Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY363401 Unique Reference Number 29 May 2008 Inspection date Tina Kelly 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 partner in a first floor flat in Abbots Langley, near Watford in Hertfordshire. Children have access to the main lounge and hallway for play space. They do not generally use the bedrooms other than to sleep. There is a fully enclosed communal garden for outside play; there are no pets. The childminder holds a Nursery Nurse qualification and has experience in working in a full day care nursery and as a nanny. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). The childminder is registered for a maximum of four children, at the time of the inspection one child aged one year was being cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment. Their health is monitored as the childminder is fully aware of their individual needs. Documents and procedures are in place to promote a healthy lifestyle. When children have medical requirements relevant documents and records are in place to ensure correct procedures are maintained and shared with parents.

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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 A flexible routine enables young children to rest and to play when they need to. New challenges such as potty training are built into familiar routines to provide children with a positive experience. Children who have their meals and snacks provided by parents are offered additional fruit and healthy snacks when appropriate. Drinks are always available, young children find their own beakers and manage well with good support from their carer.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities for physical play. There is space in the home for young children to crawl and practise their walking skills. Children are regularly taken to toddler groups where they may access new and stimulating apparatus in a safe environment. Activity sessions are also popular, young children are confident in their actions, they enjoy the challenge and exploring different play environments. These opportunities help children to keep fit and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in comfortable surroundings. They have access to toys that are stored at low level in the lounge. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder minimises potential hazards within the home. For example a safety gate is used to prevent children accessing the kitchen as the room is not safe. The childminder has an emergency evacuation plan that is relevant to her home and children in her care. This shows she has considered the implications of exiting the first floor flat whilst childminding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a range of suitable and safe resources. There is a variety of interesting toys and games that are suitable for the children cared for. The childminder promotes children's learning of keeping themselves safe in the home as she gives clear guidance on where they can play. She talks to the young children as she moves them from behind the chairs and redirects them to the safe play space in the centre of the lounge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues having attended recent training in this important aspect of childcare. She has a clear written policy that is given to parents. This is supported by leaflets and information supplied by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their childminder's care. They enjoy her company; they chat and play with her as she sits on the floor to support their play and to promote their early learning skills. Children are shown how to put blocks together. Their language is developed as the childminder repeats simple phrases and names familiar toys. Children show great delight as they pretend to read books. Age-appropriate library books which are changed on a regular basis ensure a consistent change of ideas, pictures and characters for the children to experience. This keeps the children interested and give them opportunities for many different stories and learning opportunities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken out in the community several times a week to attend toddler groups and baby rhyme time at the local library. They are taken to parks and play areas where they can practise their physical skills and join in new experiences such as water pools and sand pit play. Children have many opportunities throughout the week to develop their social skills as they are taken to visit friends and family. Children receive consistent praise and encouragement; they thrive in a stimulating and challenging environment.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and included. They are taken to visit the childminder's friends and family members. The childminder has a calm personality and is very attentive to the children's needs. She provides good support and ensures their individual and practical needs are met appropriately. However, children do not have opportunities to explore toys and games that reflect different cultures and family backgrounds. They are not encouraged to learn about how and where other people live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children behave well. They are beginning to understand the boundaries that are set to keep them safe. The childminder has developed basic behaviour management policies that she shares with parents to ensure a consistent approach both when being minded and at home. The childminder has routines and procedures in place to help all children reach their full potential. These strategies cater for learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed strong relationships with families she cares for. Day to day information on routines is shared both through a daily diary and with regular discussions at the end of the day. A comprehensive portfolio informs parents about the policies and procedures that are in place to protect their children. Parents are required to sign to acknowledge they understand the documents and are given a copy for their records at home to ensure they are fully aware of all aspects of the childminding arrangements and care given to their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her week around the part-time care arrangements. She plans her time to ensure children are able to enjoy a range of play and learning experiences both in the home and out in the community.

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Organisation

The childminder's policies and procedures work well in practice to promote the safety and well-being of all children. Documents provided by the National Childminding Association (NCMA) are used to ensure appropriate records are maintained for the smooth running of the childminding service. The internet and NCMA website are used to update policies and procedures. The childminder is aware of the training opportunities that are provided by the local authority. All documents relating to the registration are stored in a comprehensive portfolio. The children's personal details are kept separately to ensure confidentiality.

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Organisation

The childminder has a high regard for the children in her care, she organises the routines, outings and space within her home to provide a safe and stimulating environment. Her organisation contributes to children feeling confident and happy in her care. Overall children’s needs are met.

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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

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 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 resources to ensure all children have access to a range of toys that develops their understanding of the wider world

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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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