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 EY307719 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Anahita Aderianwalla

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two sons, aged 14 and 12 in Potters Bar. The living room on the ground floor is mainly used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children in the early years age range and one child in the later years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are relaxed and happy as the childminder offers warm and affectionate care that supports their welfare and learning. The childminder knows and supports children's individual needs and she takes pride in their achievements. Inclusive practice is promoted and woven into daily routines by the childminder. She has established professional and friendly relationships with parents, making sure they are kept well informed about how their child's needs are met and keeping them up-to-date with their child's progress. She has a positive attitude towards attending training to bring about improvement for the benefit of the children. She is keen to develop systems to monitor methods for observing and planning for children’s learning her and self-evaluation to identify areas for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop methods for monitoring self evaluation so that it clearly identifies areas for continuous improvement  ensure that all observations include next steps in children's learning.

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provision

The childminder organises her day well, incorporating planned activities for children as well as allowing them time to choose resources for themselves and enjoy free play. The childminder has a professional and positive approach to her role and her practice is supported by policies and procedures that are shared with parents. The childminder has begun to use the self-evaluation form, however, she needs to develop methods for monitoring self-evaluation so that it clearly identifies areas for continuous improvement . Children play in a home which is well maintained and they are provided with a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder makes sure her home is a safe environment for children to play and visually checks her home prior to children arriving. In addition she has written risk assessments for her home and for outings and this supports children's safety. Children are safeguarded as the

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and shares her safeguarding policy with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage means she is able to help children progress well in their learning. She undertakes meaningful observations and assessments of children's achievements, linking together the areas of learning the activity involves. However, not all observations include next steps for children. The childminder's planning of activities shows they explore a range of challenging and stimulating activities and she bases her planning on the children's individual interests, needs and abilities. The childminder knows the children well and they are happy and settled.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about keeping healthy through physical activities both in the childminder's garden and at toddler groups. Here they access age appropriate equipment that develops their physical skills, such as climbing frames, tricycles and slides. Children have healthy and nutritious meals and snacks whilst in the care of the childminder, who makes sure they have plenty of water to drink. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through routines of hand washing before eating, after feeding the guinea pigs or after playing in the garden. Children are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they are encouraged to take heed of road safety procedures. A dedicated room, displaying positive posters, enables children to self-select resources and enjoy a suitable range of activities enabling them to become independent learners. The childminder has an extremely inclusive practise, as she plans for each child's individual needs

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

throughout the day. For example, children mix with people from different cultures and learn about their local environment. At the childminder's home children take part in cookery, imaginary play, puzzles, construction and have access to a lovely range of books. Arts and crafts are some of the children's favourite activities as they use brightly coloured paints to decorate cut out aeroplanes. The childminder displays some of the children's work on her walls and windows, showing she values their contributions. Children point these out to visitors, showing they have a pride in their achievements and this boosts their self-confidence. Children behave well and respond to the calm nature of the childminder. A high emphasis is placed on good manners and children respond to praise given 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? 1 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? 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?

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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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