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 EY298830 Inspection date 23/06/2009 Inspector Ann Marie Cozzi

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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 2005. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, two of which may be in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered to care for children on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged four and seven years. They live in a residential area of Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire. There is one small step into the setting. A downstairs toilet is available, helping to promote an inclusive environment. The whole of the house, managed by the childminder, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder meets the needs of all children in her care and ensures that no individual is disadvantaged. She undertakes regular self-evaluation and is eager to promote the ongoing development of her service as a result, she has effectively addressed the recommendation raised at her last inspection. Children are enabled by the childminder to make good progress in their learning and development, however, there is a minor weakness in current systems for observational assessment and planning. Open partnership with parents is promoted, however, there is a weakness in partnerships in the wider context linked to children’s learning. There are clear and effective systems in place to ensure the safety and welfare of children.

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further?

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

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further?

 promote further a two-way flow of information between other providers, in particular regard to children's learning  develop further ongoing observational assessment to inform planning for each child's continuing development through play based activities.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). All required policies are in place and shared with parents. Written records such as contracts, children's hours of attendance, accident and medication records and written consent for the seeking of emergency medical advice and treatment are well maintained and assist in promoting the safe management of the provision. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has undertaken all required training, in addition she has completed a number of related courses since her last inspection. For example, she has gained a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification. The setting is well organised and demonstrates the childminder's understanding of her role and how she effectively supports the welfare of children within the Early Years Foundation Stage. For example, there are a good range of written policies and procedures in

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provision

place which are shared with parents and carers and are implemented in the childminder's daily practice.

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provision

The childminder has undertaken safeguarding children training which provides her with a good understanding of how to effectively protect children in her daily practice. She has a current paediatric first aid certificate which enables her to administer emergency care for children in the event of a minor accident. The childminder has developed a clear system of written risk assessments which are regularly reviewed and identify how she has minimised risks to children inside, outside and whilst on outings. Children’s good health is promoted and protected through the daily routine, for example, children are able to help themselves to a drink when they are thirsty and are supported by gentle guidance to ensure that they clean their hands thoroughly at appropriate times.

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provision

The childminder has developed a system which enables her to reflect on her practice, she shares and discusses identified practice issues with other providers, observes what works well and changes things which do not effectively support children. The childminder keeps parents and carers informed about their child’s care and achievements with verbal and written information linked to daily care, written observations, identified next steps in learning and photographic evidence of their child at play. However, there is a weakness in partnership with other providers in regard to children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children well to make good progress in their learning and development. She makes written observations of their play and takes account of their interests to plan activities and learning experiences which help them to build on what they know and can do, however, there is a minor weakness in ensuring that links are consistently made between observations, children’s next steps in learning and planning. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the six areas of learning and how to promote children’s learning and participation through play, for example, introducing simple mathematical language during water play. Children are curious as they explore and investigate their environment. The childminder supports and encourages them to use their senses as they explore the properties of water and smell flowers in the rear garden. Children enjoy taking part in creative play, such as painting, role play or playing with small world toys. They

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

enjoy walking across the musical mat which makes a different sound with each step.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children demonstrate their confidence as they move around freely both inside and outside of the setting and as they independently access the exciting and interesting range of toys and resources. Children are secure in seeking the support This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and cooperation of others when needed, for example, requesting help from the childminder to negotiate the steps leading to the trampoline. They are beginning to understand their own personal needs and build on their developing self-help skills, for example, cleaning their hands at appropriate times and helping themselves to a drink when they become thirsty. Children take part in physical exercise both inside and outside of the home, for example, when playing in the rear garden, local parks and when attending local toddler groups. Children enjoy ample opportunities to explore and investigate their environment, for example, when watering the flowers

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

in the garden they discover with delight that if they place their bucket on the ground they can pour water much more easily from one container to another.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses plenty of positive language, praise and encouragement which promotes self-esteem and provides a consistent approach to behaviour management. Prior placement interviews are held which ensures that the childminder is aware of all children’s individual needs and requirements. Children’s understanding of how to keep themselves safe is promoted through daily practice, for example, explaining to children why they must sit down to eat their snack and practicing road safety on trips out. The environment provides plenty of play space and appropriate equipment is provided to ensure children can rest when they need to. There is no bias in practice in relation to gender, race or disability. 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

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