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 EY284548 Inspection date 16/07/2009 Inspector Susan Ennis

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged eight and 16, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor toilet, are used for childminding. There is level access to the premises. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has made links with the local pre-school and collects children from the local schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a secure, safe and enjoyable environment whilst supporting children effectively in their play and development. However, a breach of a specific requirement in relation to ratios of adults to children has been made unintentionally. Children's welfare is positively promoted as the childminder builds trusting relationships with parents, carers and others involved in the children's lives to ensure their individual needs are met. Children make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder's flexible approach to planning ensures that children's interests are promoted and that they enjoy their time with her. The childminder takes positive steps to evaluate her practice and is consequently able to make changes to improve the daily care and experiences she offers the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve further the use of observations, assessments and planning to progress children's development and next steps of learning  ensure that the complaints procedure includes the regulator's up to date contact details  ensure that the fire blanket is correctly positioned in the kitchen.

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provision

The childminder has a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures in place to ensure the children are well-protected at all times. For example, she has a concise child protection policy and has all the relevant contact numbers for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 concerns. However, during the inspection visit the childminder was found to be caring for more children than their condition of registration allows. This is an offence unless the provider gives a reasonable excuse. On this occasion the provider did so and Ofsted does not intend to take further action, as this was found to be an unintentional oversight and has since been rectified. This breach is reflected in the judgments. Children move around the premises easily and freely because the childminder takes effective steps, such as, daily safety checks and regular risk assessments to minimise the hazards. However, as the fire blanket is

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provision

not correctly positioned in the kitchen, children's safety is potentially affected. The childminder also ensures children's welfare is well-protected whilst on outings. For example, all the children wear wrist straps containing the childminder's contact number in case they become separated from her.

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provision

The childminder has implemented effective systems to improve her practice, such as, reflective plans, completing the self-evaluation form before inspection and attending further training to refresh and update her knowledge. She demonstrates an awareness of her strengths and has action plans for further improvement, such as, offering parents regular consultations to discuss their child's progress and therefore involve them more in their child's learning.

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provision

The children's individual development is very well-promoted because the childminder has practical procedures in place to monitor and evaluate their learning and progress. A professional and trusting relationship with parents ensures that all relevant information is shared and this is positively reflected in parent comments, such as 'I would highly recommend you for a childminder to another parent, your always happy and cheerful'. An effective range of policies ensures that parents are fully informed about the childminder's procedures and working ethos. However, as the complaints procedure does not contain the up-to- date contact details for the regulator parents are potentially delayed in reporting any written concerns.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are consistently offered a wide range of opportunities that support them in making good progress in their learning and development. The planning of activities is well-organised and flexible providing children with a good range of interesting opportunities to enjoy. The childminder uses information gained from observation and assessment to record children's starting points and their progression. However, as this information and children's realistic next steps are not always used to feed into the planning of activities, children's development is not optimally promoted.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that there is a good balance of adult-led and child- initiated activities. These are also flexible enabling the children to freely choose what they would like to do. They are well-supported in their play, whilst the childminder uses the learning opportunities to extend their progress. For example, when children choose to play with the toy garage and cars the childminder develops their language by describing how some of the cars are going round and round and others up and down. She then encourages their further thinking by This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 asking what colours the cars are and what noise does a car horn make. Children happily respond by making a 'beep beep' noise and giving the childminder a big thumbs up with a cheeky smile. The childminder later consolidates on the language used by singing round and round the garden reminding the children that

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

her finger is going round like the wheels on car.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing their understanding of the world around them as they, for example, visit the local park, library and museum. They also learn to interact with their peers and experience an extended range of activities as they regularly attend toddler and other age-appropriate groups. Their knowledge of construction is developing as they, for example, build towers with blocks and use the work bench and tools. They are praised for their good team work, as they cooperate with each other at the work bench and are sensitively reminded to share when they become rather over-protective of the hammer. The childminder acts as a positive role model and encourages all children to take turns and be kind to each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and welfare is effectively promoted as the childminder takes positive steps to minimise the spread of infection and provide the children with a well-balanced diet. They eat a variety of fruit for snack, also building their independence skills as they peel and cut up their own bananas. The use of good manners is also actively encouraged with tactful reminders being given if they momentarily forget. Overall, the childminder effectively plans and organises their systems to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that is tailored to meet 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? 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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