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 130221 Inspection date 12/02/2009 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

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 has been a childminder since 1998. She lives with her husband and their two adult sons. They live in a house about a mile from the town centre of Potters Bar. The nearest school serving the neighbourhood is Cranborne. The downstairs area is mainly used for childminding, which has toilet and washing facilities and a large living room. There is an easily accessible and secure garden which has a paved area, decking and a lawn.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently two children on roll and both are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall judgement for this provision is good. The childminder creates a safe, warm and welcoming environment, therefore, children develop a sense of belonging and a strong sense of belief in themselves. She treats all children with equal concern, and values their individuality. Children feel good about themselves because the childminder knows them well, shows she is interested in what they say and do and values their achievements. The childminder is self-motivated, has just begun to feel comfortable with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and finds clear sense of direction. She provides a broad range of activities to help children to make steady progress towards the early learning goals.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the fire evacuation procedures are routinely practised so children will be familiar with them  ensure all observations include next steps  establish a system to monitor and evaluate children's progress against the early learning goals and the quality of the activities provided  develop systems to involve parents in extending children's learning in the home.

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provision

The childminder has a clear focus and a deep commitment to continual improvement. She has just begun to feel comfortable with training in many different areas including the Early Years Foundation Stage, child protection and other courses designed to help her further develop her service. She has a cohesive working relationship with other childminders in the area. The childminder has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 begun to assess what her setting has to offer and is very realistic and objective about her planning and assessment systems. This is in its infancy and no clear systems are established to monitor and evaluate children's progress relative to their starting points. For example, children's achievements are not used to help plan the next steps of children's individual learning and there is no system to monitor and evaluate the quality of the activities provided.

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provision

The implementation of effective safeguarding policies ensure that children are well protected. The childminder is proactive in ensuring all family members have been vetted and that there is an appropriate procedure to follow in the event of a child being lost or uncollected. The childminder has a comprehensive evacuation procedure in place. However, she has not routinely practised it with the children. Consequently, children are at risk in the event of a fire.

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provision

The childminder works well with children's parents, valuing their contribution as partners in their child's care and learning. She regularly seeks views from parents to ensure she continues to meet children's individual needs. This information is used to help children feel nurtured and valued. However, parents are not fully involved in extending children's learning in the home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a calm environment where children are happy and content. Good caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. They have developed a strong sense of belonging to the setting and are very familiar with routines and the childminder's expectations. This warm and caring relationship encourages children to talk to the childminder and share events that are happening at home, which helps to build a positive and trusting relationship. A comprehensive collection of policies and procedures are in place, which are successfully implemented and effectively promote children's health and well-being.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. There are risk assessments that are undertaken regularly ensuring that all equipment and areas of the setting are safe for the children. Any possible hazards are identified and removed to protect children and a good range of safety equipment is used according to the age and stage of the children attending. The childminder creates a child-friendly environment which enables children to explore and experiment safely. Children access resources independently and all equipment is in a good quality and is regularly checked for safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A wide range of activities are offered, which help children to extend their knowledge and development. For example, the childminder responds appropriately to what the children are interested in. Children are able to recite numbers in Spanish and English. She provides them with experiences to mark make and sits with the children as they use pencils skilfully to represent their names. However, although the childminder knows the children in her care very well, the planning of individual learning activities is insufficiently focused on the early learning goals. They do not guarantee that every child has the chance to take part in all areas of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning. The childminder has no firm systems in place to monitor and evaluate planning and is very aware this is an area of development. Children's learning and thinking are extended appropriately as they play with the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

small world play cars and trucks. They talk about what kind of cars and trucks they play with. Children are confident in their surroundings and interact well with the childminder as they receive appropriate support and encouragement, which helps to develop their self-confidence and self-esteem. 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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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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