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 EY243723 Inspection date 12/03/2009 Inspector Hilary Preece

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, seven and two years in Hatfield, close to parks and schools. The childminder uses the whole of her house for childminding and children have access to a secure garden for outside play. There are two family cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two can be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from local schools and takes children to a range of different toddler and activity groups.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children's needs are met because effective links are established with parents and carers to enable information to be shared. The childminder recognises that children are unique and plans specific support for children's learning and development where required to enable them to make progress. Children's welfare, safety and health are promoted through some generally sound policies and procedures. The childminder has begun to reflect on her practice and seek the views of its users in order to monitor its effectiveness. This has resulted in some plans being devised to bring about further improvements in the future.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop knowledge and understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board Guidelines and review the safeguarding policy to make sure it is understood  undertake a general review of policies to make sure they are appropriate to the setting  ensure observations of children are linked to the areas of learning to help children progress towards the early learning goals, and encourage parents to contribute to the children's learning records.

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provision

The childminder is keen to develop her practice and has responded positively to previous recommendations. She is beginning to evaluate the provision through identifying areas for development and training needs that are realistic and focused This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on bringing about improvements. She is also beginning to consider the views of parents when planning for the future.

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provision

The setting runs smoothly on a day to day basis because the childminder is organised in planning activities and outings that meet children's needs. Records to support the welfare of the children are generally well-maintained. The childminder has a wide range of policies and procedures that have been obtained from different sources that aim to promote children's safety and well-being. However, some of these duplicate each other and are not necessarily meaningful to the setting. As a result, the childminder is confused about how to implement them and they are therefore not robust. She understands her general role in ensuring that children's welfare is safeguarded but her knowledge and understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and how to report concerns is insecure. This potentially compromises children's safety.

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provision

The childminder is more confident in how she keeps children safe by carrying out effective risk assessments for her premises and when conducting outings. She follows clear procedures such as ensuring she always carries emergency contact details and photo cards for children, first aid supplies and a mobile telephone when out. The childminder practises fire drill procedures each month with the children so they can all contribute to their own safety in an emergency.

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provision

Parents are generally well-informed about the service and are involved in supporting their children's care, learning and development. Appropriate settling in procedures for children initially involve meeting all members of the family so that the childminder develops a good insight into children's family backgrounds and can plan for their needs. Plenty of useful information is displayed for them such as weekly menu plans and house rules which keeps them informed about the service. They also talk about the progress children make and enjoy looking at their children's individual learning records and photographs. This fosters positive working relationships.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare needs are met appropriately through daily routines. Posters are displayed in the kitchen and bathroom to remind children of the importance of washing their hands and eating a healthy diet that includes five fruit and vegetables each day. Children are encouraged to be physically active and make good use of the garden equipment. They bounce on the trampoline with joy and benefit from being outside regularly in the fresh air. Children are reminded how to stay safe and respect rules for their safety when out and about. The childminder makes sure they are aware of what to do if they get lost and explains how to behave safely in the car.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are emotionally secure and happy at the setting. They talk with interest about their experiences and are keen to look at photographs of outings they have been on. For example, they recall seeing the guinea pigs at a local children's farm and describe how they decorated a gingerbread biscuit at a local toddler group. This shows children have a positive sense of belonging to the setting. They behave This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriately and are helped to understand expectations for their behaviour through regular discussion and explanation. They respond appropriately, for example, when reminded to tidy away the toys before getting any more out. They show regard for being caring and kind through playing with the dolls and caring for the babies' needs. This is supported well by the childminder who role models nurturing care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is developing a secure knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how to promote children's learning and development through play. She has introduced some attractive learning record folders for the children that include photographs, samples of work and simple observations. These are beginning to show how children are making progress towards the early learning goals and briefly identify the next steps in children's learning. The childminder shares these records and discusses aspects of children's development with their parents in order for them to support children consistently but parents are not encouraged to contribute to the records yet. The childminder supports children's learning well. She is particularly effective in developing their speech and language to enable them to communicate confidently and clearly. Additional support is provided matched to children's specific needs, such as providing regular

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

one-to-one time with children to focus on flash cards. This contributes to children making good progress in some areas of development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The environment is sufficiently planned to provided a range of opportunities for play and exploration. Children play purposefully with what is put out for them and can access an additional toy cupboard with support. They enjoy relaxed relationships with the childminder and their peers. They are generally self-sufficient in making choices about what to do and move confidently between inside and outside play areas. Children are encouraged to be independent in doing things for themselves such as putting on their shoes and asking for drinks. They use resources imaginatively. For example, a sledge in the garden becomes a stretcher as they pretend to have an injured leg. They explore a range of creative materials such as dough, paint and glitter both at the setting and at an art club that they attend each week. Children use their senses in different ways. They explore the feel of cold spaghetti in a bowl and are encouraged to smell the scent of a new

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

born baby doll. This helps them make sense of their world. Children practise their counting when playing board games and everyday opportunities such as counting out items when shopping are used to consolidate their understanding. Children talk about their ages, recognise how many candles they need on their birthday cake and correctly identify shapes. These experiences are sufficiently broad to ensure children have opportunities to learn and develop across the six areas of the framework. 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? 3 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 the last inspection.

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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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