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 EY268914 Inspection date 14/07/2009 Inspector Jane Mount

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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 2003 and lives with his wife and one adult child in Shenley, Hertfordshire. The childminder's wife is also registered as a childminder and both childminders have equal responsibility for the childminding practice. All areas of the property are included in the registration although the ground floor of the childminder's home is mainly used for childminding purposes. Toilet facilities are situated on the ground floor and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a dog, six cats and two tanks of fish.

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Description of the childminding

Overnight care is not included in the registration and the childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, including three children in the early years age group when working alone. When working with another childminder he can care for a maximum of eight children under eight years including six children in the early years age range. In partnership with his wife, the childminder is currently caring for two children, both of whom are in the early years age range. The children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and a local childminding group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). He understands that every child is unique and effective partnerships with parents positively contributes to the childminder's knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs and supports their continued development. Children are safeguarded and their welfare needs are met through the childminder's sound practice and implementation of some highly effective policies and procedures. Children are making good progress in their learning as activities and play experiences are tailored to their individual developmental needs. Processes of self-evaluation to ensure continued improvement are in the early stages of development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further a quality improvement process such as self-evaluation, to monitor and extend effective practice and to ensure continued improvement.

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provision

The childminder is committed to fully implementing the EYFS and has a secure knowledge and understanding of the EYFS framework and this is reflected in his practice. He works in close partnership with his wife who is also a registered This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder and both childminders have equal responsibility for the childminding practice. Continuous professional development takes priority and the childminder has completed a varied range of early years courses and workshops to ensure his knowledge is kept up-to-date and he has plans to attend further training in the future. The childminder is, overall, aware of his key strengths and areas for further development with some monitoring in place to ensure the quality of the provision is good. For example, feedback is actively sought from parents through regular and effective communication. A self-evaluation process to ensure continued

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provision

improvement is in the early stages of development.

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provision

The childminder successfully organises his time and resources to ensure children's needs are fully met. For example, the environment in which children are cared for is safe, well organised and supportive. All children are fully included and are able to make independent choices. Children's safety is paramount and effective measures are taken to keep children safe. For example, written risk assessments detail potential hazards and how risks are minimised. This is further enhanced through ongoing visual assessments to ensure children are fully protected and remain safe at all times. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children's welfare and is clear on the procedures to follow to protect vulnerable children. For example, child protection publications are readily available and an informative safeguarding policy is in place which is shared with parents.

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provision

The childminder has informative policies and procedures in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting and to protect children and promote their well-being. Purposeful relationships with parents ensures children's care and learning needs are fully supported and children receive continuity in their care. Parents are provided with good quality information such as a portfolio and the policies and procedures used to underpin the running of the setting. Effective settling-in procedures ensure children are happy and secure and settle well. Daily verbal sharing of information with parents ensures children's needs are fully met. Parents are kept fully informed about their children's progress and the activities their children are involved in. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their children's learning and have ongoing access to their own child's developmental records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning is promoted through the childminder's secure knowledge and effective implementation of EYFS framework. Their progress is closely monitored through regular observation and assessment systems and the information gained from these is used to plan the next steps in a child's learning. The childminder has a secure knowledge of children's individual needs, personalities and learning preferences and uses the framework to plan a varied range of activities and play experiences for children which cover the six areas of learning. A dult-led and child- initiated activities are well balanced and encourage children to be active learners. Children are enthusiastic in their play as they enjoy and undertake a varied range of play experiences in a child-centred environment. Most resources are at child height and from an early age children are encouraged to make decisions and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

independent choices from a range of resources which are developmentally appropriate. The childminder promotes children's language and early communication skills through engaging them in conversation. For example, they enjoy singing 'happy birthday' when making birthday cakes with playdough or talk about the characters in books when reading stories. Children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills are encouraged through planned activities and everyday routines. For example, when blowing bubbles children enjoy counting how many they can catch or when children are playing with the shape sorter they discuss the different shapes. Children's physical development is promoted with impromptu music and movement sessions or visits to the park to play on the swings and slide. Children are able to express themselves creatively and regularly participate in a variety of different art and craft activities. For example, they enjoy

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

experimenting with different colours and textures when painting and develop a strong sense of belonging as some of their artwork is laminated and then displayed. The indoor and outdoor environments are used to their full potential. For example, children are encouraged to use their imaginations and enjoy taking their 'babies' for walks in buggies in the garden. The childminder promotes a positive awareness of diversity through a varied range of resources and activities which help children develop a positive attitude to others. Children learn about the environment and keenly participate in activities such as planting and growing sunflower seeds. Consequently, all children's learning needs are catered for and they are making good progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder implements some effective strategies to promote and safeguard the welfare of children. Children's health is protected as good hygiene practices are in place. For example, effective nappy changing procedures ensure the risk of cross-infection is minimised and children remain healthy. Through discussion children learn the importance of personal care routines, such as why they must wash their hands before eating. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious food choices. Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating. For example, through discussion children learn about the benefits of eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Children's safety is fully protected and children develop a good understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, when out walking they discuss road safety and at home younger children understand the safest way to negotiate the steps into the garden is to crawl down

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

them backwards. Clear emergency evacuation procedures are in place which are regularly practised with the children to ensure they know how to stay safe in an emergency. Children's behaviour is managed well. Positive behaviour is promoted and consistent praise and encouragement ensures children develop high levels of self-esteem. Children are respected as individuals and are learning to manage their own behaviour. For example, through discussion they are learning how to share and to take turns. 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? 2

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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?

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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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