Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY394064 Inspection date 11/05/2010 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 was registered in 2009 and lives with her partner and three children aged one month, two years and nine years in Northchurch, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The whole of the house, except for two bedrooms on the first floor, is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden with a swimming pool for outdoor play. There is level access to the house. The family have two dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for one child in the early years age range and three children over five years. The childminder is currently caring for one child in the early years age range on a full-time basis. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are making satisfactory progress in all areas of their learning as they are offered age-appropriate experiences and activities. Children's individual needs are known and met. The childminder has developed a generally sound partnership with parents, although opportunities for them to play an active part in their children's learning are limited. Policies that support inclusion are in place. Children are kept safe as the childminder has a generally well-informed understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues. The childminder is beginning to develop procedures that support self-evaluation 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?

 extend systems to involve parents in their children's learning  develop further a culture of reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for further development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a generally sound understanding of how to protect children from harm. She has ensured that appropriate checks have been carried out regarding the suitability of any person living within her home. All safeguarding reporting procedures are understood by the childminder and are kept easily available for her to use.

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the early years provision

The childminder cares for children of friends and has successfully built a trusting This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relationship based on mutual respect. Information about children’s health is shared on a regular basis but not always aspects of their development. Although the childminder keeps learning journals recording children's progress and plans activities to further promote their development, these are not shared with parents. In addition, there are few opportunities for parents to add to the learning journals to form an accurate picture of a child's learning. However, ample information is available to parents about the service the childminder offers and how she organises her childminding day. Worthwhile partnerships with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage, such as the local pre-school and primary school, have been made so that children are supported during periods of

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the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of what constitutes an inclusive service for children, which is evident in her planning and child assessment systems. These show, for example, how activities have been adapted to include younger children and the steps that the childminder plans to take to help children to reach the next steps in their development. Policies that support equality of opportunity and help children to manage their own behaviour are in place.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to evaluate her practice but has not fully identified the strengths and weaknesses of her provision to help her develop her practice. However, she is motivated to make further improvement by checking how well her policies and procedures work in practice and by making adjustments to plans and priorities in light of the changing needs of the children in her care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are offered a range of experiences and adult-led activities which cover all areas of learning. Interesting and appealing resources are available for children to use in the childminder's home which include a range of age-appropriate, interactive toys. Colourful toys, for example, are used effectively to stimulate younger children's senses and encourage young babies to stretch, roll over, reach and pull themselves to standing. In addition, visits to local toddler groups are taken to widen the children's friendship circles. There is ample room for very young children to play safely in the childminder's lounge, which helps children to feel safe and enjoy their learning. In addition, activities for older pre-school children are in place to help develop their understanding of traffic awareness and 'stranger danger'.

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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 and are able to feel a sense of security. The childminder has created an 'extended family' environment in which minded children are able to form positive relationships with the childminder's baby son and two older children. As a result, children have the opportunity to learn, share, take turns and develop their independence skills.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder makes written observations to help her plan the next steps in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's learning. As a result, the childminder is in a well-informed position to identify a child's need for additional support and take appropriate action. Children have opportunities to develop their interests as they can freely access their favourite toys and are given time to develop their play. This enhances their achievement and enjoyment and provides a sound foundation for them to acquire skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is vigilant in managing potential risks to children and also constantly keeps children in her sight, particularly in the family garden which contains a swimming pool. She has given careful consideration to routine tasks such as weaning and nappy changing, which are supported by relevant procedures and records. Age-appropriate activities such as taking daily walks are in place to help children develop a healthy lifestyle. Overall, children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development in the caring environment that the childminder has created in her family home. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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