Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307719 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Karen Molloy

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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 good. 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged 11 and 9 years in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and the main upstairs bedroom is used for children that need to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. The childminder is within walking distance of local amenities and she regularly attends a nearby childminding group. The family have two rabbits, a cat and fish.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet. They enjoy a range of freshly cooked foods with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Healthy snacks include whole wheat biscuits and a variety of fruit. Drinks are offered frequently; water and milk for younger children and additional squash or juice for older children. Children's independence is encouraged as they are able to choose from a selection of coloured crockery at meal times. Children's individual needs are managed well, younger children are helped to progress from mashed food to finger foods and older children are given some food choices. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents and any specific dietary requirements are taken into account when planning meals. A nutritional policy that supports the good practice is in place and shared with parents. Children are cared for in a warm and comfortable home where they are beginning to

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Helping children to be healthy

learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They wash their hands before cooking, after using the toilet and at mealtimes. They learn food safety practices such as not licking the spoon whilst cooking. Children can easily access tissues and wipes if they need to. Children stay healthy as the childminder follows appropriate procedures such as regular hand washing, disposing of nappies and sterilising babies bottles. Young children have their own crockery and all children have individual bedding that is regularly changed. Toys are kept clean and well maintained. Children are able to attend if slightly unwell but not if they have any infectious illnesses. All the relevant documentation regarding medication is in place. Children enjoy a range of physical activities which contribute to their good health and help develop their physical skills. They make good use of the garden with its trampoline, see saw and sandpit. Children take regular walks to a nearby park and

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Helping children to be healthy

use hazelnut shells to make boats to take to a small river. Indoors, children are active too as they sing and dance and play energetic games. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. They may sleep undisturbed in a travel cot upstairs or rest on the sofa and have a quiet time, looking at books or watching television.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where any risks are identified and addressed. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and with some independence. Appropriate safety precautions are in place such as a fire guard, radiators on a low heat, sockets covered and dangerous materials that are inaccessible. Particular attention is paid to fire safety. A recent fire officers visit organised by the childminder ensures she has up to date safety advice which she

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 has acknowledged and put in place. Fire alarms are regularly checked and a fire safety statement supports the good practice. Children are kept safe whilst out and about. In the garden, back doors are locked and safety glass is used for the summer house. Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe as they are supported and monitored using the steps. During outings, children learn about road safety and listen to clear instructions from the childminder as they hold onto the buggy and cross safely. When travelling in the car, appropriate car seats are used and a First Aid box is carried. Children independently select resources from a range of safe and suitable equipment. Toys are kept clean and well maintained. An outdoor playroom with low storage enables children to have easy access to resources. Small equipment such as

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

beads are kept safe and used with older children when younger children have a sleep. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Children are cared for by a childminder who understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. All the relevant documentation is in place with the addition of a child protection policy. The childminder recently completed child protection training and holds a current First Aid qualification.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They have the opportunity to play, relax and enjoy various activities at their own pace. Children form positive relationships with the childminder and they interact in a friendly and relaxed manner. As a child returns from nursery, they chat about the mornings events and what they will do next. Children are confident to ask questions, recall events and respond well to guidance. Children are listened to and the childminder is on hand to reassure and support them whenever necessary. Children's confidence and self-esteem is fostered as they are given responsibilities which they really enjoy, such as caring and feeding for the animals. Children show interest in what they do. They play happily with vehicles, moving them back and forth and are helped to complete a puzzle. A young child is captivated as the childminder reads a story enthusiastically. Children acquire new skills as they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learn to cook and be creative. They decorate baskets and take their baked biscuits home in them. Children are able to experience and explore paint, glitter, make necklaces, crowns and fluffy animals. As this is something the children enjoy, the childminder organises a creative activity each day. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is keen to develop her knowledge in this area. Children take part in a variety of play opportunities and activities to support their all round development. They participate in imaginative games, make play dough, play nursery songs, read/look at books and explore different resources, such as shells from Kenya. Children have the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the wider community as they visit a local childminding group, the fire station, go out for lunch,

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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 feed the squirrels and visit the horses in the paddock. Children have their individual needs met as the childminder takes her lead from them. Their particular needs or mood are taken into consideration when organising the day, such as being sensitive to children that have just started. Although there is a daily routine that is shared with parents, this is flexible according to the needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals. Their differing needs, routines or mood is recognised and responded to sensitively. Children learn to be caring and considerate to others and a policy supports this. Children have access to resources depicting different cultures including dolls, African musical instruments and many books. Therefore children are beginning to develop an awareness of others which the childminder hopes to extend by celebrating other festivals. Children with any additional needs are supported and fully included in the setting. Children understand responsible behaviour. They are happy and play well. Children are aware of the boundaries and even a very young child will shake their head if the childminder says 'no'! Children are praised for good behaviour and any 'bad' behaviour is ignored where possible. As they become aware of the boundaries, they often share these with each other. Children are encouraged to talk about something

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and not shout. They are taught good manners and explanations given to them when necessary. The behaviour policy encourages children's self confidence and self reliance. Their attempts to behave well are both acknowledged and praised. Children are cared for by a childminder who works in partnership with parents to meet individual needs. Effective communication enables both parties to discuss and share information. The children's day is recorded in a communications book and details of food, sleep and activities. Parents have the opportunity to talk at the beginning and end of the day and after six weeks, a time is made to review the childminding arrangement and check parents are happy. Children are settled in according to their needs and usually quite gradually. Their individual needs are catered for as parents are asked for information about their routine, likes, dislikes and comforters. Existing children will show new children around

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the home. Feedback from parents is very positive and includes comments on the outstanding level of care, the childminder as a warm and kind person, genuine interest in working with children, knows their child enjoys the time and a 'happy, warm and safe environment with lots of opportunities for child initiated play'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by a childminder who has a high regard for

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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 the well being of children. She has completed various courses including food hygiene, first aid, and child protection and is keen to develop her knowledge and understanding in other areas of child development. The adult to child ratio positively supports children's care, learning and play and each child is observed receiving one to one care and attention. Good organisation means children's food is prepared in advance and enables the childminder to spend time playing with the children. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder takes the lead from their moods and needs and adjusts the routine accordingly. All the relevant documentation is in place. The childminder also has a file of information including policies and procedures that supports the practice, to promote

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Organisation

children's health, safety and enjoyment. This is shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 good. 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): • further enhance the good practice by developing knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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 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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