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 EY233635 Inspection date 19/09/2008 Inspector Tina Kelly

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 12 years. They live in the Peartree area of Welwyn Garden City close to local amenities and shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children do not generally access upstairs as her sons bedroom is not included in the registration. The main bedroom may be used for young children to sleep. There is a downstairs cloakroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play, there are no pets.

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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 six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding three children in the early years age group at different times during the week. At the time of inspection one child aged four years was being cared for. The childminder holds an NVQ Level three in Early Years Care and Education, she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is highly effective at promoting children's progress across all areas of learning. Comprehensive observations and records are used to monitor children's achievements and to plan for future play and learning opportunities. All families are welcomed into the setting, children's individual characters are recognised and their needs are met. The childminder has a strong commitment to training, she has a wealth of experience in caring for children of all ages. Comprehensive documents are in place to monitor the provision. The childminder is aware of her strengths and acknowledges the areas for improvement within the service she provides.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure observation and assessment records are shared with parents to show how their children are progressing  develop an evaluation process to show the capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure risk assessments are recorded in sufficient detail for each specific outing with the children. 17/10/2008

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is very well organised and plans the days routines and activities in advance depending on the children cared for. She provides a welcoming environment where all children can easily access the toys and resources which enables them to explore and develop their own play ideas. For example, the conservatory is generally used by the older children who can relax after school and access age-appropriate toys and resources. Children are protected as robust procedures are in place to monitor and maintain a safe environment. Risk assessments are in place for the home and garden, but not for outings as these documents still needs to be developed. The childminder is keen to make improvements to the provision and addressed recommendations made at the last inspection as the garden has been made safe and provides an interesting area for

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provision

Children learn about healthy living through the daily routines. Meals are a social event, children are developing good manners and social skills. They are developing a sound understanding of healthy eating through a well-planned menu as well as the use of books, stories and games. Children's personal care experiences are consistently supported and extended with discussions that are linked to their individual experiences and family backgrounds.

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provision

There are systems in place to share information with parent and keep them informed about their children's care. A parent questionnaire is used to evaluate the service and identify areas that may be further improved. However parents are not informed about their children's achievements on a regular basis. Subsequently they are not fully involved in all aspects of their children's learning and progress. The childminder is proactive in promoting and developing her own knowledge and understanding of childcare and how children learn. She is responsible for the running and management of a local toddler group where she plans activities for a range of ages and different family backgrounds. The childminder has informal systems in place to review her practice but a comprehensive self-evaluation process is not fully implemented.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are given excellent opportunities to develop and extend their early learning skills through a balance of adult- and child-led activities. These are relevant to the children's individual interests and include links to home and previous experiences. The childminder has a bank of resources that supports her in the planning for children of all ages and abilities. She provides a range of challenging activities and stimulating events. Information from the local school in relation to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum enables her to link play ideas to themes and projects at school. Children are taken out in the community on a regular basis. Young children enjoy attending a toddler group where they meet with children of a similar age and are able to access new experiences and age-appropriate apparatus in an interesting environment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are exceptionally well supported by a childminder who has an in-depth knowledge of how children learn. Regular observations are linked to the early learning goals and the Every Child Matters framework. Clear and consistent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 guidance ensures children understand what is expected of them. Age appropriate toys and resources provide children with an environment that meets all their individual needs. Children's self-esteem is highly promoted as they are presented with certificates of achievements to acknowledge when they have been helpful and caring and helped with tidying up and with the day-to-day routines.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing exceptionally good skills that provide a good basis for future learning. They are encouraged to take part in activities that fully promote their early reading skills, mathematical language and opportunities that extend their creative skills and imaginative play ideas. For example children listen intently to their carer as she explains how they need to follow rules, to take turns, select cards and predict outcomes and bring their own ideas and experiences to a simple board game. Opportunities for them to take part in a wide range of experiences ensures they are confident in expressing themselves and in making decisions about what they want to do. As a result children are confident, they are keen to try new activities and they are able to adapt to new experiences. They make significant progress in their learning and have exceptionally high levels of achievement. 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

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Outstanding How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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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