Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY318692 Inspection date 19/11/2009 Inspector Jo Rowley

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and four children, aged seven, two aged 11 and one of 13 in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a cat and a giant African land snail.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care on each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of three children in the early years age range and is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years and there are currently eight children, on a part-time basis, on roll in this age group. This provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Children on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register share the same facilities as those on the Early Years Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has developed excellent links with parents and carers, regularly exchanging information about the children, which therefore enables the childminder to have a thorough knowledge of each child's interests and needs. She uses this knowledge, and her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, to provide a wide range of activities and experiences that support the promotion of children's individual learning and development. The childminder regularly reviews her work and has effective self-evaluation procedures in place, enabling her to build a clear picture of her practice and carry out improvements where required. Therefore, she provides a service which is responsive to the needs of children and their families.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide more regular opportunities for children to make independent choices about their play.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is well-promoted because the childminder has an effective understanding of her role and responsibility relating to safeguarding children. This is further supported by a written procedure and additional training which the childminder has completed, enabling her to identify any child who may be at risk and take appropriate action. Meaningful risk assessments and daily checks ensure that hazards, both inside the home and on outings, are minimised and therefore This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's safety is promoted. Children are building up a good understanding of how to keep themselves, and others, safe as they regularly practise the fire escape plan, which is displayed for all to see, and they have recently taken part in a fire safety topic.

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the early years provision

The childminder's excellent understanding of equality and diversity supports her in providing a service which is inclusive to all children and their families. She works closely with parents and carers to ensure that she fully understands each child's background and particular individual needs. To further develop children's understanding of recognising differences they have recently enjoyed taking part in a topic called 'I am special'. The children had opportunities to celebrate each others cultural and religious differences. The childminder encouraged children to try different foods from various cultures, dress in traditional costume and learn to count numbers from one to 10 in a different language. The strong bond that the childminder has built with the children's parents is demonstrated by how effectively they helped with this topic. Parents fully supported their children by making various foods for them to try and brought in jewellery and costumes to show the

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the early years provision

children. Therefore, children's knowledge and understanding of diversity is fully promoted.

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the early years provision

The childminder's procedure for self-evaluation is regularly reviewed and updated. Improvements are prioritised to ensure that children's welfare and development are promoted. For example, the childminder has updated her training of first aid and safeguarding children. She demonstrates a genuine pleasure in her work and is committed to improving outcomes for children. Children's views are taken in to consideration and their contributions are valued. An example of this is where the childminder asked children to complete questionnaires about her practice. Children stated that they were very happy at the childminder's house and suggested other resources, which have now been purchased.

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and outcomes for children

Children make very good progress in all areas of learning and are supported in their learning because the childminder has a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She implements appropriate procedures for assessing children, using this information to inform weekly planning, and provides relevant activities to promote children's individual development. Topic planning and observations are completed in full and together they enable the childminder to provide interesting opportunities to extend children's learning. Children's behaviour demonstrates that they feel safe and secure. They confidently play alone, together or with the childminder. However, they have limited opportunities to make independent choices about their play, as some resources are not easily accessible.

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and outcomes for children

Children's development is promoted because the childminder joins in with their play, encouraging them to explore and she strives to extend their learning. An example of this is where one child shows an interest in the musical instruments. The childminder fully supports the child and encourages them to touch and feel the instruments to see which noises they make. The child responds to the different This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 noises by laughing and confidently plays with the instruments themself as the child is praised by the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children's emotional development is promoted as they develop trusting relationships with the childminder. The boundaries and ongoing explanations she gives about behaviour further promote their feelings of security. Children have a good understanding of appropriate behaviour as, together with the childminder, they have produced some 'golden rules'. Children decided what they felt was important to them and discussed what rules they wanted to have in place. Being kind to each other and sharing resources were two of the rules they decided on.

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and outcomes for children

Children's sense of belonging is fully promoted and they have regular opportunities to share information about their families with each other. For example, with the childminder's support they have each made a 'special people' booklet. The booklets are decorated with photographs of their family, friends and special pets. Children's self-esteem and confidence are encouraged as, for example, they make biscuits for the 'Children in Need' fundraising event. Children of all ages and stages are included in this activity and younger children are encouraged and fully supported by the childminder as well as the older, more able children helping them with ingredients and stirring the mixture.

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and outcomes for children

Children's awareness of the environment and appreciation of nature is enhanced as they go for 'welly walks' in nearby areas. Whilst on these walks, they talk about the seasons and changes to the weather, as well as learning about the dangers they come across. For example, finding a fallen tree or a large area of water gives opportunities for them to talk about keeping themselves safe. Children have a good understanding of the relevance of good hygiene practices. They wash their hands before snacks and meals and use paper towels to avoid cross contamination. There are posters displayed which demonstrate clear hygiene procedures and children sing a song together whilst washing their hands, making their learning more enjoyable. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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