Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY233635 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Marie Tyler

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and nine years in a house in Welwyn Garden City. All of the property is used for childminding, except one bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children. She is currently minding four children under eight years on a part-time basis.

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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 drives or walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends playgroups on a regular basis and helps to lead one local playgroup. She takes children swimming, to the park and to the library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She achieved Hertfordshire Quality Standards accreditation in 2004.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their healthy physical development. They walk to school and play outdoors in the garden or local park each day. They are cared for in a comfortable home where they learn about hygiene and personal care as they follow established routines, washing their hands after going to the toilet or playing in the garden and before they eat. They demonstrate their understanding of good hygiene when they talk about washing their hands before sitting at the table to eat lunch or when they help to wash yogurt pots before making a junk model. The childminder’s healthy home-cooked meals and snacks encourage children to develop an understanding of the importance of a healthy diet. A weekly menu gives parents useful information about meals. Children learn where some foods come from when they pick cherries from the tree in the garden and help to look after the

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Helping children to be healthy

strawberry plants. They are aware of their own needs, helping themselves to drinks when they are thirsty and asking to go to the toilet. The childminder’s health and safety policy fully explains the good practice which promotes children’s health and she has devised menus to show how she meets children's nutritional and physical needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a warm, friendly environment where they have space to play and explore in safety. They develop increasing independence and begin to take responsibility for their own safety as they freely move around the premises. Children develop confidence and make decisions for themselves as they choose from the exciting range of well maintained toys and equipment. The childminder is vigilant about children’s safety. However, some large items stored in the garden and in the side passage could pose a potential risk to children. Children learn about keeping themselves safe when the childminder explains why they should not run into the road. They know they must wear fluorescent waistcoats for the walk to school and stop at the kerb to check it is safe before crossing the road. They demonstrate an understanding of safety when they proudly explain how to use a hammer and demonstrate careful attention to safety when they cut with

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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 scissors. The childminder pays close attention to safety when she takes children on outings. She has prepared laminated cards which contain all the essential information for each child and she explains necessary safety rules to the children before they go out. In addition, she always organises joint trips with other childminders so that there is more than one adult in the event of an emergency. The childminder’s sound understanding of her responsibility to protect the children in her care safeguards children’s welfare. She has undertaken relevant training in child protection and she gives high priority to children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy an extensive range of activities which contribute to their development. They learn through play with the comprehensive range of accessible resources and equipment. They set up roadways, organise the different vehicles and are absorbed in purposeful imaginative play as they carefully use the crane or digger to transport or rescue another vehicle. Children begin to develop counting skills in everyday activities when they count the number of straws needed for a model or tell the childminder how many grapes are on their plate. They recognise colours and can identify some letters. The childminder encourages children to solve problems. When they decide to build a boat they discuss what materials will be suitable. Children enjoy the project, offering ideas for discussion and testing theories about what will float in the water tray. They are delighted when the boat floats and surprised when a gust of wind makes it move

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

quickly. This unexpected development leads them to explore how to make it move faster and then they finally decide to find out what will make it sink. Children are stimulated by the challenge to develop purposeful solutions to practical problems and delighted when they are successful. Children develop physical dexterity as they carefully cut cardboard, sellotape, yogurt cartons and straws to construct a boat. They have opportunities to develop physical skills when they walk to school and the park, play in the garden or ride the bikes. They are happy, secure and confident, making independent choices when they set up the roadway and choose the vehicles they want to use, ask for help to make a boat or when they choose a favourite book. Children’s play, learning and overall development is ably extended and supported by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of the wider world through regular outings in the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 local community and their attendance at playgroup or school. They develop an awareness of diversity and an understanding of others through the good range of activities and resources which promote a positive outlook on the world. The childminder helps to organise activities to promote cultural awareness for the playgroup. Children benefit from her very positive interest in cultural diversity and she provides a knowledgeable example for children. Children develop self confidence as they make choices and test their abilities under the childminder’s capable supervision. She accepts and values children as individuals. She is careful to respect family preferences and individual needs. The childminder efficiently records information about each child and carefully plans activities to include everyone. Children with special needs are valued, respected and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

included in everyday activities. Children behave very well and are polite and thoughtful, helping to tidy up or wash the yogurt pots. They show care and concern for each other, sharing experiences and ideas as they talk about playgroup while they eat lunch. Children respond to the childminder’s positive, effective, clear and consistent strategies to manage their behaviour. They understand expectations and are confident to ask for what they require. The childminder recognises, praises and encourages children’s efforts and achievements. The childminder has established an excellent professional relationship with parents which strongly promotes children’s confidence and helps children to feel secure in her home. Discussions, useful information about the provision and written records support the good communication which keeps parents well informed about their children’s activities and progress. The regular exchange of information with parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

contributes to children's health, safety and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming environment. They demonstrate confidence, growing independence and developing skills. They have time and opportunity for energetic play or simply to rest and have a cuddle. Children initiate their own play and explore readily accessible toys and resources, developing confidence and self-esteem as they become more independent. They are secure and comfortable. They follow established routines for play, meals and rest which support their development and well-being. The childminder is committed to keeping her knowledge up to date and has attended various training courses. This has increased her knowledge and skills and she clearly understands how to relate her written policies to her professional practice. Sensible safety precautions and well maintained records which contribute to appropriate care for each child promote children’s welfare. Information exchanged in regular informal

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Organisation

discussions with parents helps the childminder to provide care which meets children's varied needs. The practice observed at this inspection effectively supports children’s care and

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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 development. Competently maintained records keep parents well informed about the provision for their children. The childminder provides good care for children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendations from the last inspection advised the childminder to promote equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice by providing suitable activities and resources and to improve fire safety by making sure the smoke alarm is in working order. The childminder has obtained a suitable range of resources and developed activities to support anti-discriminatory practice and she has improved fire safety by making sure the smoke alarm is in working order.

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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): • make hazards in the garden safe or inaccessible with reference to items stored in the side area and at the top of the garden

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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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