Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346955 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2007 Inspection date Hilary Preece 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 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 in 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and almost three years in the heart of Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. The house is close to schools, shops and library. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding where there are toilet facilities and space for undisturbed sleeps. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on varying days of the week. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The family has cold water fish for pets. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from healthy and active lifestyles. They enjoy a varied and balanced menu of nutritious meals and snacks. They are encouraged to make healthy choices as they help to make

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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 their own sandwich lunch and choose their favourite fillings and fruit. Children always have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day. Children benefit from regular exercise in the garden and walks in the fresh air around the village. They develop co-ordination as they manoeuvre wheeled toys, climb and enjoy dancing. Children sleep whenever they are tired, which allows their bodies to rest after busy periods of physical exertion, and are helped to feel emotionally secure by having a comforter if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing good understanding of the importance of hygiene routines. They know, for example, that their hands may be dirty after playing with outside toys. Furthermore, strict procedures are followed to ensure children are protected from cross-infection by having separate hand towels and bedding. Equipment and toys that go in the mouth are cleaned regularly and safe environmental health guidelines are followed to ensure the safe storage and preparation of food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected by a sound sickness policy that excludes infectious children from attending the setting. This minimises the spread of infections to others. Health procedures and individual needs are readily discussed with parents so that appropriate care can be given. The childminder has completed first aid training and ensures she has access to first aid supplies when at home and on outings. Children therefore receive prompt first aid treatment if they are hurt.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure home where hazards have been minimised to allow children to play safely. They move around their surroundings easily because play areas and resources have been thoughtfully arranged. Children use a wide range of toys and equipment that are stimulating and appropriate for their stage of development. Younger children are supervised closely to ensure that they only use toys that do not pose any potential risk to them. Children stay safe because the equipment is regularly checked, cleaned and children are reminded how to use equipment safely. For example, they are reminded to check that the toy buggy is correctly set up so that they do not pinch their fingers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are becoming aware of potential risks when they are out and about because routines are consistent and the childminder talks to the children about road safety. For example, they hold hands and cross roads using safe crossings. This sets good expectations for when the children are older and more independent. Thorough measures have been taken to ensure children remain safe in the event of emergency evacuation. A recent fire safety check has been carried out by the fire service and all necessary fire equipment is in place and checked frequently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder ensures that children are closely supervised in the presence of persons who have not been vetted. Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that any concerns about children's welfare are correctly recorded and reported through the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Supporting documentation is readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled because their individual needs and routines are met. They enjoy a wide range of interesting outings and play activities that support their overall development. Regular visits to local resources are used to enhance children's experiences and learning. For

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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 example, they enjoy a story session at the local library and take an active role in shopping for daily provisions in the village.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and independent in their play. They help themselves to toys and initiate their own play because resources are organised well and readily accessible. For example, children use an alphabet poster to point to the letters when singing an alphabet song as this is displayed at their height in the play area. This helps to maximise learning opportunities for children and stimulates their interest in their surroundings. Children speak confidently and express their needs well. Their language and communication skills are extended as the childminder skilfully questions the children and explains new concepts to them while reading stories. Children are encouraged to count and to be aware of the value of money when helping with the shopping. Children use their imagination well and represent their own experiences in pretend play. For example, they set up a dolls' picnic and take their babies off to nursery. They enjoy exploring

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

natural materials such as sand, water and paint. Younger children use their senses to explore treasure baskets full of interesting objects. This helps to develop their curiosity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to learn right from wrong and build strong relationships. They are reminded how to share and take turns with their peers and positive house rules set expectations for good behaviour. Children attend local groups for children in the village, which introduces them to a wider social group of children. Children relate warmly to the childminder and seek her out when they need support. The childminder keeps them engaged in purposeful play and helps to resolve any conflicts calmly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respect for all is encouraged. They are becoming aware of the world around them and talk with interest about countries on the world map where their grandparents live. They play with dolls and books that reflect a range of ethnic backgrounds, which helps them become aware of their own identity and of others. However, there are limited resources that positively reflect disability and gender roles. This means children do not explore the full range of diversity. Children are encouraged to be polite and respectful. They are given tasks of responsibility, such as laying the table, preparing meals and buying individual items in the local chemist shop. This helps children develop confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met very well as the childminder takes account of parents' wishes. Children are helped to settle in to the setting at a pace that suits their needs and strategies agreed with parents to ease any separation issues. Children's records and written agreements with parents are effectively maintained and regularly reviewed. Parents are kept well informed about their children's daily activities and receive a useful written overview of each day. Communication is encouraged in person and by telephone to ensure that both parties are equally involved in the care. The childminder provides parents with information about how to raise any concerns or complaints they may have and she understands her responsibility in maintaining a complaints record in line with regulations. The childminder has an appropriate procedure to work in partnership with parents of children with learning difficulties and/or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

disabilities to ensure they are fully included in the setting and to meet their specific needs.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder operates an efficient and well managed service. She has completed the required training for childminders and shows commitment to developing her skills and knowledge through further training. This ensures that the outcomes for children are positive. Children's health, safety, enjoyment and contribution are promoted through some informal but effective policies and procedures. She plans stimulating routines and activities and makes good use of space, time and local resources to enrich children's experiences.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps organised records and documents that accurately reflect the service she provides. These are regularly reviewed and stored confidentially. She has a sound understanding of the National Standards, regulations and her conditions of registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • develop the range of resources that reflect diversity, with particular reference to positive images of gender and disability.

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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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