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 EY244777 Inspection date 28/05/2009 Inspector Susan Tuffnell

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 was registered in 2003. He lives with his wife, who works alongside him as a registered childminder on the same premises, and their three children aged eleven, nine and seven. The family live in a residential area of St Albans, Hertfordshire. The whole of the bungalow is used for childminding purposes, except the main bedroom which is kept locked during the day. There is a large conservatory which is used as a playroom and a fully enclosed secure rear garden. The premises are accessible with a ramp at the side entrance.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care every weekday during term time and school holidays. He is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. He is registered to care for three children on the Early Years Register and currently six children attend on part-time and flexible contracts. The childminder currently provides care for five children on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (CCR) and two children attend on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register (VCR). All the children share the same facilities.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and works in partnership with parents, carers and other professional. He is a National Childminding Association accredited childminder and is approved by the Children's Schools and Families (CSF) as a community childminder. He supports children with special educational needs and children with English as an additional language and holds a recognised qualification in childcare and education. The childminder is a member of the NCMA Support Childminder Group and supports newly registered childminders. He is casually employed by the NCMA to tutor in the Diploma in Home Based Childcare previously known as Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP). The bungalow is within easy walking distance to local parks, schools and shops.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder offers a safe, secure and welcoming environment that supports children effectively in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are highly valued at the setting and excellent attention is shown to their individual needs. Equality, inclusion, and the diversity of individuals and communities are valued and respected. Excellent work is carried out by the childminder to forge close links with parents and carers. The childminder has developed secure relationships with other professionals to ensure that the individual needs of children are continuously met. The childminder has started the self-evaluation process and has prioritised plans for the future. He continues to reflect and assess all aspects of his practice.

p.3

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 should consider:

p.3

further?

 ensuring that information about children's starting points is collected from parents and carers to inform planning for each individual child  ensuring that children's identified learning needs are carried forward, implemented into future planning and evaluated to give a clear picture of progress.

p.4

provision

The childminder's knowledge, experience and enthusiasm ensure that all aspects of the provision are well led. The implementation of comprehensive policies, procedures and records support the safe and efficient management of the setting and ensure that the needs of all the children are met. The childminder has identified some priorities for improvement in his self-evaluation and has clear procedures in place for monitoring and evaluating his practice. He shows an outstanding attitude to his own training and development which has led to a rich and varied educational experience for the children. Robust safeguarding procedures are consistently implemented to ensure that children are protected.

p.4

provision

The childminder provides a truly inclusive service that promotes children's welfare requirements well. He understands and engages in reflective practice, respecting diversity and valuing a child as a unique individual. Consequently, inclusive practice is promoted so that all children have their welfare requirements met very well. The close partnership with parents contributes significantly to ensuring that the needs of all the children are met and parents are extremely complimentary about the individual service given to their children. Making links with the school about the children's development and care enables the childminder to support children at the setting and help raise their confidence with the transition to school.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are offered a stimulating and interesting educational programme to support them in making excellent progress in their learning and development. The highly individual and flexible approach to planning ensures that children are valued and their interests and needs are always included. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child development and offers the children regular exciting opportunities such as park visits, nature walks and bike rides to encourage their interest in the natural world and the local environment. Children settle well and build secure relationships with others, because of the flexible settling-in arrangements. Observations and assessments are carried out by the childminder. However, the identification of children's starting points is not secure enough to inform planning and their identified learning needs are not carried forward or implemented into future planning to give a clear picture of progress.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The inspirational environment and good quality resources promote children's progression towards the early learning goals. Bright posters and excellent sign language information are displayed in the playroom and the childminder involves This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the children in a game to practise the hand signs and learn to communicate this way with others. Children's art and craft work is acknowledged and valued with nice displays in the playroom. Children are happy and sociable. They seek out friends and play co-operatively together, taking roles and sharing resources. They are self-motivated and have a good level of independence. For example, they serve themselves at snack time, are confident in toileting, choose resources freely and instigate play. Warm, trusting relationships with the childminder ensure that all the children are valued as unique individuals, supported well and their needs

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a very safe, secure environment because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of this area. A thorough risk assessment which covers all areas of the home, garden and outings has been completed. Children are beginning to understand about taking care of themselves and others as they practise regular fire drills and road safety. The childminder has an excellent understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and all relevant information and contact details are in place. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

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? 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?

p.6

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.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7