Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY397823 Inspection date 20/01/2010 Inspector Kim Wailling

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 lives with her partner and three children aged three, 14 and 15 years in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The whole of the house, excluding the second floor attic bedroom is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. Access to the premises is via a level paved path. The family has a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2009 on the Early Years Register and also on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for two children in the early years age range and three children over five years. She is currently caring for three in the early years age range on a part-time basis. No overnight care is offered.

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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

Children are making good progress in their learning and development as the childminder has a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children's individual needs are fully known as the childminder has developed an excellent partnership with their parents. The childminder successfully provides an inclusive service for children where all are valued. Children are kept safe as the childminder has an informed understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues. The childminder is beginning to develop effective systems that support self-evaluation of her childcare practice and sustain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further a culture of reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion by involving early years support and development agencies.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of how to protect children from harm. She has kept up-to-date with changes in child protection by completing relevant training. All safeguarding children reporting procedures are kept easily available and are shared with parents. In addition, the childminder has ensured that checks have been carried out regarding the suitability of any person living within her home which are available for parents to see.

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the early years provision

Children's care, learning and welfare are well promoted because the childminder puts the individual needs of children in her care first. She has developed excellent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 working relationships with the children’s parents so that information about children’s health and development is effectively shared. Ample information is available to parents about the service the childminder offers and how she organises her childminding day. One of the many strengths of the provision is that parents are involved in every level of their child's care and learning. For example, parents are given red post-it notes so that they can add to the children's assessment records that the childminder keeps so that all can work in the child's best interests.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very good awareness of what constitutes an inclusive service for children which is evident in her planning and child assessment systems. She recognises the unique skills and abilities of each child. For example, she strives to ensure that children never feel as it they are being assessed and uses children's interests, suggestions and home experiences to direct the types of activities offered. This is one of the many strengths of the provision.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to evaluate her practice and has a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision. However, she has not yet fully decided on her priorities for development or made full use of supporting childcare agencies to help her establish a really high level of reflective practice.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder understands that every child is unique. She works closely with parents to find out about children's individual needs so that they settle quickly. Observation and on-going comprehensive assessment systems are fully developed and effectively help the childminder plan the next steps in children's learning. Children's progress in relation to their starting points is very good. The childminder provides a well- balanced range of activities for children which includes art and craft activities as well as music making sessions which younger children in particular enthusiastically join in.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is in a well-informed position to identify and remedy variations in children's progress. For example, younger children's assessment records are linked clearly to the early years learning goals. Consequently, the childminder has a good overall picture of each child's progress so that she is able to identify a child's need for additional support and take appropriate action. For example, using interactive books to gain the interest of a younger child and encourage language development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure, play happily together and enjoy each other's company. The childminder's children are also very caring towards the minded children who clearly enjoy their friendship. Overall, the childminder has created a warm and caring environment for children in the early years age range and is very approachable. As a result, she has built a trusting relationship with both the children and their families. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is very vigilant in managing potential risks to children and also constantly keeps children in her sight. This, combined with efficient use of space, means that younger children in particular can play safely indoors and out which heightens their enjoyment. In addition, attention is given to promoting children's health. For example, the childminder ensures that children are provided with meals and snacks that are healthy, balanced and nutritious. This includes a good range of

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and outcomes for children

fruit, from apples to kiwi and organically sourced snacks. Good attention is given to weaning and infants are sensitively helped to develop a good appetite for a range of foods. Careful consideration of routine tasks such as nappy changing and hand washing has been given as well as keeping documentation such as recording of administration of medicines. These measures further promote children's good health.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, the childminder has created a caring and well-resourced environment for children of all ages in her family home. She offers a flexible childcare service and accommodates changes to parents working patterns. Young children clearly enjoy coming into the childminder's care, make very good progress in all aspects of their learning and have a wonderful time. 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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