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 EY303357 Inspection date 23/06/2009 Inspector Lynn Clements

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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 five children at any one time. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age group, on a part-time basis. The childminder is also registered to care for children on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the General Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her partner and two children. They live in a residential area of Bishop's Stortford. 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 is conscientious in meeting the needs of all children by recognising their uniqueness, in addition, she reflects on her practice and has addressed recommendations raised at her last inspection in order to provide positive outcomes. All children are supported so that no group or individual is disadvantaged and the childminder works closely with parents, carers and the other settings the children attend, in order to provide excellent continuity of care. Children are enabled by the childminder to make good progress in their learning and development, however, there is a minor weakness with regard to the current planning systems. Clear and effective systems are in place to ensure that children's welfare is protected and promoted at all times.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the current planning systems to consistently include children's identified next steps in learning, also ensure that identified activities are clearly differentiated to show how they can be adapted to effectively challenge children towards the six early learning goals.

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provision

The childminder has effective policies and procedures in place, which are shared with parents and carers and implemented in practice in order to promote the smooth running of her setting and support the children in her care. All required documentation is in place and children's records are regularly updated to meet their changing needs. The childminder respects confidentiality and ensures that all records are securely stored. She clearly understands the importance of criminal record bureau checks to protect children. All persons in the household, over 16 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 years of age have under gone relevant checks. Visitor identification is checked and they are never left unsupervised with the children. There are clear systems in place for the safe arrival and collection of children, which ensures that they only leave the childminder's care with authorised adults.

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provision

The organisation of the play-space contributes to the children's independence and enables them to make decisions. They choose for themselves from the attractive resources and meaningful activities that are provided by the childminder each day. There is plenty of space for them to play indoors or outside and the childminder has an extremely good understanding about the benefits of free-flow play outside and supporting children to develop healthy lifestyles. Toys and equipment are well- organised and set out at child-height in the play room and outside, so that children can easily access them. In addition, the childminder has organised shelving units in her garage, where further equipment and resources are stored, enabling her to rotate resources and provide a variety which stimulates children's interest and supports them to become active, inquisitive learners. Safety is paramount and she has clear systems in place to safeguard children with regard to child protection. In

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provision

addition, comprehensive and clear risk assessments of all child accessible areas, activities and outings are in place to protect children from potential hazards. The childminder has completed paediatric first aid, which enables her to provide appropriate care to children, in the event of an accident or emergency. Clear procedures, such as nappy changing, health and hygiene and food safety are all implemented in practice by the childminder to limit cross contamination and the spread of infection.

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provision

The childminder is not currently caring for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, however, she does have previous experience and procedures in place to support families and work with other professionals as required, to provide appropriate support to meet children's individual needs. She also ensures that there is no bias in her practice in relation to gender, race or disability and would challenge any issues arising in these areas, with discussion. The childminder strives to provide an inclusive environment. All recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed and the childminder has become extremely proactive in her provision, reflecting on her practice and implementing changes to make it flexible for working parents and carers and a fulfilling experience for the children and their families, through the use of open discussions and questionnaires, so that all parties

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provision

are actively sharing ideas and working together.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has recently undertaken and completed training in order to support children's progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage. She makes regular observations of the children as they learn through play and investigation, both inside, outside and whilst out and about on trips or local visits. This information is collated in 'Learning Journeys' and the next steps for learning are identified using the EYFS guidance. This information is then used by the childminder to inform planning, enabling her to provide learning experiences which build on what the children enjoy, know and can do, so they make good progress. However, current planning does not include all children's next steps for learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and is not consistently differentiated to ensure that activities are adapted to provide challenge and ensure that future progress towards the six early learning

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

goals remains secure. The childminder has created a clear framework within her provision with regard to partnership working, liaising with the children, parents, carers and other provisions the children attend, this sharing of information and open communication enables her to support and provide future learning opportunities based on a whole child approach. Children are encouraged to move around freely, making their own selections and building on their developing independence. The childminder listens to them, taking time to discover their interests and provide learning experiences and fun activities to make learning exciting and interesting to each individual child. Children respond to this approach and behaviour is excellent, as they are listened to, respected, praised and encouraged to try things out and share their ideas without fear of failure. On occasions, the childminder organises one-to-one care, for example, swimming

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

which is arranged by the childminder and enjoyed by the children on a one-to-one ratio providing them with individual support and attention.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children's developing communication skills, using intonation and facial gestures and simple sign language as the youngest children begin to make their needs known. Children learn to develop their coordination as they use wheeled toys, negotiating pathways and learning how things can move forwards and backwards. They develop spatial awareness as they move around safely both inside and outside. The childminder also encourages them to learn about keeping safe, for example, learning about road safety and stranger danger whilst out and about, or how to use apparatus safely when playing in the garden or local park. Trips out and about provide the ideal opportunity for children to learn about the world on their door step and the similarities and differences of others. They use their imagination whilst playing make believe games and enjoy investigating the different sounds made by battery operated toys, or have fun

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

whilst making their own sounds during small world play, as they become revving cars or whistling trains.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are supported extremely well to learn about healthy lifestyles, learning about foods which are good for you and the importance of daily exercise. Menus are in place and shared with parents and carers, this ensures that children's individual dietary needs are met. In addition the childminder encourages children to try new foods, helping them to develop and learn about their personal tastes, in relation to likes or dislikes. Time is planned exceptionally well every day, to ensure that children get out and about. Children learn about healthy eating and the importance of good personal hygiene. They have access to drinking water at all times so that no one is thirsty. Excellent attention to organisation enables children to rest or be active according to their individual needs. 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? 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

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