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 EY365731 Inspection date 25/09/2008 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 lives with her husband and two children aged one and five years in a ground floor flat in Waltham Cross. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is registered on both the Early Years and Childcare Registers. The childminder is currently caring for two children at various times. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

In general the needs of the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are met sufficiently. The childminder is attentive and organised, ensuring all children are included in the play and activities provided. She is aware of their individual requirements to promote their well-being. The childminder has some plans for improvement. There are no breaches of any overarching requirements which have a significant impact on the children. However, her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage is limited in some areas.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement a process of self-evaluation to plan for future improvement. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 develop the systems in place for observational assessment in order to plan and meet young children's individual needs 31/10/2008  request written parental permission, at the time of the child starting at the provision, to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future 31/10/2008  make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when they are carried out and the date of review and any action taken both inside and outside of the premises. 31/10/2008

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provision

Children and parents are made to feel welcome in a warm and friendly environment. The childminder has a strong partnership with parents. They exchange information regularly to promote the children's welfare and ensure they receive consistency in their care. A daily diary notes each child's routine to keep parents informed of their diet and well-being and achievements are shared verbally. Children rest, sleep and eat as they need to. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Improvement is planned for by the childminder. For example, she intends to create individual record books to show the activities and achievements of each child. However effective systems for self-evaluation to monitor strengths and weaknesses have yet to be implemented.

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provision

Children are generally safeguarded. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and knows what steps to take should she have any concerns about a child in her care. Children are supervised and supported closely by the childminder to keep them safe and make sure they are included in the play on offer. Practical steps are taken to create a hazard free environment both inside and outside of the home, but this is not supported with a written record. Most of the procedures required to promote children's healthcare and enable the childminder to act in their best interests should they need medical attention is in place. However, parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been requested.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop confidence and new skills such as feeding and dressing themselves. They have fun operating programmable toys which help promote their physical and language development. The childminder has a sense of fun and uses effective strategies to keep young children engaged or distract them if they become unsettled. As a result they are content and happy joining in with appropriate play which is both interesting and stimulating. For example, children enjoy making programmable toys light up. They position the parts 'up' or 'down' as the childminder says the corresponding word. Children are beginning to recognise colour and shape through discussion during play. They use hand and eye co-ordination to build towers with bricks or place the correct pieces of an inset puzzle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is aware of children's individual abilities and likes and dislikes which she draws on to extend their learning. For example, singing simple songs with actions is encouraged throughout the day to encompass the six areas of learning. Observation and assessment is informal rather than systematic and is not always used to plan relevant learning experiences for each child. This may mean that they are not challenged sufficiently to reach their full potential.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children join in with the daily routine through which they learn how to stay safe and healthy. They eat a healthy diet and have regular drinks of water. Children are complimented on their achievements which gives them confidence. Suitable strategies to manage behaviour are beginning to teach them the consequences of their actions on others. They learn to share, be polite and take turns. Interesting toys and resources promote positive images of difference to make children aware of the wider community. These are part of the children's everyday play to ensure children develop an understanding of diversity. 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? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when they are carried out and the date of review and any action taken both inside and outside of the premises. 31/10/2008

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when they are carried out and the date of review and any action taken both inside and outside of the premises. 31/10/2008 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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