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 EY292375 Inspection date 09/10/2008 Inspector Julie Whitelaw

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and children aged 10, nine and four in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is the main area used for childminding. The childminder attends the local toddler groups and takes children to the library and nearby park. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight years at anyone time. She is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family have a dog. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder effectively meets the needs of the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Each child is respected and treated as an individual. This ensures that they are happy, feel secure and make progress in their learning. Good relationships have been formed with the parents. They are kept well informed of most issues relating to their child's care and learning. The childminder effectively uses self-evaluation to reflect on her practice and is able to identify what she does well and most areas that need to be improved.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that a full risk assessment is in place for each type of outing that is undertaken  ensure the progress children make is shared with parents so that they are involved in their learning and development.

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provision

The childminder has a clear set of written policies in place which are regularly updated to promote the welfare of all the children in her care. Parents are given a copy of them and the childminder works effectively in partnership with parents to ensure each child's individual needs are met. Children are protected through the safeguarding policy that is in place and the childminder's sound understanding of what action she should take if she had concerns regarding the welfare of a child in her care. Most of the required documentation is in place and well organised. The childminder completes a risk assessment that ensures potential hazards within her home are identified and addressed. The childminder organises her home to ensure that all children can independently access a range of resources and plans her day so that children experience a variety of activities that help them to make progress This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is keen to develop her practice and has effectively addressed the recommendations from her last inspection. She reflects on the service she provides through self-evaluation and has attended training on Safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage to improve her knowledge and the outcomes for children. She reviews the organisation of her home to ensure it meets the varying needs of the children she cares for and has recently formalised the assessment of what children do to clearly track the progress they make. Therefore the childminder has a good capacity to maintain continuous improvements to the service she provides for the benefit of the children in her care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's welfare, learning and development. She has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how children learn through play. She has recently introduced written planning that covers the six areas of learning. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to adapt activities to meet the abilities of each child. For example, as older children draw pictures using pencils and crayons, younger children are introduced to mark making using an Aquadraw toy. The childminder observes and assesses what stage children are at and is beginning to use this information to inform future planning. However, she does not share this with parents which means that they are not fully involved in their child's learning. The childminder is led by the children's interests. She has organised the toys to ensure each child can independently select what they want to play with. This encourages them to explore the resources and allows them

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from nutritious, healthy home cooked meals and snacks. They are keen to participate in cooking activities and through discussion learn about healthy eating. Children are encouraged to be active and learn why it is important to exercise. Babies have space to crawl and walk and older children enjoy playing football in the garden. The childminder ensures that her home is clean. Children's understanding of good hygiene is promoted during the daily routine as they wash their hands and understand why they need to do this. Policies are implemented that promote children's health. For example, the sickness policy ensures that children who are ill are excluded from the setting to reduce the risk of the spread of infection to other children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Outings in the local community extend children's learning. For example, children observe nature and learn the names of different trees and birds on trips to the local parks and farms. Through books, discussion and a range of toys children's knowledge and understanding of different cultures and beliefs is increased. The childminder provides a range of craft activities and opportunities for role play which gives children the opportunity to be creative and use their imagination.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Through the daily routine children's understanding of how to stay safe is reinforced. They learn how to cross the road safely and what to do if they become separated from the childminder. Risk assessments are in place for the environment. However, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they have not been completed for outings. This potentially compromises children's safety. Children behave well and respond positively to the clear, consistent boundaries the childminder sets. Displays of children's works and praise for effort and achievements promote their self-esteem. Children behave well, show respect for others and develop good habits as active, inquisitive and independent learners. 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? 2 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 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 the last inspection.

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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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