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 EY376247 Inspection date 07/01/2009 Inspector Sheila Harrison

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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 was registered in 2008. She lives with husband and daughter aged four years in Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. On the ground floor of the childminder’s house the kitchen, toilet and playroom are used for childminding. Upstairs a bedroom is used for sleep and rest purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the premises is via a small step and porch. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local, age appropriate groups and takes children to the library and local parks. The family have no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time on both the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder may also care for older children and is included on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are currently two children attending full-time during term times who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a positive atmosphere and a safe and welcoming environment where children are generally making progress in their learning and development. The childminder provides effectively for the children as their individual needs are recognised and suitably catered for. Children are settled, happy and very well nourished. There are positive relationships with parents who are suitably informed about their child’s time at the childminder's and mostly informed about their child's development. The childminder endeavours to improve her practice although the self-evaluation process is not yet sufficiently well defined to monitor all aspects of the provision effectively.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the quality and consistency of observation, assessment and planning systems and involve parents, to ensure that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities  expand opportunities for the children to develop their independence  develop self-evaluation systems to continually assess all aspects of the provision and therefore, improve outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with the parents. A daily link book for children provides parents with useful information about their child’s day. This is the childminder’s first inspection under the EYFS framework and the required training This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has been completed. She has developed a wide range of policies and procedures. Individual files and records are stored securely. There is a climate of confidentiality and inclusion whereby children’s individual needs are recognised and acted upon. Parents have been asked to contribute to the self-evaluation process providing a very positive reference. However, the childminder has yet to develop a formal system to self–evaluate her provision to identify key strengths and areas for improvement.

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provision

Children’s safety is managed appropriately through a combination of strategies including written risk assessments to minimise the hazards within the home. The fire procedures and measures to transport children ensure safe practices. The childminder has a clear understanding to safeguard children and has devised an informative child protection policy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and demonstrate a secure relationship with the childminder as they readily approach her for comfort and to answer their questions. Children generally have suitable chances to select the good quality resources stored at their level. The childminder extends children’s understanding as she asks appropriate questions. Children compare the size of the crayons and she encourages them to see the effect of working with the same colour paper and pen. However, the childminder does not always make opportunities for children to develop their independence. For example, they lack opportunities to choose and experiment with their own creative materials. The childminder follows a daily routine and ensures children are becoming aware of the community as they visit various toddler groups. She is beginning to develop knowledge of the EYFS and is starting to undertake observations and assessments of the children’s development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

However, she is less secure in the procedures for the use of the assessments to plan for the next steps in the child’s development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes the health of the children as she helps them to make healthy choices by offering very nutritious and tasty meals. Social mealtimes ensure children competently observe the social conventions. The childminder ensures that the necessary steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection, and appropriate action taken when children are ill. The childminder ensures children learn to keep themselves safe and they are reminded to sit at the table instead of trying to access the craft materials. The consequences of standing on the chairs are suitably explained to them. 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? 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: 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 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

 complete a qualification at a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to childcare, or training in the core skills as set out in the document ‘common core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce’. 07/01/2010 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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