Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 124094 Inspection date 22 June 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 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 registered in 1999. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under eight years. She lives with her husband, 7 year old son and two adult children in a house in Hoddesdon. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding with the upstairs bedrooms for sleep only. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog, rabbit and gold fish. The childminder attends the local toddler group on a regular basis and runs a

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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 childminding group once a week.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. To improve and develop their physical skills they play in the garden and visit local parks to use the large play equipment or to throw, kick and catch balls. In the house there are a variety of activity toys for all ages to practise pushing and pulling and developing co-ordination. They benefit from fresh air every day and enjoy walks along the river. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are cared for in a clean home where they learn the importance of regular cleaning routines to keep them safe and healthy. Children have a clear understanding of how they can stop germs spreading by washing their hands after stroking the pets or using the toilet. They are becoming aware of how they can look after their bodies and stay healthy, such as, visiting the dentist to care for their teeth.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They have access to drinking water throughout the day and enjoy a balanced diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices so that they have nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is a high priority. They are cared for in a well maintained environment. The organisation of the toys and equipment means children can move around safely and freely to independently access available resources from around the room. There is a fully secure garden for outdoor play. Children benefit from safety measures. For example, they know the house rules not to run to stop them falling, or removing their shoes to keep the floor clean for play. Older children know that they should not play with toys with small parts when babies are around so they do not choke on small pieces. They develop an awareness of safety on outings, for example, they practise crossing the road using safety codes with the childminder. Sensitive reminders, such as a request to pick up toys from the floor to prevent someone tripping over, increase children’s awareness of everyday safety in the setting. Older children are aware of what they may need to do to keep

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

them safe from harm in an emergency, such as a fire. The children's welfare is safeguarded. All consents and the documentation required to help keep children safe is in place. The childminder has basic and advanced training in child protection and is aware of the procedures to follow in accordance

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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 with the Area Child Protection Committee.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of play and activities which are child led or organised by the childminder. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed. The childminder is attentive and affectionate which helps the children feel relaxed and secure in the setting. They play happily with her and eagerly find the hidden animals in the activity game or take turns to push the trolley along. Children have fun completing arts and crafts activities and share their creations with their parents. Regular use of creative materials, such as, corn flour mixed with paint, or sticking and making models with junk boxes, encourages children to represent their experiences, feelings and ideas in a variety of ways. They are encouraged to be independent: they make choices about their play, dress themselves and help the childminder with everyday routines, which helps to promote their confidence and self esteem. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's achievements are valued and shared with parents which gives them a sense of belonging. Children learn new skills such as counting, letter sounds, recognising colours and a knowledge of mathematical language through everyday routines and play. For example, they count when they climb the stairs or when they play shopping using the cash register. Children enjoy playing matching games with socks to promote colour and pattern recognition. They use a variety of shape sorters and different size hoops to play hoopla and enjoy baking cakes to share. Children take pleasure in learning about the natural environment when they help to water the plants in the garden or feed the ducks and fish at the park. They benefit from some planned activities which encourage them to develop and ensure they experience a variety of play. For example, children use the technology toys for educational games and activity toys to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

recognise different animals or letter sounds. They use their imaginations with the home play; they lay the table for their teddies and make them tea. Children make positive relationships. The childminder has a broad range of games and activities for all the children to join in with. She encourages them to socialise and find new friends on outings and at the different activity centres used.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. They are beginning to develop a positive attitude to others. Children gain some understanding about the world through toys and resources. However, organised activities to extend children's knowledge of the wider community are more limited. Children behave well. They begin to understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age appropriate methods used by the childminder to manage behaviour. Children are encouraged through play and the good examples

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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 set by the childminder, to consider others. For example, they time their play with certain toys before passing them to the next person to ensure fairness. The children are polite, they remember to say please and thank you. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents who exchange information regularly. The childminder talks to parents frequently about their children's achievements and the activities they have experienced. This helps the children settle well and become confident with the childminder who is aware of their likes, dislikes and daily routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through effective organisation and appropriate adult support and guidance. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently, which enables them to make choices about their play. They benefit from regular routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to. Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. Policies and procedures are in place to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and continues to up date her training to support her provision and the care of the children. Overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide more activities to help children appreciate and value different cultures.

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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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