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 EY369153 Inspection date 02/12/2008 Inspector Jane Mount

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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 March 2008. She lives with her husband and one year old child. The property is situated in Old Town, Hemel Hempstead and is within easy walking distance of shops, a park and schools. All areas of the property except for the first floor and the conservatory are included in the registration. Sleep facilities are available for children needing a daytime sleep or rest in a downstairs room and there are toilet facilities on the ground floor. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. There is a small step leading into the property and the family has a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. Overnight care is not provided. The registration is for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and the childminder is currently caring for three children who are aged one year, four years and six years. They all attend on a full-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and belongs to a local childminding group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are making good progress in their learning and development as the childminder plans a varied range of developmentally appropriate play experiences although assessment systems are not yet fully established. Children feel at home in the childminding environment and share secure, friendly relationships with the childminder. They are treated as individuals and the childminder works closely with parents and others to ensure children's specific needs are fully met. Children are safeguarded and their welfare needs are enhanced through the childminder's sound practice and implementation of some highly effective policies and procedures. However, systems to maintain improvement and review safety procedures are not yet in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement a quality improvement process, such as self-evaluation, to monitor and extend effective practice and ensure continued improvement  develop further children's records of observation and assessment to assist in planning the next steps in their developmental progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a written risk assessment to show how potential hazards to children are highlighted and minimised and review it regularly. 16/12/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is committed to fully implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and overall this is effective. Most policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of children and to promote children's welfare, learning and development. The childminder has worked hard to develop a secure knowledge and understanding of the Early Years framework and this is reflected in her practice. This is the childminder's first inspection since registering. She has addressed all areas highlighted for further development at the registration visit which significantly improves outcomes for children. The childminder has attended the required registration course and first aid training and has plans to attend further training in behaviour management and food hygiene in the near future. Some procedures are in place to monitor the effectiveness of her practice such as reviewing contracts with parents on a regular basis. The

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provision

childminder is generally aware of her key strengths and areas needing further improvement. However, no system is yet in place to formally review and evaluate her practice to ensure continued improvement.

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding and genuine commitment to safeguard children's safety and welfare. Child protection guidance leaflets are readily available alongside an informative safeguarding children policy and this is fully shared with parents. The childminder is very conscious of safety and ensures children are closely supervised at all times. Some highly effective measures are taken on a day to day basis to maintain children's safety and to minimise hazards and children are fully protected. However, a written risk assessment record to review children's safety is not maintained.

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provision

The childminder makes good use of the available play space through creating clear floor areas for activities. She welcomes the children in her care and their parents into her home. She has some effective systems in place to ensure parents are provided with good quality information. For example, parents receive information about the provision through a portfolio which the childminder has developed and which contains all policies and procedures to underpin the running of the provision. The childminder spends time talking with parents at the initial visit to gather information about children's interests and starting points. This ensures children's individual needs are met and they receive continuity in their care. Information is then exchanged between the childminder and parents on a daily basis and includes details about their child's care, learning and development. Daily diaries are used with younger children to share information. Parents are actively involved in their

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provision

children's learning and effective partnerships are in place with other early years settings such as the local nursery and school. The childminder works hard to promote equality and inclusion which subsequently has a beneficial impact for all children in her care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to plan a broad range of activities and play experiences. Planning caters for each child which ensures all children receive an enjoyable and challenging experience and all children are fully included. However, observation and assessment systems are not yet fully developed to ensure children's next steps of learning are effectively planned for. The childminder understands that every child is unique and works closely with parents and others to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children learn to be confident and to have a positive attitude to learning because of the guidance given by the childminder and the varied range of resources and activities available to them. Child-initiated and adult-led activities are well-balanced to give children a sense of belonging and this results in children being active learners. From an early age children are able to make decisions and independent

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

choices because the environment is organised well with most resources at child- height and easily accessible. Regular visits to a toddler group further promotes children's learning and enhances children's opportunities to develop social skills and to become more creative and independent thinkers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking questions and engaging them in conversation to promote and support their language and communication skills. For example, looking at books together and discussing the pictures or singing nursery rhymes. Children's understanding of shape, colour and numbers are encouraged through planned activities such as a recent monthly theme on shapes or through spontaneous play opportunities or daily routines. For example, threading cotton reels and play buttons while discussing the different colours or when out walking counting the steps. Children's physical development is promoted through regular walks in the fresh air or visits to the park. At home children have opportunities to develop their physical skills. Either through planned activities such as using a play tunnel and balls to encourage and develop children's physical awareness or playing in the garden where they can practise their running skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to express themselves creatively through the use of a range of different mediums and to use their imaginations. Older children particularly enjoy junk modelling while younger children enjoy the sensory experiences of play dough or finger painting. Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is promoted through planned activities such as learning about Divali and making Christmas decorations. The childminder actively promotes a positive awareness of diversity through encouraging discussion and through a varied range of resources which help children develop a positive attitude to others. Children's understanding of the environment is increased through activities such as re-cycling or regular walks in the local community.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder implements effective strategies to promote and safeguard the welfare of all children in her care. Children's health is protected as good hygiene practices are in place. Children learn about personal care routines as younger children are helped by the childminder to have their hands washed before eating and older children know they must wash their hands to prevent them becoming unwell. Children are well nourished with meals and snacks freshly prepared. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious food choices. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 works closely with parents to ensure children receive a healthy balanced diet. She provides a sample menu to parents and has daily discussions about what children have eaten. Children's safety is fully protected and children develop a good understanding of keeping themselves and others safe. For example discussing road

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

safety when walking to and from school. Clear emergency evacuation procedures are in place which are regularly practised with the children to ensure they know how to stay safe in an emergency. Children's behaviour is managed well due to the childminder's consistent approach in promoting positive behaviour. Consistent praise and encouragement develop children's self-esteem and sense of achievement. Children are encouraged to share and to take turns and are beginning to understand responsible behaviour. For example, they help the childminder to put away some toys before getting any more out. 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.

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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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