Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY353275 Inspection date 23/03/2010 Inspector Alison Reeves

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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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband, and two children, aged four years and two years, in a house in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. The childminder uses most of the ground floor and some of the first floor of her accessible home. The second floor is not used by minded children. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks or drives to a local school to take and collect children. She takes children to toddler groups, the park and playgrounds.

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Description of the childminding

This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, when working with an assistant.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 in the Early Years Foundation Stage are well supported and benefit from the childminder’s clear understanding and well developed knowledge of their individual learning and development needs. She effectively supports children to thrive as individuals by recognising their unique character and valuing their ideas and opinions. This ensures they are making good progress towards the early learning goals appropriate to their age, ability, interests and starting points. The policies and procedures are effectively implemented to promote children’s welfare and safety. The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents and has established good links with other Early Years Foundation Stage providers for the benefit of children. Self-evaluation is underway and shows her commitment to developing her practices to promote better outcomes for the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observations of children to help assess the progress they are making and to support planning their next steps  further develop self evaluation and reflective practice to show particular strengths and areas for developemnt in the setting

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues through attendance at safeguarding training. She is able to fully safeguard children as she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has the relevant contact details to report any concerns regarding children's welfare. She is careful about the security of children, for example, by closely monitoring visitors and by ensuring that adults within the home have undergone Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks. She conducts a number of thorough risk assessments both in the home and for outings to ensure the elimination of risk. For example when visiting the local wildlife park additional hygiene measures are required if children handle animals.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended the required childminder training. She is proactive and committed to ongoing professional development through attending further courses, for example, a recent mark-making session has improved her understanding of this aspect of children's learning and she has increased opportunities for children in this area. Self-evaluation has been implemented, she identifies some of her key strengths and an area for improvement to benefit the outcomes for children through further developing the opportunities for creative play.

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the early years provision

The learning environment is well-suited for child minding, a good range of resources are easily accessible and play space is extensive to allow children freedom of movement in a safe environment. A variety of worthwhile activities are available each day and children are always under adult supervision. Children feel very confident to select resources and suggest ideas for play. The outdoor area is suitable for all weathers and gives children the opportunity for different activities in the open air, for example, more access to sit on and ride toys.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of each child’s background and is effective in ensuring that all children are well integrated. She is self-motivated to take steps to close identified gaps in their different learning styles, including using consistent strategies to manage children's behaviour appropriate to their stage of development and helping them to understand other people’s feelings.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established good links with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure the progression and continuity of children’s learning and care. She has developed links with her local school, other experienced childminders and is increasing links with other childcare professionals by attending some activities organised at the Children’s Centre.

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the early years provision

The childminder’s active promotion of inclusion and equality of opportunity ensures that all children and families feel valued and safe. She has established welcoming relationships with parents to ensure that their children’s individual welfare needs are being acknowledged and well catered for. Parents are kept well informed about all aspects of their children’s achievements, well-being and development through daily discussions, the learning journey book and photographs. They have been provided with information about her service including details of the policies and procedures to ensure that they understand the operation of her childminding service. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage that enables her to effectively support children to make good progress in all areas of learning and development. She places emphasis on planning for children's individual interests and developmental needs. She is establishing effective systems for monitoring activities and the progress children are making, including the regular observations to identify their next learning steps. Her observations are placed in the individual learning journey books along with photographs and samples of their work.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder’s interaction with children is very warm and caring. Children feel secure and confident to tackle new challenges because of the good level of support she provides. The childminder is skilled in engaging the children and motivating them to try new things and gives them opportunities to repeat activities to enable them to refine their skills. For example, a young child with increasing mobility is able to climb on and off the sit on toys repeatedly enabling her to develop control of her movements.

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and outcomes for children

The enabling environment engages children in active learning, whilst building on what they are familiar with and their current interests, such as vehicles and animals. The spacious play areas allow children to play with a variety of toys. Children have many opportunities to be creative when they have a free choice of activities, because the childminder recognised their sustained interest in this type of play and increased the range of resources available. She has been sharing ideas with another minder to further develop this aspect of the provision.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is knowledgeable about each child’s abilities and what they enjoy doing. She helps children to develop understanding of other people’s thoughts and feelings and how to cooperate with one another. They learn to take turns and are being encouraged to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. She encourages children to be physically active, independent and inquisitive learners and to develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being. Children access many toys that help them to develop their understanding of cause and effect, they use equipment that requires skills for operating, such digital cameras which extend their knowledge of everyday technology.

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and outcomes for children

Children are actively encouraged to make choices about what they want to do each day. They are developing an understanding of healthy eating and freely help themselves to drinking water. They play outside in all weathers to develop body awareness and control. Children are happy to play by themselves and to involve adults. The childminder helps children to develop understanding of dangers and how to stay safe, for example, by talking to them about road safety while walking in the local area. She consistently uses appropriate behaviour management strategies, including praise, explanation and encouragement, resulting in children showing good behaviour and knowing what is expected of them. 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 3 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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