements have provided consistent care for many children. Day to day issues are discussed on a regular basis. However information about the childminding business and the records of complaint is not available for parents. Therefore they are not fully informed of factors that potentially impact on the children's well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her routine around children attending nursery sessions and school collections. Play space within the home is well managed, resources are accessible so children's play and learning are promoted at all times. Outings and trips in the local community are an important part of the weeks routine.

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Organisation

Adequate documentation is in place in line with regulation. All members of the household have been vetted, the children are not left with adults who have not been appropriately checked. Although the childminder discusses the children's day to day needs with parents, the documents regarding the children's personal care needs are not up to date or readily available. Their care is potentially compromised if the records and contracts are not accurate and easily accessible.

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Organisation

The childminder updates her registration information on the Hertfordshire Children's Information Service web site and receives information from the early years development team.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection the childminder was given two actions; to record existing injuries and to seek a written agreement with the parents which sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements. Adequate records are in place and the childminder understands the importance of recording existing injuries to monitor and maintain the well-being of the children in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 At the time of the last inspection the childminder was given two recommendations; to provide a portfolio, policies and information leaflet for parents and to review and extend play resources to promote equal opportunities regarding gender.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has adequate documents in place to meet the requirements of registration. A further recommendation has been made following this inspection to ensure the information is accurate and up to date.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Resources are readily available that reflect different cultures and gender issues. Children have access to a range of toys that extend their understanding of the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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 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): • extend knowledge and understanding of child protection issues • ensure parents are made fully aware of the complaints process and the childminding service provided • ensure the personal care information of children is up to date and available

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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