Childminder in HertfordshireOfsted inspection, 9 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY218602 Inspection date 09 May 2005 Inspector Cheryl Langley

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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 has been registered since May 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 8 years. They live in a house in Hertford. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet cat. She is minding one child. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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's health and physical development is promoted because the childminder provides a wide range of activities for children to exercise indoors and outside. They play in the garden and visit local parks using the large play equipment or playing ball games. Children have a good understanding of how and why they need to keep themselves clean and healthy through well planned daily routines. They are cared for in a welcoming, clean home where they learn the importance of, and join in, with regular practices which keep them safe and healthy. For example, children help the childminder wash their toys and check them for breakages. They have a clear understanding of how and why they must try to stop germs spreading by washing their hands after handling pets or using the toilet, and use tissues to blow their noses. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help

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Helping children to be healthy

prepare fresh fruit and vegetables for healthy snacks and learn about their bodies with books. With easy access to drinking water and juices throughout the day the children have a beneficial level of drinks in their diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents' and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs. Children's health and well being is given a high priority. The childminder ensures her first aid training is kept up to date, checks her first aid equipment regularly and has procedures in place to act in the children's best interests should they become unwell.

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. They move around safely, freely and independently and adhere to the house rules in place which keep them safe. The childminder helps children understand how to protect themselves from risks inside and outside of the home; through discussion, reading books together and by setting examples. Children know not to go into the kitchen unsupervised and cross the road using the crossing code. However, activities to show and teach the children how to stay free from harm in an emergency, such as a fire, have not been planned by the childminder. Children can independently select activities from an adequate range of quality resources which the children can help themselves to safely. The childminder has some of the required procedures and most of the documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has obtained all

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the required consents and emergency contact details from parents. However, there is insufficient knowledge should she have to act in the children's best interests regarding child protection issues. The required information and documentation to update this knowledge and follow the correct procedures are not in place.

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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 The provision is good. Children are settled and relaxed in the childminder's home. They enter confidently and independently choose their play. Children relate well to the childminder's own children and are encouraged to socialise with other children and adults on outings or visits to the library. They learn about the natural environment and caring for animals through observing the childminder's pet cat or the mini-beasts in the garden. Children have easy access to a sufficient range of toys, books and activities, which appeal to them. Their all round development is promoted by the childminder who encourages them to learn new skills through everyday play and activities. For example, children visit shops and help with shopping to learn about food and counting with money, or

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

choose the right coloured pegs to hang out the washing and bake cakes for special occasions to share with their parents. They are keen to play with the home play toys, train set, or football in the garden and also experience a variety or arts and crafts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides some resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. Books, dolls, dressing up, discussions and outings increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children enjoy sitting with the childminder reading about different religions and people with disability from age appropriate books. The childminder takes time to talk to the children and listen to their views so that they feel valued and respected. Their needs are met as they follow their daily routine which is discussed with parents. Children are learning to socialise with others and to take turns and share. They behave well and understand what is expected of them. The children are happy in the childminders company and confident to make independent choices about what they want to do and what they need. They have time to relax as well as to be active. Children benefit from a positive relationship between the childminder and their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. Children's progress is discussed with parents so that their changing needs continue to be met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease with the organisation of the provision. They are well supported by the childminder which means that they are confident to extend their own play and learning. Children can play with easily accessible resources that are available when they arrive at the childminder's home. Policies and procedures are used to promote the welfare and care of the children. They are shared regularly with parents through discussion, to contribute towards continuity in the children's care. A

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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 sound understanding of most aspects of safety and meeting children's individual needs through regular routines, ensures the children feel secure and cared for. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues in accordance with the local Area Child Protection Committee and the guidelines "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused" • improve fire safety precautions by planning emergency escape procedures with minded children

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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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