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 EY316166 Inspection date 28/01/2009 Inspector Sandra Daniels

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged one year and four years in Hertford. The childminder is registered to care for no more than two children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for three children aged four, three and one years, on a part-time basis. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the premises is via a series of graduated steps up to the front door. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is highly effective in meeting the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She ensures that all children are well integrated and achieving as much as they can. Children with additional needs consistently receive the support they require and play a full and active part in the setting. Although very professional, she provides a warm, caring environment where children and parents are valued. Self-evaluation involves parents and children and analyses what the setting does well and what it needs to improve. This, together with regular training, ensures that the high standards set for the childcare practice is maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider ways of further extending partnerships in the wider context, for example, with other providers of the EYFS.

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provision

Effective and efficient organisation of the childminding service means that the outcomes for children are successfully promoted. Very good documentation systems are in place, such as typed policies and procedures which are unique to this setting and are shared with parents. These underpin the childminder's good practice and help her to focus on the children's needs. Her very good knowledge of child development, coupled with her thirst for new information means that the childminder is always striving to find ways to improve her practice. For example, she intends to undertake a Level 3 vocational training course in childcare and education. She completes an Ofsted on line self-evaluation form, attends regular training and has identified areas of her practice for development. The childminder works effectively with parents; she communicates both verbally and, for the early years children, through the use of a daily diary. Parents are able to view the

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provision

children's learning journeys, and the childminder is beginning to consider ways in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which she can develop working partnerships with other providers of the EYFS.

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provision

Children play and learn in a very safe environment because the childminder has robust, comprehensive risk assessments in place. In addition to daily health and safety checks, this ensures that any potential hazards are eliminated, thus reducing the risk of accidental injury to children. Children are further protected as the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children. She is fully aware of the correct procedures to follow should she have any concerns for a child's safety or welfare.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children effectively so their confidence and self-esteem is well fostered. All children have access to an extensive rage of age-appropriate toys, activities and experiences. The play and learning environment is well organised with bright and stimulating resources that are stored at low-level to encourage children's independence. Children have access to many resources that reflect diversity, which ensure all children feel valued and included. The childminder has a very good understanding of the early learning goals and provides a well-balanced curriculum. Children develop at their own rate because the childminder adapts her questioning and planning to suit their individual needs. She makes regular observations of children's progress and introduces a good balance of adult and child-initiated activities. Information is recorded in children's individual learning journals and used to help plan for the child's next steps.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's self-esteem is high because they respond to the praise, encouragement and interaction from the childminder, which helps to promote language development, particularly in younger children. Children benefit from the interaction of the childminder; she plays at their level, engaging them in purposeful conversation as they take part in activities. Young children's language skills are being developed as the childminder repeats familiar words, reacts to the noises and emerging language, she encourages dialogue and uses repetition. She provides regular opportunities for the children to look at books and read stories. Children have opportunities to express themselves freely, during art and craft activities, singing and role-play. They are developing their understanding of the local environment as they visit places of interest such as the library, parks and various toddler groups. Children dig in the garden and plant seeds and bulbs to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn how to stay safe as they practise fire evacuations and learn that it is not acceptable to climb on the furniture in case they fall and hurt themselves. Children are beginning to learn about healthy eating and the importance of a healthy lifestyle through discussions, physical activities and the provision of healthy snacks and meals. They have opportunities to develop their large muscles, bending and stretching when dancing to music, climbing and balancing on the garden play equipment. Children's social skills are developing well as meal times are used to promote the use of good manners. Behaviour management is dealt with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriately as the childminder is consistent in her methods to ensure children learn what is expected from 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? 1 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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