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 EY100398 Inspection date 28/10/2008 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and two years. The family live in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The local school is nearby and there are local playing fields and shops within close walking distance. The premises are accessible by two flights of stairs. The whole of the first floor property is used for childminding and there is a small yard occasionally used for outside play. The family has a dog, a cat and a rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to provide care each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered to care for four children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and there is currently one child attending who is within this age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged five years to eight years. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the early years age range. There are currently two children on roll in this age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is beginning to create partnerships with local schools and pre- school groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder caters well for all children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She provides a safe and stimulating environment, supporting all children to ensure that they are and feel included. All children are able to participate in the activities offered. They are making suitable progress in their learning and development because the childminder's approach to planning meets the individual needs of the children. The childminder is taking some steps to evaluate her practice and through this evaluation she is beginning to develop and improve her practice.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Therefore, she is able to make changes to improve the daily care and experiences for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 encourage children to wash their hands before eating snack  develop effective links with other providers of the EYFS.

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has clear written policies and procedures in place which are organised to ensure that the children are protected. The childminder has started to evaluate her practice and is extending her training to NVQ Level 3. This is effective as it enables her to recognise the strengths and areas for improvement in her provision.

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provision

The childminder's appropriate safeguarding policies ensure that children are protected. She has a clear understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and has the relevant information and contact details for all children. She completes a regular risk assessment of her home and ensures that toys and resources are suitable and safe.

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provision

She regularly discusses the children's development and progress with parents and carers. Photographic evidence and a daily diary is used to share information on activities and achievements with parents. The parents are fully encouraged to share what they know about their children, and the childminder encourages parents to be involved in supporting their children's learning and development. Children's individual development is documented and there are systems in place to monitor and develop their progress. The childminder is beginning to make partnerships with other provisions delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, such as the local pre-school, and liaise with the staff in order to fully support the children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are supported by the childminder. She offers a range of inside and outside activities including regular visits to local parks and pre-school groups. The childminder ensures that children have access to a range of quality resources in her home which are suitable for the children's ages and stages of development. The childminder observes the children to gain an understanding of where children are in their learning and knows what activities to offer them in order to promote their development. Therefore, children's individual needs, their next steps and progression towards the early learning goals are met effectively.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans some activities for the week ahead including cookery, art and craft. She also plans suitable activities for older and more able children who attend before and after school. Activities and learning themes are linked with the schools and pre-school groups that the children attend. This supports a holistic approach to learning, and makes effective links. For example, children are learning about Diwali and also celebrating traditions, such as Halloween. The childminder supports the children in these activities whilst also encouraging them to try things for themselves, promoting their independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that all children are included and offered the same opportunities regardless of their background. She encourages children to use appropriate behaviour and has house rules in place that children are encouraged to follow. She effectively uses praise to encourage children to be kind to each other and learn right from wrong. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's health and welfare are promoted as the childminder provides home cooked healthy meals and snacks. She takes steps to minimise the spread of infection by using clean towels every day and cleaning eating surfaces. However, children are not always reminded to wash their hands before eating.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are cared for in a secure environment because the childminder has a suitable understanding of minimising risks. She carries out a regular risk assessment of her home before children arrive and checks the areas used by the children on outings. 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? Good 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: 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

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint that required the provider to take action. This related to the provider exceeding the number of children she is registered for at any one time.

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Detail of the complaint/s

We carried out a visit and issued a formal warning letter. The provider has complied with the regulations and ensures that she remains within her registration conditions. The provider remained suitable for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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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