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 EY368303 Inspection date 18/02/2009 Inspector Maura Pigram

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2008. She lives with her partner and child age 23 months Borehamwood, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding and is on three levels with the living space on the first floor. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. She attends several toddler groups on a regular basis including a children's centre. The childminder has cats as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group on a part-time basis. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of individual children and works closely with parents and carers to ensure their needs are effectively met. She is beginning to be able to evaluate her provision and has identified areas for development to improve outcomes for children. Since registration she has developed informative policies and procedures which have had an appropriate impact on children's learning and development. The childminder is developing her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and most documentation is in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop observational assessment to inform planning so that children's learning styles are known and they are stretched through play- based activities  develop resources and activities that engage children's senses - refers to sensory play  ensure contracts show details of which parents or carers children normally lives with.

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provision

The childminders records, policies and procedures are very well maintained. An exception to this is the omission of some information on children's records such as who the children live with. The childminder has developed a portfolio outlining all the areas of learning showing how these are supported with various age groups of children. She has developed children's individual records such as 'learning journeys' folders which are regularly shared with parents. These show observations of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's participation in activities. This, coupled with daily discussions and written diaries for children under twelve months enables parents and carers to support children's learning at home. The childminder is committed to providing an inclusive practice, she welcomes families from all backgrounds and discusses individual needs with parents to ensure each child feels valued.

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provision

The childminder is able to protect children from harm or neglect as she has a sound understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and signs and symptoms of abuse. Suitable safety equipment such as safety gates are fitted around the home and the childminder has detailed risk assessments which are reviewed regularly.

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provision

This is the childminders first inspection since registration, she is beginning to develop a sound understanding of self-evaluating her practice. She has identified targets for improvement and she is developing her system to ensure this process is ongoing. The childminder is beginning to develop links with other professionals at the children's centre. She is happy to develop partnerships with other providers who deliver the EYFS when children attend other settings, thus, systems to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care are evolving.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and content, they are comfortable with the childminder and their peers. Valuable time is taken to ensure children feel secure and settled, thus they develop a sense of belonging. Children learn about healthy living as they are offered a balance of nutritious meals and snacks provided by the childminder or the parents if this is preferred. Individual dietary preferences such as the provision of Kosher food is honoured. Children have good opportunities for both physical and outdoor activities such as regular visits to parks. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as they listen to the childminder's gentle reminders to be careful when playing with resources such as drumsticks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's well informed knowledge of the children's interests enable her to organise her space and resources so that children can freely choose their favourite activities. For example, they engross themselves in playing with the play kitchen and the popular shopping trolley, they ask for their favourite books and help themselves to musical instruments and jigsaws. The childminder interacts positively with them throughout their day, she reads to them on request, directing them to the quiet area of her living room and she provides consistent praise for achievements, thus, children develop good levels of self-esteem. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge so that children's learning and understanding is extended. She is in the process of developing ideas on how to effectively support children who have English as an additional language. She has recently started to observe children during their play and is beginning to identify the next steps in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their leaning. Knowledge gained from observing children is yet to be incorporated into planning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have sound opportunities to support all the areas of learning. They independently access a range of toys and equipment to help them make This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate progress in their communication, language, literacy and numeracy. For example, children have access to a wide range of books and visits to the library support children's interest in print. Jigsaws and construction bricks support children's interest in problem solving. In addition, the childminder arranges art and craft activities such as gluing and sticking. However, activities to promote sensory play and exploration of natural materials is not regularly incorporated into planning, thus children's desire to learn through their senses is not fully developed. The childminder's friendly and consistent approach to managing behaviour helps children play together harmoniously and they effectively learn how to manage their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

own behaviour. 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? 3 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? 3

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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? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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