Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 123847 Inspection date 05 October 2005 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged fourteen, eleven and seven years old, in a house in Waltham Cross. She uses the whole of the house for childminding although children only use the toilet and bathroom upstairs. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family has a tank of tropical fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding one child under five. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has effective procedures in place to promote children's health. She maintains her medical records very well and obtains all necessary permissions from parents so that children can receive appropriate treatment. She is attentive to children's individual health needs and liaises with parents to meet those needs. She has an arrangement with another childminder to cover for her in the case of an emergency. Children are protected from infection as she enforces the exclusion periods for sick children. There are good hygiene practices in place. The childminder is aware of food hygiene and ensures that children wash their hands before eating. Children are becoming aware of personal hygiene with regard to handwashing and cleaning teeth. The premises are kept clean and tidy. The childminder changes children's nappies in a hygienic manner. The pet fish are well looked after and their

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Helping children to be healthy

food is kept out of reach of children. These procedures help to keep children healthy. Children have a well balanced diet. They enjoy eating fruit and vegetables. They do not have sweets unless parents give their permission. Children on special diets are well catered for so that they can eat healthy meals. The childminder keeps a list of all disallowed foods in the kitchen as a reminder. Children drink water or squash at intervals during the day, although younger children can access their drinks at all times. Children know what foods are good for them and therefore have an increasing awareness of healthy living. Overall they are well nourished and dietary needs are met. Children like to participate in physical activities. They enjoy playing in the garden, where there is a slide and sandpit. They visit the local parks to use the play equipment. The childminder is keen that children have plenty of opportunities to walk,

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Helping children to be healthy

whatever the weather. Indoors, children enjoy dancing to music tapes. Therefore, children generally keep fit.

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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 safe and secure environment. The childminder keeps all hazardous materials out of reach. She has fire procedures in place and a written evacuation procedure. Young children sleep downstairs so that she can easily keep an eye on them. Children are always supervised when going upstairs to use the toilet. Young children are restricted to the downstairs rooms by means of a stair gate. They are kept safe in the garden as the back gate and garden shed are locked. On outings the childminder ensures that children are secure in buggies or on wrist straps. They learn about road safety when out walking as many of them travel mostly in cars. Therefore, children keep safe in her care. The childminder has a wide range of resources that are safe and suitable for both girls and boys. They are all in good condition. She will only buy toys and equipment

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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 from new so that she can guarantee their safety. Children are becoming aware of personal safety during free play, for example, they are asked to refrain from using a toy as a gun when playing indoors. The childminder is aware of child protection issues and reports any concerns that she has about children. Therefore, children are sufficiently protected in this area. However, she is interested in attending a course to learn more about child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their opportunities for free play. They are encouraged by the ongoing interaction of the childminder. They have fun choosing different toys and are very chatty and confident. The childminder praises their achievements. She helps to develop their communication skills through engaging them in conversation. Children enjoy a close relationship with her. They like to keep her informed about what they are doing, for example, when playing with a talking doll. She often shares books with them, especially ones chosen at the local library. Children can choose from a variety of creative activities, including painting, colouring, baking or decorating biscuits. The childminder is happy to take younger children to toddler groups. Overall children show much interest in their play and are gaining in confidence. Children are developing new skills. They particularly enjoy playing with a set of large

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

flash cards. The childminder helps them to sound out the words and find particular letters. They practise counting using the numbers and pictures on the cards. They are keen to learn and the childminder responds to their interests effectively to promote their learning. She has a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and makes use of it when minding younger children. Consequently, children make progress while in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and their individual needs are met. The childminder spends her time with the children, helping them to choose and attending to their needs, for instance, she finds a table-top computer game for a child who shows an interest in computers. She encourages their personal independence so that they settle more easily into school. Consequently, children show increasing self esteem. They are becoming aware of a wider society through using resources that reflect diversity. Children who have English as a second language benefit because the childminder finds out something about their first language. She talks with children about differences in people so that any with special needs do not feel excluded. So children learn about their own needs and the needs of others. Children are aware of responsible behaviour. They behave very well and are polite, showing respect for the childminder and her belongings. She is quite firm with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children so that they understand their boundaries. She ensures that they also receive adequate praise so that they are encouraged to behave appropriately. If children get

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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 boisterous she uses a session of time out to allow them to calm down. Therefore, children learn to play harmoniously with each other. Parents receive good information about the provision. They view the childminder's policies and procedures and provide information about their children's needs, likes and dislikes. They are aware of what to do if they have a complaint. The childminder keeps to children's routines as far as possible. She is keen to have good relationships with parents and exchanges information with them daily. She takes photographs of special events like sports days. Parents appreciate her hard work and children benefit from the working partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has well organised and maintained paperwork in place. She keeps all documents tidily sorted into files. Her attendance register is particularly well kept. She is vigilant about paperwork so that all aspects of her practice are backed up in writing. This provides a good foundation for children's care. She is interested in attending further training courses and is at present renewing her first aid qualification. Children's care is enhanced by her interest in ongoing improvement. Children have plenty of space to play or relax in comfort. They enjoy sitting at a low table to play games. They have good access to the garden if wanting to play outdoors. The childminder organises her day around taking children to nursery or school and their well-being is a priority. Consequently, her procedures promote their health, safety and enjoyment. She meets the needs of all the children for whom she

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to keep a check on the contents of the first aid box. She has a check list on display so that she is aware if anything needs replacing.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted have received a concern relating to Standard 14.3: notifying Ofsted of significant events. The concern was investigated and Ofsted took no further action. The provider remains qualified for registration. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • extend knowledge of child protection issues, for example, by attending a training course.

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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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