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 EY219144 Inspection date 17/02/2009 Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones

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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 registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and son aged 11 years. They live in a house in the Cowley Hill area of Borehamwood, a short walk from the local shops, parks and amenities. The ground floor is used by the minded children where there is a downstairs cloakroom. They do not generally access upstairs, only the spare room for children requiring undisturbed sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Access to the provision is via four steps up to the front door but there is a side access with one step. The family have a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently caring for five children in the early years age range. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and takes a professional and conscientious approach towards her role. Consequently children relish their time in the setting and are well supported to make progress in their learning, supported by evolving planning and assessment arrangements. Partnerships with parents and carers are positive and ensure that they are kept well informed of the care arrangements to promote continuity and ensure that children's needs are well met. The wide range of thoughtful policies and procedures underpin the robust arrangements for children's safety and support children's welfare needs and safeguarding. The childminder strives to maintain continuous improvement and is developing self- evaluation procedures that identify the many strengths and some positive aspects for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain an accurate record of risk assessments carried out and extend these to to fully include each specific outing  develop observation and assessment records to highlight children's achievements and demonstrate how these relate to the early learning goals or their need for further support to inform children's next steps in their learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of the records, policies and procedures required which promotes the safe and efficient management of children. Arrangements to safeguard children's welfare include a comprehensive child protection policy supported by easily accessible materials and up-to-date knowledge to recognise and respond to any potential concerns. An extensive range of good quality documentation and vigilant risk assessments that are conducted each day show a significant commitment to ensuring children's safety. However, she has not extended these to include a review of each specific outing embarked on and keeping records of the regular checks already carried out. Regular fire evacuation drills and clear explanations of dangers ensure that children are developing a thorough understanding of how to stay safe. A portfolio, daily diaries and sensitive two-way information sharing promote positive links with parents and

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provision

carers to ensure children's welfare needs are effectively met. Strategies are not yet fully developed to share with parents the evidence of children's learning and development. The childminder is working towards a relevant qualification in childcare and has an up-to-date first aid certificate.

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provision

Children are valued and included through the childminder's knowledge and skill to ensure their uniqueness is recognised and embraced. For example, the childminder values the children's home backgrounds and cultures and she ensures that these are celebrated within her provision and her home environment displays many photographs of the children that attend. Many resources positively reflect diversity and inclusion and it is evident that parents and carers are welcomed into the provision and encouraged to share any special celebrations. Sensitive strategies are used to ensure that each child enjoys the activities on offer and has a positive experience. Resources are easily accessible to all children thus promoting their independence and their ability to make choices about their play.

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provision

There is drive towards continuous improvement, demonstrated by the progress made in all areas since the last inspection and a commitment to developing knowledge both formally and informally. For example, the childminder is continually updating her knowledge and skills through relevant training and has reviewed her documentation to ensure it meets the requirements. The childminder is working hard to develop self-evaluation procedures that identify many of the setting's strengths. Some areas targeted for improvement are well chosen to further improve outcomes for children. For example, the development of observation and assessment records to aid the childminder's planning system.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted through some positive practices which are incorporated effectively within their daily routines. For example, children are learning to keep themselves safe as they participate in very regular emergency evacuation drills to support their awareness of possible dangers and ways in which to keep safe. The childminder has devised and displays a user-friendly evacuation plan. Older children learn about road safety as the childminder teaches them how This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to walk safely when they are out within the local community. However, she has not extended her risk assessments to include regular outings, such as walks in the locality. Children's good health is promoted through a range of positive policies and procedures, their opportunities to be active both indoors and outside, and through their ability to eat and rest in comfort. They also go on walks and visit local parks

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

on a regular basis. Children thoroughly enjoy their food, they are offered wholesome home cooked meals which cater for their individual requirements. Young children are able to rest comfortably as a travel cot is set up in the spare bedroom where they can enjoy undisturbed sleep and yet still be closely monitored. Children's behaviour is managed well and they learn to behave appropriately in the setting by abiding by simple house rules. Praise, encouragement and gold stars are used regularly to promote children's self-esteem and to develop their sense of achievement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have good opportunities to learn and develop through a balanced range of activities. The learning environment is used flexibly to help children progress and is mostly child-led. The childminder provides children with a wide variety of learning experiences that help promote aspects of their development and progression. Within their daily routines children have appropriate opportunities to explore their own choices of play, whilst also having time to engage with the childminder who helps them to develop an awareness of communicating, literacy and numeracy. The childminder interacts positively with the children, she joins in their play, offering support and chatting with them through lively conversation. She sits on the floor with young children as they share books together. They practise hand control movements when experimenting with pencil control and decorating paper plates. Assessment and planning arrangements are thoughtfully evolving

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

towards individualised learning. Learning records are in the early stages, where the childminder is collecting and annotating photographs of the children's learning and progress. In addition, she is focussed on introducing regular and more detailed observations to allow her to monitor children's development in a particular area and to plan for the next steps in their learning. Children enjoy her enthusiasm and benefit from her ability to make good use of opportunities to promote learning. For example, counting in every day routines, looking at nature when out walking, exploring different tastes and smells through new foods and being proactive in recycling used materials. Children therefore develop some useful skills and habits that set the foundations for later learning. Children explore the lives of others through their play, such as puzzles, books, dolls, puppets, different celebrations, foods and languages. There are many procedures to promote children's family and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

individual identity. The childminder ensures she finds out as much as possible about children by talking to parents and carers about their home life and routines to meet children's particular needs. 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? 2 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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