Childminder in Hertfordshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY371402 Inspection date 04/11/2008 Inspector Cheryl Langley

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in April 2008. She lives with her husband who is also a registered childminder and their two children aged one and four years in a house in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. The ground floor of the house is used for minded children which includes access to a downstairs cloakroom. There is a secure garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for three children at various times, two of whom only attend before and after school. Both childminder's are registered to care for children on the Early Years, Childcare and Voluntary Childcare Registers. They are members of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is highly effective in making sure children learn and develop in a safe, secure and appealing environment. The provision is exemplary in most areas. Excellent partnerships provide a standard of integrated care and learning which ensures the children's individual needs are always well met. The childminder is fully aware of her strengths and areas for improvement. Working closely with her co- childminder children are cared for in an efficient, well organised, family orientated setting.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 providing activities which develop children's knowledge and undestanding of the steps to be taken in the event of a fire on the premises.

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provision

The childminder takes effective action to improve the quality of provision and outcomes for children. For example, a daily journal has recently been introduced to increase the opportunities available to exchange information with parents. This is to extend their involvement in the children's care and learning. The childminder attends relevant training to update her knowledge and skills and sources information to provide guidance and support for her practice. She has high aspirations for quality.

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provision

Children are safe and well cared for in the childminder's home and on outings. Stringent safety checks are carried out and thorough risk assessments used to identify and minimise potential hazards. Children are supervised appropriately to keep them safe and the required steps taken to meet their health needs. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Procedures to safeguard the children's welfare and well-being are in place. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection and health and safety issues to help her maintain a high level of care and safety. Effective organisation between the childminder and her co-childminder mean that children are cared for in a welcome, safe and well supported environment.

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provision

The importance of a strong partnership with parents and others and the positive effect this has on children is highly appreciated by the childminder. As a result of this she has devised a wealth of succinct information for parents that illustrates their children's progress and achievements as well as details of the care they receive. For example, a photographic record linked to observation and assessment information shows parents what children achieve from certain activities. Good links have been forged with the children's schools and the childminder uses this relationship to complement the activities and draw on children's experiences to provide relevant care and learning. Children are provided with a warm, welcoming and inclusive setting because the childminder has a notable understanding of how children learn and develop. Parents have provided positive and complimentary feedback about the care and learning their children receive.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make excellent progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage. An engaging learning environment encourages a range of purposeful play and exploration. High levels of support and guidance ensure all children are active learners. They express themselves creatively and rise to challenges. A good balance of child-led or adult initiated play enables children to cover the six areas of learning in an interesting and stimulating way. Informative observation and assessment are linked to the next steps in each child's learning so that they develop and make progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Inspiring activities cover all six areas of learning in a balanced way and draw on children's enthusiasm. For example they are all eager to bake cookies. During this activity children use their language and communication skills to follow and act on instructions or describe different textures as they mix and observe changes to ingredients. They use problem solving and numeracy skills to weigh ingredients and work out how many pieces of cutlery they need. Children learn the benefits of team working and to consider others as they share, take turns and help each other to create their cookies. Health and safety guidelines are observed by the children as they take part in this activity. They wash their hands in preparation and use utensils instead of fingers to pour and mix ingredients to prevent the spread of infection. Hand and eye co-ordination is developed as they practise pouring, mixing, sieving, spooning and kneading different foods such as oats or syrup. The childminder is

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

aware of the children's differing abilities and offers appropriate support to make sure all children are included. She takes advantage of a situation and draws on children's interests to provide learning opportunities. Exciting outings and planned activities extend their knowledge and understanding of the world. They observe animals at wildlife parks or take part in a teddy bears picnic to learn about the natural environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children learn to keep themselves safe and healthy. Songs and simple rhymes are used to develop language and reinforce health and safety messages. During the daily routine and discussion they explore good practises to promote their well-being. They become aware of the benefits of rest, exercise, fresh air and eating a healthy diet. Good systems are in place to encourage tasting of new or unusual foods and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

extend their knowledge and understanding of diet. Procedures are in place to enable the childminder to meet individual health care needs and act in the children's best interests if they require medical attention. Children adhere to rules to keep themselves safe both inside and outside of the home. They are aware of potential dangers such as crossing the road or climbing on furniture. However, procedures to escape quickly in an emergency have not been included in the activities for the children. This may hinder an efficient evacuation in the event of fire.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children form good relationships with adults and peers. They are well behaved and polite. Children's achievements and individuality are acknowledged and valued. For example, art work is put on display or shared with parents and photographs of the children who attend adorn the play room. They have a developing respect for their own cultures and beliefs and those of other people. Positive images of difference are reflected in toys, resources and activities. Children become confident and independent, feeling comfortable to manage their own care when they are able and trying new experiences. Suitable strategies are in place to care for children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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