Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY361164 Inspection date 19/02/2010 Inspector Maura Pigram

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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

There were no children on roll when this inspection took place. The findings in this report are based on evidence gathered from discussions with those who care for the children and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation. Where there are no children on roll, no judgement is made on the quality of the early years provision as there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children. The report states if the provider continues to meet the requirements of registration.

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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 2007. She lives with her husband in South Oxhey, Hertfordshire. It is close to shops, parks and schools. All areas of the house are included in the registration, although the ground floor is mainly used for childminding purposes. The garden is not included in the registration except for the patio area. The family has a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently caring for one child on a part-time basis who is in the early years age range. She also provides care for her four grandchildren who are in the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Since the last inspection the childminder has worked alongside supporting agencies to ensure that she understands all the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has completed all the actions and recommendations raised at her previous inspection so that outcomes for children continue to improve. She has a clear knowledge of her legal duties and responsibilities with regards to child protection issues as she has recently completed relevant training. The childminder has a conscientious approach and shows an appropriate capacity to improve. She has started to evaluate her practice although this is mainly descriptive, on discussion future plans include visiting nearby facilities such as the children's centre and the library.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to promoting the health and safety of children. For example, risk assessments for all areas are completed and advice from fire officers are been sought so that best practice in an emergency and with the use of suitable smoke detectors can be followed. However, this is not yet monitored in her risk assessments to ensure all smoke safety equipment is well maintained.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an adequate understanding of how she meets the learning and development requirements of individual children. She has started to carry out some planned activities suitable for children's stage of development and interests. Some observations are carried out although these are mainly descriptive. The childminder is warm and caring and discusses how she appropriately supports children in their play, she organises her daily routine around the needs of the children in her care, such as, their sleeps and mealtimes. She demonstrates and understanding that each child is unique and that care is tailored to meet their individual needs. For example, starting points are discussed with parents, this and children's interests are used to plan a small amount of play activities such as drawing, sticking and imaginative play in the play house. The childminder welcomes all children and their families to use her service. She understands the

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

importance of working closely with parents and has developed her documentation This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 so that necessary records are maintained. Information about children's progress and their welfare is discussed daily and the sharing of children's scrapbooks showing their achievements ensures parents can be involved in their children's learning. She is aware of the need to work in partnership with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage so that continuation of care and learning can take place.

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Compliance with registration requirements

The registered person continues 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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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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