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 EY373299 Inspection date 09/12/2008 Inspector Lindsay Hare

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and four years in Hoddesdon. A maximum of four children may attend the setting at any one time. Children have access to the whole of the premises. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. There is a small step leading to the entrance of the premises.

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Description of the childminding

There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Both of them attend other early years provision during term-time. The childminder works in partnership with parents and other agencies. This provision is also registered by Ofsted on the Compulsory and Voluntary childcare registers.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are generally making good progress in their learning and development, although, the observational assessment is not fully developed and therefore does not identify the next steps for children's future learning. Most policies are in place to safeguard children effectively, however, there is no risk assessment or fire procedure conducted. Inclusive practice is generally promoted but children lack awareness of other cultures and religions. The childminder has completed a self- evaluation of her setting and has clearly identified the areas for improvement in order to secure future development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observations and assessments of children in order to plan the next steps for each child  conduct a written risk assessment and assess the risks to children in relation to the accessible scissors and unsecured fire blanket and take action to minimise these  devise a clearly defined procedure for the emergency evacuation of the premises in the event of a fire and carry out regular evacuation drills  develop children's awareness of different cultures and religions.

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provision

The childminder has completed a self-evaluation of her practice where she has identified the strengths and priorities for improvement. She has clear plans as to how to address these and has made an initial start by volunteering to work in the local nursery class to keep up to date with the children's learning under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This shows her capacity to improve. She communicates well with the parents to gain information from them and recognises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 that as collection time is often rushed, she needs to implement an alternative means of two way communication with parents which she can use to inform them of daily care. The childminder's safeguarding policies ensure that children are protected.

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provision

Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development and the childminder has started to observe and obtain evidence in the form of photographs and children's work. She is able to be flexible, offering activities that appeal to the children and is aware that they have often been busy at nursery during the morning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy learning and benefit from a range of opportunities that support them in making progress in all areas of learning and development. The childminder provides activities that ensure their interests and needs are included and she considers what the children have been doing at other settings during the day. The limited observational assessment means that the childminder is not always clear on how to plan the next steps for each child.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that the house and resources are easily accessible to all children and this allows them to make choices. The childminder supports children well in their learning, encouraging them to reason and work together. For example, she listened to the children talking about someone who had been unkind at nursery and asked questions which helped them to see how that person's actions might have a negative effect on the other and then used this to reinforce that you need to consider people's feelings. This consistent support gives children the confidence to express their ideas and share their thoughts as they talk to the childminder about what has happened during the school day. Children are encouraged to share as they open their Christmas cards and enjoy weighing out ingredients whilst baking cakes. Children enjoy reading books to their toys and practise writing letters as they take the register when playing 'teachers'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children explore as they mix coloured paint to make different colours. They enjoy singing a variety of Christmas songs and thread beads and other materials to make necklaces. Children practise their number skills as they recognise numerals on the fridge magnets and then guess what number comes next with encouragement from the childminder. Children are able to use the laptop mouse and interactive globe to learn where certain animals live.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children develop their social skills at mealtimes when they talk to the childminder and other children. They learn about healthy eating as they are encouraged to eat at least one piece of fruit daily. They practise their climbing and balancing skills as they use various equipment in the garden or local park and the childminder takes one child swimming each week. Children engage in imaginative play together as they play with the 'Peppa Pig' house and car.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment which is well maintained. The childminder has not conducted a risk assessment and therefore some hazards have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 not been minimised. There is no written fire procedure in place and children have not practised an emergency escape plan. Regular discussion of the house rules and clear explanations enable children to learn about keeping themselves safe. For example, not putting the small magnetic beads in their mouth. Children's health is promoted as the childminder follows the recommendations made by the Food Standards Agency. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding children through recent training and has all the required literature in place. 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? 2

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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? 2 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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