Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 953285 Inspection date 18 May 2005 Inspector Jane Mount

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15 years,13 years and aged 5 years. The property is three bed roomed semi detached house with a garage attached. The garage has been converted into a separate living room for the childminder's mother who lives with the family. All areas of the property are registered and includes a fully enclosed garden for outside play. It is situated in Woodhall Farm, on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead and is within

p.2

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 easy walking distance of shops, primary schools and a park. Overnight care is not provided. The family have some goldfish. The childminder is a member of the local childminding group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which contributes to their good health. They take part in garden games and regular trips to the local park and to toddler groups. This enables them to develop control of their bodies for example as they climb and ride wheeled toys. The younger children join in enthusiastically with appropriate activities and are supported well by the childminder which allows them to become confident to try out new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Children are cared for in environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Effective support and guidance from the childminder helps children gain a clear understanding of good hygiene practices. Children know it is important to wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet as this stops germs from spreading which could make them unwell. The children show a real

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

desire to be increasingly independent in their personal care and particularly enjoy washing their hands using the soap from the special frog dispenser. Children understand the benefits of a healthy diet and are encouraged to make their own choices from easily accessible fruit which they enjoy preparing to eat themselves. They talk enthusiastically together about the texture, juice and flavour of the orange as they take turns to peel the fruit. Drinks are readily available and children are encouraged to drink water. The childminder takes account of parent wishes and the children's choices and special dietary requirements are met ensuring all children remain healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. Road safety procedures are taught when out walking and children are able to confidentially explain how to cross the road safely. Within the home safety is also prioritised and an informal risk assessment is carried out to identify and minimise risks. Children are able to independently select from a varied range of toys and equipment which meets safety standards and are organised at child height to encourage the children's independence skills. The childminder monitors the children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are taught responsibility to others through the childminder explaining why toys dropped on the floor should be picked up so other children do not fall and hurt

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 themselves on them. Children are well protected. The childminder has all the required procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. She holds a current first aid certificate and has recently attended a child protection course and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their environment and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. The children's confidence and self esteem is developed by the childminder who is sensitive to their needs and knows them well. Children's learning is promoted through the childminder's developing knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework. Communication skills are well supported through adult-child interactions and children listen and respond to tapes of rhymes, stories and songs with great enjoyment. Children are motivated in their play and spend their time purposefully exploring a varied range of resources and experiences suitable for their age and stage of development. Themes from nursery are followed through and reinforced at the childminders home for example shapes, colours,

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. A range of activities and resources are provided to promote a positive view of the wider world and to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example the children talked about Chinese New Year and enjoyed eating a Chinese meal together. Children learn about the local community through routine walks, bus rides and attendance at local toddler groups. Children are encouraged to take turns, to share and to show concern for others which helps them to learn about the impact their behaviour has on others. Children play together well and behaviour is dealt with in ways appropriate to the child's level of understanding. It is managed in a positive yet consistent manner with clear boundaries so children know what is expected of them. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children benefit from a two way sharing of information between the childminder and parents and positive partnerships

p.4

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 The children feel at ease in an organised and child friendly environment. Most required documentation which contributes to the children's health, safety and well being is in place and is regularly reviewed including a portfolio which is available to parents. However the childminder has not informed Ofsted of significant changes to her children's ages which affects her registration. Children's welfare, care and learning is promoted as parents are regularly informed of their child's progress and development. The childminder understands the importance of confidentiality and takes appropriate steps to protect children and promote their well being. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended the childminder should obtain prior written permission from parents to administer emergency medical treatment and to administer medication. It was also recommended that she should ensure contracts are in place and to provide a portfolio for parents to view. All have been achieved. The childminder has prior written consent from all parents to enable her to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and she also has prior written consent to administer medication from parents. Parents now complete a written agreement which sets out business arrangements which are regularly reviewed and updated. Also the childminder has a portfolio available for parents with information relating to routines, qualifications, child care practices, policies and procedures.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • enhance safety procedures through completing and maintaining a written risk

p.5

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 assessment • ensure Ofsted are always notified of any significant changes which would affect registered numbers

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6