Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY152325 Inspection date 19 July 2005 Inspector Tina Kelly

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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 with Ofsted in April 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 sons who range in age from 5 to 13 years. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with limited access upstairs for children to use the family bathroom. Older children may play upstairs. There is a secure garden with a gated patio area for younger children to play. The property is a short walk from shops, schools and local amenities. The family has a dog and two rabbits.

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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 childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time, she currently cares for one child under one, a three year old and three school age children who are cared for term time only. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder's house is very clean and tidy. Children are encouraged to be independent in their own personal care, they are confident in asking for assistance. Meal times are an important part of the children's routine, they are provided with healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. Fruit is offered throughout the day and drinks are available at all times. All children are encouraged to be aware of eating a healthy diet; low fat options are provided whenever possible. Detailed records are kept to ensure the children's individual needs are recognised and met. Young children are able to sleep and rest when they need to with a cot available for the young baby. Children of all ages enjoy a wide range of apparatus and physical play opportunities which develops their strength and stamina as well as contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's well being is of high priority, safety measures are continually monitored around the home and large garden. Resources and equipment are appropriate for the ages of the children cared for, they are clean and of good quality. The play structures in the garden are well maintained. There is a gated patio area for younger children to access sand, water and to play in a safe environment away from the adventure play areas. The safety and care aspects of children of different ages are well managed. All children are aware of basic rules to maintain their own safety around the garden. Good routines and ongoing discussions around a variety of issues has developed a sensible approach to road safety which enables children to keep themselves safe in the wider world.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of child protection issues having attended early years training. There is appropriate documentation in place to monitor and safeguard the welfare of all children.

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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. All children benefit from a wide variety of play and learning opportunities. Activities for the young children are well thought through, resources are provided that link favourite books with the recognition of animals, colours and shapes. There is a very good selection of resources readily available, the children have free choice to develop their independence and play ideas. Language and communication skills for the young children are well supported by the childminder. She responds to the children's requests and extends their conversations in a sensitive and kind manner. One child explained to me with great pleasure the names and colours of popular train characters. She showed good descriptive skill and was able to refer back to a book to confirm her knowledge. Young children's skills are further extended at the weekly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

visit to a toddler group. They are able to develop their confidence and good social skills in a familiar, small group setting. The older children enjoy the opportunities offered in the garden with the large adventure play structures. They are confident in their physical skills which are often put to the test with games and play ideas which are challenging and constantly developing around the slide and climbing frame.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated as individuals. The childminder is very aware of the children's different characteristics and provides a good range of activities to develop their various skills and understanding of their community and wider world. Children are capable and confident, they are able to express themselves well, discussing events in the past and plans for the future. They are involved in making decisions about meals, activities and outings which gives them a strong sense of belonging. Good behaviour is acknowledge and praised, taking turns and sharing is encouraged at all times. None of the children currently cared for have special needs but the documentation and information provided by parents ensures the children's personal needs and preferences are well met. There is a very good relationship with parents, appropriate documentation is in place. Two of the children have been cared for since they were very young babies. This

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Helping children make a positive contribution

consistent care has been recognised by parents in the letters of recommendation that they have provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a calm and quiet environment. A flexible routine provides a good variety of experiences throughout the week. The registration and training certificates are presented in a portfolio. There is limited

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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 information for parents on the childminder's responsibilities, routines and the activities offered as part of her childcare service. The care offered to the children and the service to families is greatly enhanced by the experiences that the childminder has gained having attained a Certificate in Childminding Practice (CCP) which is a level two childminding course. She will continue to develop her practice and is to seek advice on taking part in the Herts Quality Standard accreditation scheme. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Safety requirements highlighted on a previous inspection have been implemented in full.

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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): • continue to develop information for parents which is to include training attended and detail of the service provided.

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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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