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

p.1

Unique reference number EY295653 Inspection date 09/12/2008 Inspector Jo Rowley

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 in the Cotton Mill area of St Albans, Hertfordshire. The whole of the downstairs of the childminder's house, and an upstairs bathroom, are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has some goldfish which are kept in a tank.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for three children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and there are currently two children attending, both of whom attend part-time, within this age group.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder also offers care to children aged five to eight years. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the early years age range. There is currently one child on roll, within this age group.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has a National Vocational Qualification 3 certificate.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides very well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and they are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. The childminder's sensitive and thoughtful support ensures that every child thrives in their environment. All children are clearly welcomed in to the setting and their individual needs are effectively met because the childminder takes steps to ensure that their interests are developed. The childminder's partnership with parents greatly contributes to the well-being of children and communication is fully encouraged on a daily basis. The childminder has completed a self-evaluation of her practice and is aware of her strengths and areas for improvement. Therefore, she is able to implement practical changes to improve her setting.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 ensure that observations and assessments are used to inform the planning of children's next steps.

p.3

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 provide evidence that a training course, approved by the local authority and consistent with the Early Years Foundation Stage, is completed. Also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Qualifications and training). 06/01/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder provides parents with policies and procedures which are regularly updated and effective in the smooth running of her setting. She encourages regular communication with parents, for example, she has encouraged them to complete parental questionnaires and demonstrates a positive attitude to their feedback, making changes where necessary. The childminder's safeguarding policies, procedures and appropriate practice ensures that children are protected at all times. She regularly reviews and updates written documentation and has completed additional safeguarding training to further protect children in her care.

p.4

provision

Children's individual development is well promoted because the childminder has practical procedures in place to monitor their learning and development. Her friendly approach to maintaining effective partnerships with parents ensures that children's care is consistently promoted. Children are well supported in their environment and parents are always fully informed of their children's progress and development through verbal communication as well as daily diaries. The childminder has completed some additional training courses to improve her knowledge and understanding, however, she has not completed the required childminder registration training.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are offered a wide range of opportunities and experiences that fully support them in making good progress in all areas of their learning and development. Planning is flexible to ensure that all areas of learning are covered in the fun and enjoyable activities offered and that the children's individual needs are taken into account. However, observations, which are regularly completed on each child, and assessments are not used to inform planning, therefore, children's next steps are not planned for. Children are offered a well-balanced range of activities because the childminder ensures that her thoughtful planning allows for this. She plans experiences, on a flexible basis both inside and outside, that are enjoyable and encourage children to learn through their play. An example of this is where children are playing with a house and some figures. As they and the childminder play together communication is extended to include their own family lives. The

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder actively involves herself in all activities, for example, as children look at books the childminder offers to read a story. The children sit and listen attentively and together they talk about different things in the story.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to resources that are both age and stage appropriate and although not all resources are independently accessible to children the childminder has thoughtfully designed a 'choosing book' for children to look through and make choices from. Therefore, they are able to self-select appropriately. Children enjoy regular outings to the local toddler group where they are able to socialise with other children and enjoy trips to the farm and shops. Activities and opportunities offered are easily adapted to ensure that all children can participate. For example, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outside play is offered on a daily basis so that children of all ages and stages can participate, using the varied resources, promoting inclusion. Resources that promote children's understanding of diversity and the wider world are good, for example, they learn about different cultures through reading, dressing up and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

using their imaginations with the dolls which illustrate people from around the world.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The promotion of children's health and well-being is good. The childminder takes positive steps to minimise the spread of infection. She fully encourages children to learn about 'being healthy' as they talk about and try various healthy foods and have daily opportunities for exercise. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because the childminder has a good understanding of this area. She offers clear explanations which help children to gain a good understanding of taking care of themselves and others. The childminder completes a thorough risk assessment and carries out a regular evacuation drill so that children are fully informed of what to do should a real emergency occur. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children. For example, when out of the home the childminder carries a first aid kit and all emergency contact details for the children, promoting the safety of all children. All

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

required safeguarding documentation is in place to support the childminder's knowledge and understanding of this area and she has completed additional safeguarding children training. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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.

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years Register section of the report (Qualifications and training). 06/01/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8