Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225617 Inspection date 28 September 2005 Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones

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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 outstanding. 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 registered in January 2003. She works in close partnership with her husband who is also a registered childminder. They live in a detached bungalow in a cul-de-sac in St Albans, Hertfordshire and have three children of their own aged eight, five and three years. The whole of the bungalow is used for childminding purposes, except the main bedroom which is kept locked during the day. There is a large conservatory which is used as a playroom. This leads into a secure back garden for the children's outdoor play. The bungalow is in easy walking distance to local parks, schools and shops.

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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 registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. Eighteen children are currently on roll and minded at various times throughout the week. The childminder has completed the introduction to childminding practice course, the developing childminding practice, extending childminding practice and more recently achieved a National Vocational Qualification level 3 . She holds a current first aid certificate and is part of the local accredited childminding network group. The childminder is an active participant and helps run a local childminding group that meets twice weekly. The family do not have any pets. Overnight care is offered for a maximum of two children under eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and healthy living. This ensures children are protected from illness and infection. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. They are provided with active and restful periods that meet their individual requirements. Children benefit from regular physical exercise and fresh air. They are involved in a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Children take part in nature walks and make frequent use of the local and wider facilities and enjoy outdoor activities in the garden. Children are well-nourished because healthy eating is a high priority. Children learn the importance of nutrition and the benefits of a healthy diet. Children make sensible

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Helping children to be healthy

choices about what they want to eat from a broad range of foods featured on the menu plan. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's development is promoted in a child friendly environment where they are welcomed and feel secure. Children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. Children's safety is fully protected because risks of accidental injury to children are minimised. The childminder is extremely vigilant and uses thorough risk assessments to reduce potential hazards.

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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 Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder gives high priority to helping children understand safety, involving children effectively in their environment and in discussions. Children regularly practise fire safety evacuation procedures. They learn about road safety and dangers on their walks. Children stay safe on outings as they are closely supervised. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has extensive knowledge in first aid and has attended advanced training in child protection. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and gives top priority to the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled in their environment. They thrive as they experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their development inside and outside the home. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self. High quality adult-child interactions are extremely supportive in early communication skills. Excellent use of visual symbols and simple sign language enables children with special educational needs to feel included as well as making other children aware. All children join in activities because the childminder has accurate knowledge of the children's skills, interests and needs in order to adapt activities and makes good use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children are confident to try out new skills, set their limits and know when to ask for help. A flexible approach to planning

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities and an excellent balance between adult and child-led play allows children to develop at their own pace. Children receive consistent levels of support and praise. Children are engrossed in creating pictures with pens and paints and show pride in their work. Children enjoy learning about their natural environment through garden play, nature walks, planting and various species that visit the childminder's garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are secure in their surroundings and feel confident in deciding what to do. Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is constantly challenged as they learn about cultures and people through resources and activities. Inspiring posters portray positive images are displayed and rotated to allow children opportunities for discussion and reflection. Children of all abilities are given ample opportunities to develop at their own level. A fully inclusive policy ensures that all children learn to value each other and work harmoniously together. A new baby is helped to settle by the childminder who is sensitive to their individual needs. Children show clear enjoyment and pleasure as they are praised. Children's

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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 individual needs are met effectively through a strong partnership with parents. The childminder actively seeks accurate information about the children's needs and routines before the child starts and is updated on a regular basis. This contributes significantly to the children's well-being and they benefit from the two-way sharing of information between the childminder and parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from the extensive training the childminder has completed and her willingness to develop her skills, she is committed to continuous improvement and to further develop practice to a high standard. She regularly reflects, monitors and improves the quality of care as part of an accredited quality assurance scheme. Her in-depth documentation is regularly updated. Parents are fully informed and involved in the care of their children. All information is shared verbally and through a daily diary for younger children. Relationships are excellent ensuring that all work exceptionally well together to meet each child's needs. Children receive a good balance of directed and free choice activities offered during the flexible routine. Children play happily and are comfortable in the childminders care. All legally required documentation which significantly enhances children's

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Organisation

health, safety and well-being is in place. Records are kept secure and respect confidentiality. Her practise is highly effective in promoting good quality care for children and meeting their needs. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care inspection recommended that the childminder improve the range of construction and imaginative toys. Children now benefit from an interesting and greater choice as resources have successfully been increased.

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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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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