Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY218291 Inspection date 06/11/2009 Inspector Sandra Daniels

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and two adult children in a village near Hertford, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a large secure garden for outside play. The family has a rabbit as a pet. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and is currently caring for six children between two and seven years, all on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare 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 good systems in place to promote children's welfare, learning and development, and meets their individual needs very successfully. This ensures that children remain safe, well cared for and have good opportunities to learn and develop. The childminder creates an environment where all children are included, for example, they each have their own pegs to hang their coats and bags. Both recommendations raised at the last inspection have been fully addressed and the childminder ensures she keeps up to date with new requirements and guidelines.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the risk assessment to give detail of actions taken to reduce hazards  develop systems for self-evaluation in order to identify targets for improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to inclusive practice and she is very flexible to support the families of the children she cares for. For example, she provides part- time places and collects children from nursery and school. Effective partnerships with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) ensures that information is passed on to parents and carers, verbally and through individual daily diaries. Parents share information with the childminder about their child's individual needs and abilities before children start at the setting and the childminder records this. Although there are no written records of observations, assessments and planning, the childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of the requirements of the EYFS and implements the framework effectively. Secure and trusting relationships are fostered with all children so they feel settled and content in the childminder's care. Resources are of very good

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 quality and well maintained. They are stored around both playrooms in a manner which allows children to choose and select activities for themselves, thus increasing their independence.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder understands how to protect them from abuse and neglect and she knows the procedure to follow in the event of a concern or allegation. Parents are aware of the childminder's policy and procedure for safeguarding their children. All required documentation, policies and procedures are securely in place and these mostly underpin the childminder's practice well, clearly illustrating how children's individual health, safety and welfare needs are met. Written risk assessments are in place for the home, garden and outings, although they lack details of actions taken to minimise risks to children, specifically when playing in the garden. The childminder does reflect on her practice and evaluate her provision, and is committed to providing the very best outcomes for children. However, systems are not formalised in order to clearly identify strengths and to set targets for continuous improvement.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a very clean, safe and secure environment, where they learn how to keep themselves safe, indoors and outdoors, and how to identify potential hazards. Routines, like regular hand washing before eating, are in place to help the children learn about health and hygiene. The childminder has attended first aid training, therefore, she is aware of how to care for children in the event of an accident. Accident and medication records are maintained correctly and accurately.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a good knowledge of the importance of physical activity and fresh air as they go on walks and play in the childminder's garden. They develop physical skills through regular use of the climbing frame and wheeled toys, and when dancing to music inside. They learn about healthy eating through discussion while eating their meals and snacks with the childminder. Children are beginning to develop their knowledge of safety and how they can keep themselves and others safe because the childminder gives gentle reminders, for example, to tidy up toys or they will fall on them and hurt themselves. Children are well- mannered and behave very well, learning to share and take turns as they play. The childminder follows her policy on behaviour management using positive strategies, such praising the children when they behave well.

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and outcomes for children

Children are welcomed and clearly feel comfortable in this setting. They benefit from the use of two dedicated playrooms; a large one for general play and a smaller one for 'messy' play activities. They receive good support and affection from the childminder, which results in them feeling confident, motivated, healthy, happy and secure. Their independence is promoted well through easy access to a wide range of resources. The childminder uses her good knowledge and understanding of child development to informally plan interesting activities both indoors and out. These are often based on children's individual interests. She treats children with equal concern, respecting their individuality and meeting their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 needs. The children take part in activities appropriate to their different needs and abilities, because the childminder is successful in promoting inclusive provision for

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and outcomes for children

them all. Anti-discriminatory practice is actively promoted so that all children feel valued. For example, children use books and jigsaws which show children from different backgrounds.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about nature by going on walks where they look closely at insects and collect leaves. They also enjoy creative activities, such as play-dough and chalking on the large boards. The childminder values children's creativity by praising their efforts and displaying their work. Children use their imagination as they dress up as their favourite characters and act out familiar scenarios. Children are also engaged in activities, such as doing jigsaws, singing songs and looking at books with the childminder. They receive skilful support from the childminder to extend their play and develop their language. As a result, the children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. 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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