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 EY366943 Inspection date 02/10/2008 Inspector Diane Mary O'Neill

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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 January 2008. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and three years. They live in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there are facilities for disabled access. The first floor is used for access to the bathroom and a bedroom for rest periods. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently two children on the Early Years Childcare Register (EYR) and three are on the Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR). The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has experience of supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides generally good care, welfare and learning opportunities for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Although children enjoy their time with the childminder, the process to record and evaluate their next steps in their learning is not fully fulfilled. Positive partnership with parents and carers is in place as is a generally appropriate system to reflect her own development.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop procedures to reflect priorities for improvements  further develop planning to expand and challenge children's learning opportunities.

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provision

Children’s welfare is safeguarded as the childminder takes positive steps to ensure all relevant policies, procedures and documentation in relation to safeguarding children is up to date. The childminder further ensures children’s safety by ensuring that all adults living in the family home who may possibly have regular contact with children are suitably vetted therefore giving reassurance to parents.

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provision

The childminder is very organised with her documentation. She has clear procedures for the retaining of relevant children’s information, contracts, policies and procedures which promote her childcare practices. She has taken time to develop her observation and assessment records of the children, which she openly shares with parents to keep them informed about their child’s welfare and progress as well as helping them to be part of their children’s learning and development. The childminder is very committed to including parents and any other agencies to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure all children’s individual needs are catered for.

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provision

The childminder has begun to draw up a comprehensive self-evaluation form to monitor and review her practices. However, there is room for improvement to allow this to be used more effectively to look at how she can further improve and develop the care and meet the needs of children. The childminder has undertaken several short training courses to assist her in her role as a childminder and is keen to further her knowledge and understanding through ongoing training opportunities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s health, safety and welfare is a priority in this well-organised provision. Policies and procedures effectively document the childminder’s practice. She rigorously carries out and monitors her risk assessments to further support the welfare of children in her care. Children are encouraged to learn about keeping themselves safe through activities, such as practising emergency evacuation procedures and learning the Green Cross Code. The childminder uses the experience of crossing the road and through looking at story books to help children learn. Children’s health and welfare is further enhanced as the childminder ensures they have access to fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. For example, the children go to the park and use the large play equipment as well as having the freedom to run around. The childminder further ensures children’s welfare by holding an up to date first aid training certificate and relevant documentation is in place to support her

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides varied and well-balanced meals and snacks for children, ensuring all needs are met using detailed information gained from parents. Children are encouraged and supported in the preparation of their snack through excellent guidance from the childminder. For example, spreading butter on their toast and making of sandwiches for lunch.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The all-round development of children’s learning is successfully achieved through the well planned and organised activities which the childminder confidently adapts to meet children’s needs. For example, when playing with play dough, children show curiosity, exploration and developing longer periods of concentration. Children adore books, they love to sit on the childminder’s lap to listen to stories or just sit and look at them by themselves. Low-level baskets of books enable the children to independently select and make choices. The childminder expands and develops children’s learning opportunities through trips to the park, farm and local toddler groups, which give the children different play and learning experiences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses observations of the children to track their progress within the early learning goals. This is achieved by recording in individual scrap books which include photographic and written evidence which she shares with the parents. Although the observations reflect what children are doing, the process for further developing planning of activities and learning opportunities to track and help progress them in their next steps is weak. Therefore, children’s learning and development may be compromised. 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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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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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