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 EY380943 Inspection date 23/04/2009 Inspector Kim Wailling

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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 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 2008 and lives with her husband and three children aged 14, five and three years in Hertford, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom is used for childminding purposes. There is a rear garden available for outside play. Access to the childminder's home is via one step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for one child in the early years age group and one school aged child. She operates on five days a week for 48 weeks of the year. The family has two dogs.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and uses this knowledge to provide a stimulating and inclusive environment for the children. Working in partnership with parents is generally effective. The childminder has identified some areas of her service for improvement through self evaluation and is taking positive steps to address these.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop arrangements for sharing information with parents about children's progress so that parents can support their children's learning at home  extend resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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provision

Overall, all policies and procedures, including those which safeguard children, that are required for the safe and efficient management of the setting and to promote children's welfare, are appropriately maintained. The childminder has attended relevant training to build onto her existing knowledge of how best to support children's learning. She has started to self evaluate her service and has identified some areas of her service for improvement. This includes supplementing the range of resources available to children that promoted their knowledge and understanding of the wider community.

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provision

Parents are asked about children's care needs and are asked to complete 'all about me' forms outlining their children's individual preferences. As a result, the childminder is well informed about children's individual needs such as sleeping patterns, likes and dislikes which are accommodated within the daily routine. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Systems to share children's progress and achievements with their parents are in place but these are not fully utilised to support parent involvement in their children's learning. However, there is good liaison between parents and the childminder to ensure that children make a smooth transition from home into the childminder's care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health and well-being is fully promoted. For example, the childminder uses individual flannels and towels for each child in her care to reduce cross-infection. Children have the opportunity to be active and frequent use is made of the childminder's garden to promote physical activity. In addition, children are involved in activities such as growing cress, to reinforce their knowledge about healthy foods and the benefits of following a healthy lifestyle. Children have the opportunity to be active and frequent use is made of the childminder's garden to promote physical activity. The childminder has made adaptations to her home to ensure children's safety. For example, comprehensive ongoing risk assessments are used which take into account a child's stages of development. In addition, attention is paid to children's safety outside the childminder's home and areas such as road safety and traffic awareness are reinforced through activities which older

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is very attentive to the children in her care and supports children's learning in appropriate ways in relation to their starting points. For example, she uses a child's interest in 'super heroes' to encourage their involvement in drawing and painting activities. Examples of the children's work, observations and photographs of their play are attractively displayed in individual learning journey books. She has furthered her knowledge of childcare practice since initial pre- registration training by attending relevant courses. For example, she has attended a course about planning and assessment to help her assess young children's learning needs and plan appropriate activities and experiences that cover all areas learning and development. The childminder provides an exciting learning environment for children which include a range of suitable toys and equipment for young children. These are colourful and interactive but there are few resources

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

that reflect positive images of diversity, disability and gender. Children are able to make decisions as part of their daily routine. For example, toys are stored at low level to facilitate choice and art materials are made freely available so that children can make models, draw and paint. In addition, they have the opportunity to take part in cookery session and enjoy making cakes with the childminder and her children. Children of all ages settle quickly into the childminder's care and enthusiastically take part in the activities that she offers. 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

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