Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303357 Inspection date 01 November 2005 Inspector Sharon Woodrow

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged 10 and 5 years. They live in a residential area of Bishops Stortford. The downstairs of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and she is currently minding two children up to eight years of age on a part time basis. There are two children on roll. During the inspection there were two minded children present. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle with the childminder. They understand simple health and hygiene practices and learn to take responsibility for daily personal care routines such as washing their hands before meals and after visiting the toilet. Children learn about healthy living through being offered healthy snacks, such as fruit. The childminder explains which foods will keep them healthy and she discusses children’s dietary needs with parents. Children enjoy home cooked meals promoting their nutritional growth and development. Children have daily opportunities to enjoy the benefits of physical exercise such as riding bikes to collect children at the local schools. They have access to a fully enclosed garden enabling them to run and play in the fresh air. In addition, they often visit parks after school and are taken to activity centres, particularly on rainy days. Children dance freely when they choose to,

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Helping children to be healthy

extending co-ordination skills. Children who need to rest during the day can lay on the sofa in the lounge, within hearing distance of the childminder and where they can be checked frequently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s safety is a high priority and the childminder has a proactive approach towards identifying and protecting children against any potential hazards. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe indoor and outdoor environment. Safety features such as socket covers and stair gate are in place and a good range of child height furniture ensures children play and learn in safety and comfort. Children have access to age appropriate, suitable and safe equipment. The childminder checks the play materials regularly and children learn to tidy away to keep their play space safe. The childminder discusses potential dangers with the children and they learn about personal safety whilst out and about on school runs or trips to the local park. The childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures which she shares with parents to ensure children remain protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder’s home. They are provided with a good range of resources and the childminder supports and extends their play. They enjoy imaginative play experiences, such as playing with dolls, pretending they are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 babies and dressing and putting them to bed. Children develop their confidence and self-esteem through being encouraged to make decisions about their play and taking responsibility for tasks, such as tidying up. Praise and affection and the way the childminder speaks warmly of the children’s achievements, ensures they feel valued and respected as individuals. The children develop good relationships with each other and the childminder. She listens attentively when the children talk to her and she develops their language skills by asking open-ended questions. Children regularly enjoy activities outside the home. They visit the local parks and play groups, where they can play together and develop their physical skills. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are encouraged to acquire new

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills. They often use numbers in their play and enjoy looking at pairs and matching with the childminder, extending their knowledge and experiences. The childminder is developing her knowledge of Birth to three matters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for according to their needs and with equal concern. The children gain a limited understanding of people from other cultures and with differing needs using resources such as a puzzle and books, however this needs extending. The childminder ensures that they are cared for in a way which promotes their development and wellbeing. She works in partnership with parents and ensures that all children are included. Children’s behaviour is good. They play harmoniously together and are encouraged to share. The strategies used by the childminder to manage behaviour take account of individual children’s ages and stages of development. Children are helped to understand right and wrong and they develop self-esteem and respect for others. Children benefit from the close partnership the childminder establishes with parents to meet their individual needs and ensure they are included fully in the life of the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

setting. She respects parent’s wishes and works with them to be consistent in such issues as behaviour management. Parents are given written and verbal feedback about their child’s day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Although she is aware of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework she is not currently using it in her childcare practice. Children are able to play, rest and eat in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The childminder’s organisation of both space and resources enables the children to move around freely and independently, choosing from the toys available.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Parents are kept well informed of the care provided for their children, although not all written agreements and documentation are in place regarding the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure contracts are in place • ensure children's arrival and departure times are recorded • provide a range of toys and equipment which promote equality of opportunity • develop knowledge and understanding of the "Birth to three matters framework".

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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