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 EY232890 Inspection date 12/05/2009 Inspector Kelly Eyre

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 2002. She lives with her husband in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a first floor bedroom for children requiring undisturbed rest. Children have access to the fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The property is accessed by several steps and facilities are located on the first floor.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

Children on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register share the same facilities as those on the Early Years Register. There are currently six children on roll, three of whom are in the early years age range.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's ongoing support to children ensures that they are included and benefit from the activities offered. The confident, flexible approach to daily activity planning is a key strength, meaning that children's interests and current developmental needs are reflected within the activities and play opportunities. The childminder has a positive attitude to self- evaluation and has a clear picture of her strengths and weaknesses. She develops plans to continue to improve children's daily experiences and ensure that her service remains responsive to their needs.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further the assessment and planning procedures to show the next developmental steps for children and how these are fed into daily planning.

p.3

provision

The childminder regularly updates her knowledge relating to safeguarding children and implements thorough policies to ensure that children are protected and their welfare is promoted. She carries out thorough risk assessments of her home and outings to make sure that hazards to children are minimised or removed and they are therefore able to move around freely and safely. Ongoing explanations and good daily practice promote children's understanding of safety issues. For example, children understand how to call the emergency services if needed.

p.3

provision

The childminder has developed clear procedures to support the ongoing evaluation and development of her practice. She attends additional training and actively seeks This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 feedback from parents to help her review her work and identify areas for improvement. She utilises this information to develop clear plans for the future, leading to the potential to improve outcomes for children. Recent changes have included the introduction of daily diaries so that parents are fully informed of their child's activities and progress.

p.3

provision

The childminder maintains good relationships with parents and carers and there is therefore an efficient exchange of information, helping to ensure that children are offered appropriate and consistent care. The childminder has clear plans in place to support her in liaising with the local pre-school and thereby ensures that she can offer support to children and provide activities to complement those of the setting.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children participate in a varied range of activities that support them in making good progress in all areas of learning. Their independence is promoted because the childminder is confident in enabling children to determine their own play, providing appropriate support whenever needed. Activities are planned according to children's current interests and developmental needs, based on the childminder's observations of them and her knowledge of child development. This ensures that their individual needs are documented and they are offered appropriate activities. However, the assessment and planning process is not fully utilised to maximise children's learning as it does not include a consistent procedure for feeding the next developmental steps into daily planning.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to explore and are gaining a good appreciation and understanding of the environment. They enjoy growing flowers and searching in the garden for bugs and mini-beasts. They are encouraged to be active learners, think critically and solve simple problems. For example, they count the number of children present and work out how many places to set at the table. Their understanding is further promoted as the childminder utilises daily routines and opportunities to introduce simple mathematical concepts, such as cutting toast in half and then into quarters.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The accessible resources and stimulating environment inspire children to explore and extend their understanding. For example, the numerous colourful posters and displays extend children's knowledge of subjects such as healthy eating, the effects of exercise and letter and number recognition. Their learning is further extended and their enjoyment enhanced because the childminder thoughtfully provides additional resources to meet their needs and make learning fun. For example, children access puppets and books that enable them to act out favourite stories and nursery rhymes.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well supported because the childminder is vigilant, allowing children time to explore and intervening appropriately to extend their play and learning. For example, young children explore the interactive activity centre before the childminder demonstrates how to activate the music; children laugh and giggle and repeat this. The childminder's good planning and organisation mean that children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are offered regular opportunities to socialise with their peers and participate in a range of activities, for example, through their regular attendance at toddler groups and a support group for childminders. The good forward-planning means that children are offered additional activities. They enjoy regular visits to the soft play centre, wildlife parks and local places of interest.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Their understanding and awareness are increased because the childminder makes good use of resources. Their awareness of individuality and differences is promoted for example, as they access books about feelings, cultures, gender and ability. Their knowledge of the relevance of healthy lifestyles is promoted as they discuss healthy eating, participate in associated activities and explore interactive books. 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? 2 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? 2

p.6

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?

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