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 EY366191 Inspection date 05/11/2008 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 lives with her husband and two children aged twelve and five years, in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is accessible, but children are mainly cared for in the playroom. There is a downstairs cloakroom. Children do not generally access upstairs, except for young children to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for out side play. There are no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years and the Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Registers to provide care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight at any one time. She is currently minding one young child on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She provides a very welcoming and safe play environment. Activities are well organised and planned to ensure all children make progress in their development and learning. She promotes children's enjoyment and free play as they have equal access to all resources.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The documents and procedures are well presented and show how all children's individual care needs are met. Comprehensive policies are in place for the smooth running of the provision. Safety is of high priority; risk assessments, fire drills and monitoring of visitors whilst childminding ensure a safe environment for the care of children. The childminder is aware of her strengths and acknowledges area for improvements 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?

 develop systems to show how the capacity of the provision maintains continuous improvements.

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provision

The childminder is well-organised and provides a well-planned environment for children to play and explore. A wide range of toys are stored at low-level to ensure easy access for all children. The well resourced playroom, dining room and cloakrooms are easily accessible. Well presented documents ensure children's individual needs are met and policies are in place for the smooth running of the childminding arrangements. The childminder is keen to promote her practice, however systems for evaluating her practice have not been implemented. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Appropriate safety measures are in place around the home. Procedures to maintain the well-being of all children such as risk assessments, fire drills and a visitors book are well managed. The childminder has all relevant information provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and she is fully aware of the actions that

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provision

need to be taken if she has concerns about children in her care. The large garden has been fenced to provide a safe area for children to play close to the house.

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provision

Children learn about healthy living through every day routines. Well managed nappy change procedures and individual flannels and towels in the cloakroom help in preventing cross infection. The childminder has information and advice from the 'Being Healthy' course she has recently attended. Children are introduced to home cooked meals with mainly organic ingredients. Meal times are a social event where children learn good manners and social skills.

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provision

The childminder is keen to extend her knowledge of the early years. She has a sound understanding of the EYFS. She plans and organises activities and events for older children based on the early years curriculum. The childminder has a strong commitment to training. She has recently updated her skills regarding the assessment of children's achievements and how to plan for their future learning, and planning within the EYFS.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder offers a stimulating play environment for children of all ages and abilities. The playroom provides many opportunities for creative and imaginative play with good quality resources readily available. Most resources are kept in low- level storage systems with labels so older children can access and make independent choices about their play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Observations of young children are made when appropriate opportunities arise. Young children are encouraged to practice their newly acquired skills. Simple but important actions are repeated and perfected with very good verbal and practical support from the childminder. Children show great delight as they successfully place coloured rings on a central post. There achievements are recognised with clapping and smiles. The childminder takes advantage of these spontaneous events to make observations for parents and to promote the children's learning by offering different sizes and naming the colours of the rings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is proactive in providing books and resources that develop the children's understanding of emotions, different cultures and family backgrounds. Creative art and cooking projects are planned into routines for older children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's confidence, independence and social skills are consistently extended as they are provided with a wide and interesting range of experiences and activities. Their individual achievements are recorded and based on information gained as they come into the care of the childminder, so she can build on their established abilities. As a result of the interaction and stimulating environment children have a sound basis for future learning. 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? 2 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 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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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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