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

p.1

Unique reference number EY301157 Inspection date 01/04/2009 Inspector Susan Ennis

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and nine in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house, except the main bedroom, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Accessibility to the premises is via one small step. The family has no pets.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five 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 group on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has made links with the local pre-school and collects children from the local schools.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is outstanding. All children make excellent progress across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage because the childminder has developed highly effective practices and procedures for planning, assessing and promoting their learning. She works closely with the children to ensure that all interaction encourages and develops their independence, confidence and self-esteem. She values diversity and is highly effective in ensuring that all children are well integrated and achieving as much as they can. Excellent partnerships with parents contribute significantly to ensuring that the individual needs and uniqueness of each child is fully met. Thorough and effective monitoring of the setting and daily practice ensures that the childminder has a comprehensive overview of her strengths and areas for improvement bringing about sustained continuous progression in all she does.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 improve further the consistent use of systems for demonstrating all children's progress towards the early learning goals.

p.3

provision

Children's individual progress is consistently promoted because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of child development. She has an outstanding attitude to training which leads to rich and varied experiences for the children. There are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 comprehensive procedures in place to monitor the children's progress including clear and concise observations and assessments. The childminder uses the EYFS profiles to identify children's next steps and all this information is used to inform the individual planning for each child across the areas of learning. However, the profiles are not always kept up to date for all children. Planning is flexible following the children's interests and extending their learning at their own pace and ability. The childminder's dedication to maintaining positive relationships with parents and other settings ensures that children are consistently cared for and that they are

p.3

provision

offered highly appropriate support enabling them to make excellent progress in their welfare and learning. For example, parents are fully involved in the initial assessment process as they complete an 'All about me' sheet for their child which includes details such as family members and the child's likes and dislikes. They also record the child's development on the EYFS profile ensuring that the childminder has a good starting point for planning the child's progress. They are routinely informed about their child's learning through use of a daily diary, photographs and extensive interaction with the childminder. When children start to learn sign language the parents and childminder keeping a running record of new words learnt providing continuity and consistency for the child. The childminder has also forged professional and sharing relationships with the other settings that the children attend. They work together sharing information for the benefit of the

p.4

provision

children and continuity of learning and care. For example, when the nursery cover a theme on transport the childminder stimulates the children's interest by taking them for trips on a bus and train which they are then able to talk about when they next go to nursery.

p.4

provision

The childminder's comprehensive policies and procedures are used very effectively to promote the welfare of children attending. They are continuously checked and reviewed to ensure that they are up to date with the latest information such as the contact numbers for concerns. Children are cared for in a very safe, secure environment and their welfare is consistently promoted because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of this area. Children's safety is of paramount importance at all times. The home is checked on a daily basis and comprehensive risk assessments are regularly carried out on all areas used by the children including the various outings that they participate in. When out of the house the children are given a card containing the childminder's details to keep in their pocket should they become separated from her and further promoting their welfare. The childminder also keeps the children's information with her as well as

p.4

provision

information about her being a registered childminder as it is important that if anything happens to her, people know that the children are in her care. The childminder's genuine aim to provide high quality care means that she continuously evaluates her practice. This is rigorous and includes reflective assessments, peer observations and the seeking of parents and children's views which include for example, 'Stop making it so much fun as the children wont go home in the evening'.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are consistently offered highly appropriate experiences that support them in making excellent progress in all areas of learning. The exceptional range of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child-initiated and adult-led activities ensures that their interests and knowledge are continually being extended. The childminder uses her extensive knowledge of children to adapt the activities and resources to ensure that all are fully included and their uniqueness catered for. For example, whilst playing with magic markers and colouring in pictures of a castle, the childminder asks the children 'What would you be if you lived in a castle?' Children reply that they would be princesses and ask the childminder is she has ever lived in a castle. She then extends the activity by discussing where the children live helping them learn their address. This activity

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

is later adapted for younger children as the childminder has purchased pictures of a smaller size ensuring that the results show more quickly keeping and stimulating the children's interest. All activities are clearly linked to the children's starting points, observations and assessments enabling the childminder to build on what the children know and plan for their continued development. For example, when children start to use the computer they learn to use the mouse competently before the activity is extended to follow links on the screen to get them to where they want to be. They also develop their ICT skills by taking pictures with a digital camera and showing the results to those present. Other children show an interest in, for example, playing with dolls. The childminder uses this to extend their creative and imaginative development by encouraging role play situations whilst also extending their language skills by interacting with them and talking about

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children enjoy an extensive range of stimulating activities because the childminder uses her imagination to plan thought provoking and purposeful topics and themes. Whilst looking at colours children read the three little pigs book to link with the colour pink also developing their language skills, during yellow week they visit some newly hatched chicks extending their knowledge and understanding of the natural world and when talking about orange they taste orange jelly experimenting with senses. They also plant orange seeds to see if they will grow and produce fruits for them to eat. Other themes covered include 'All about me' and 'the Seasons'. Children can also freely choose which resources to play with and are supported in their play by the childminder who uses all opportunities to extend their learning and play. When children decide to hold a birthday party for the childminder she enthusiastically joins in their game sitting

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

with them whilst they sing happy birthday to her and share out the imaginary birthday cake ensuring everyone is given some. She asks the children what age they are and all confidently reply with one stating that on their next birthday they will be three. However, they know the number of fingers they are holding up is incorrect as they say 'that's not three is it?' The childminder then helps them count to three and hold up the correct number of fingers building their confidence and self-esteem.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit greatly from the childminder's outstanding attitude to following their interests and ideas. When older children ask if they too can go for a trip on a train the childminder listens to their ideas and plans a visit to a bowling alley during the school holidays which they will access by going on the train. Children also have an extensive range of free flow activities enabling them to play both inside and outside. Whilst in the garden they develop their physical skills as they use the bats with balls and jump on the trampoline. They also learn where food comes from as they plant items such as corn on the cob and lettuce nurturing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them until they are good enough to eat. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment where all children forge good relationships and enjoy their time together. They are encouraged to be thoughtful of others as they, for example, are

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

reminded to wait their turn whilst playing the shopping list game. The childminder acts as a very positive role model praising their achievements and assisting them to make the right decisions. The children remind each other of the expectations by for example saying 'we don't say what we say pardon.'

p.6

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thrive in this secure environment. They take part in routines that promote their safety and that of others. They regularly practise the emergency fire drill and learn road safety and personal protection when out and about. They are aware of good hygiene practices because they are positively supported to regularly wash their hands counting to twenty to ensure all the germs are removed and use their own individual towels and flannels. Their understanding of healthy eating and good nutrition is actively promoted as their five portions of fruit and vegetables a day are included in the free range, organic meals and snacks provided. Their interest is further developed as they cook meals such as pizza making the dough base themselves and using the childminder's home made tomato and vegetables sauces as topping. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.7

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

p.7

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?

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8