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 EY319492 Inspection date 20/08/2009 Inspector Hilary Preece

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and almost five years in Bushey, close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is access to a secure garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding three children in this age group at different times. 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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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children make good progress in their learning and development, given their starting points, because procedures for observing, assessing and planning for individual needs are robust. Their welfare is supported effectively by well-established and well-understood procedures. The partnership with parents and other settings effectively contributes to ensuring children's needs are met well and information about most aspects of the provision is shared. The childminder has drive and determination to maintain continuous improvement but self-evaluation processes are not yet rigorous in monitoring and evaluating all areas of practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 involve parents in children's learning by providing opportunities for parents to review their children's progress regularly and contribute to their child's learning and development record  develop a rigorous system for monitoring the effectiveness of self-evaluation based on the EYFS framework and identify clear areas for improvement where they will have most impact.

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provision

A strong drive and ambition means the childminder has made good progress since her last inspection. She is committed to developing her skills and knowledge through training and using local community resources. This has a positive impact on the outcomes for children. The childminder increasingly reflects on her practice through self-evaluation which enables her to make plans for further improvements. However, self-evaluation is not consistently based on accurate monitoring and analysis of all aspects of the provision. This means assessment of the setting's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 strengths and weaknesses is not entirely accurate.

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provision

The childminder takes effective measures to safeguard children. She ensures the environment is secure and children become aware of their own safety. Efficient use of records and risk assessments support this. The childminder understands her role in safeguarding children and follows appropriate guidance in order to protect children's welfare. She maintains a current first aid certificate and has developed more effective systems to manage children's health needs and hygiene practices.

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provision

Partnerships with parents are robust. Good quality information is available to parents to ensure they understand the policies of the setting. Communication is encouraged and comprehensive daily journals are used to share information about children's daily care and progress. Further communication takes place between other settings that children attend so that continuity of care is provided for children and their development is supported. Parents comment particularly about the childminder's efficiency and her ability to promote healthy eating and positive behaviour.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Play areas in the home and garden are set out well to provide a bright, welcoming and well-equipped learning environment. Children help themselves easily to a wide range of toys and equipment and so become independent and confident in making decisions. They enjoy learning through play because the childminder makes activities fun and challenging. She interacts well with children to engage them in constructive thinking and problem-solving whilst doing puzzles. For instance, the children enjoy estimating how long they are as they stretch out on the floor to measure themselves, and all children are included in this in ways that are appropriate to their understanding. Language and communication is encouraged throughout children's play and a small white board is available for children to experiment with mark-making. Children express themselves through role play games and imaginative play using bricks and construction. Again, all children work

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

together to share their ideas as they build a castle and any conflicting ideas or upsets are managed well by the childminder. Consequently, children learn to show respect and tolerance for others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder monitors children's development through establishing what children's starting points are and observing and assessing them on a regular basis. Such observations are used well to highlight and plan for children's next steps. As a result, all children make good progress in their learning and development. Observations are discussed with other settings that children attend to plan consistently for individual children. However, observation and assessment records have not been made available to parents which means they are not fully involved in supporting their children's learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Routines that support children's understanding of safe behaviour and good health are well rehearsed. Children know, for example, to take off their outside shoes and put them neatly away and to take their turn to wash their hands before eating. They move around the home safely and understand why stair gates must be kept This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 closed. They become aware of road safety by playing traffic light games in the garden to reinforce what happens on outings. A nutritious range of snacks and meals provides children with a balanced diet and opportunities to explore the taste of new fruits and vegetables. Children's good health is further promoted by taking plenty of regular exercise in the garden or in the local community. They develop well-controlled movement through practising climbing skills, pedalling wheeled toys and playing ball games. Children are aware of the importance of drinking plenty of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

fluids when hot and after exercise as they automatically help themselves to their drinking cups that are easily accessible at all times. Polite manners and respectful behaviour during play and mealtimes are established early on so that children develop important social skills and habits for the future. 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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