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 EY309507 Inspection date 09/03/2009 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 registered since 2005. She lives with her husband, who is also her assistant, and two children aged five and two years in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, including the playroom, lounge, kitchen, downstairs toilet and two bedrooms upstairs for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age range on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The family has a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is outstanding. The childminder gains excellent knowledge of each child's individual needs which ensures that she successfully promotes all aspects of children's welfare, learning and development. Children's safety and security are a priority and the children are learning about keeping themselves safe while investigating the world around them. The partnership with parents, the local pre-school and other agencies is very good and is highly significant in ensuring that the individual and diverse needs of all children are exceptionally well met. This greatly benefits the children who make outstanding progress, given their age, ability and starting points. Regular questionnaires, excellent professional partnership with her assistant and co-childminder and regular self-evaluation by the childminder ensures that she successfully analyses her practice and enhances ideas for future development. This effectively responds to all the diverse needs of

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to develop the outstanding organisation of the setting which underpins the excellent care and learning provided.

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provision

The excellent leadership and management of this setting underpins the outstanding welfare and learning of the children. The childminder works in partnership with her husband, who acts as her assistant on occasions. The childminder is very effective in her organisation of the high levels of individual care and learning for each child. Every child's individual needs are well recorded and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 met. Robust safeguarding policies, outstanding daily practice, and a commitment to training ensures that children are safe and well protected. The childminder has a detailed understanding of child protection and is committed to promoting children's safety at all times. This includes teaching the children to play safely and be aware of possible hazards. Well-planned, creative and imaginative activities, visits and outings enable the children to practise their skills and explore their environment

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provision

Children thrive in this highly organised and stimulating environment where the childminder dedicates time to enhance her setting by implementing effective systems to monitor and evaluate the provision, including full consultations with parents. Parents and carers receive excellent information regarding their children, including all aspects of their welfare and developmental achievements. This includes a detailed portfolio containing information on the childminder's experience and a full written set of policies and procedures.

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provision

The childminder has a very positive attitude and is fully committed to enhancing the welfare, learning and development of every child attending. Every child's individual and diverse needs are fully met. Regular observations of the children and the caring relationships formed ensure that she is completely in tune with each child. Every child has a full and detailed record of their achievements and individual needs. This is regularly updated to ensure that it reflects each child's current levels. The childminder then plans exciting and challenging activities which are very effective in promoting children's good progression towards the early learning goals. Children are able to access for themselves, a diverse range of good quality toys and resources that are age-appropriate and in excellent condition.

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provision

Any accidents are recorded and the home is checked daily for hazards. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has an excellent awareness of keeping children safe; she regularly assesses the home and takes appropriate precautions to keep children from harm. Through the childminder, the children are learning very good habits, for example, washing their hands before eating, disposing of tissues hygienically, and that fresh air and exercise are fun.

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provision

The childminder is very effective in working in close partnership with the parents, other settings and other professionals. Through this effective partnership, she ensures that she has a very good understanding of each child individually and is able to fully include them is all activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children blossom in this outstanding provision where their individual needs are met. The childminder knows each child very well and is able to provide them with interesting and exciting games, resources and activities which stimulate their natural curiosity and imagination. Children are safe and secure in this provision. They are adopting healthy habits. For example, one child, aged two years, knew where to dispose of his tissue and to remind the adult to wash their hands after helping him. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children have regular access to outdoor play, and are always dressed appropriately for the weather. They mix with other children frequently, and are establishing very good social skills as well as firm friendships. This actively promotes children's feelings of self-esteem, confidence and independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's language and communication is actively promoted. Children are encouraged to be very social; they are encouraged to talk and the childminder really listens to what the children are saying. Children are encouraged to think critically as the childminder asks them appropriate questions about what they are doing and what may happen next. They are developing their vocabulary every day through sharing books and talking about their experiences. Children are forming a good understanding of problem solving and numeracy; they recognise shapes very well and are able to complete challenging puzzles. Children's mathematical thinking is promoted as an integral part of all activities, such as counting cars, recognising colours and familiar numerals. They are learning about the world around them through mixing in the local community, looking at seasons and growing plants themselves. Children are very well supported and are encouraged to try to do as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

much independently as they can with full support of the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Every child’s milestones and achievements are recorded by the childminder and she effectively plans the next steps to challenge the children to ensure an excellent progression towards the early learning goals. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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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