Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309988 Inspection date 08 November 2005 Inspector Tina Kelly

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2005. He lives with his wife and three children who are aged 5, 9 and 13 years. They live in a house in South Oxhey near to Northwood. The house is within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. Children have access to the whole of the downstairs area, which includes a conservatory used for additional play space. There is a downstairs cloakroom. Children do not generally access upstairs except to sleep. There is a secure garden for outside play. There are no pets in the household.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight, he is currently involved in the care of one minded child. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder Association (NCMA) and receives support from the Hertfordshire branch. There is a second minder registered to care for children at this address.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about personal health and hygiene rules. They wash their hands before eating and after playing in the garden. Children are provided with their own wash bags and toothbrushes which prevents the spread of germs and encourages good personal care. Children have their dietary needs well met because the childminder takes the parents' wishes into account. Nutritious meals and snacks are offered, children are encouraged to make healthy choices through discussion and explanation by their carer. Children's well-being is maintained with good hygiene measures in place which are strictly adhered to as the childminder has attended recent training. Children have free access to drinks at all times. Children enjoy regular opportunities to walk to the school to collect older children, run in the park and play in the garden. Children have many different opportunities to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their finer manipulative skills with the wide range of resources that are offered to them. Children stay healthy as the childminder keeps good records to ensure their individual needs are met, there are comprehensive policies and procedures in place to monitor and maintain the welfare of the children. The childminder has attended an appropriate first aid course.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure and child friendly environment. Their safety is of high priority with appropriate measures in place around the home and garden, these are reviewed on a regular basis. Children use a very good range of quality resources that are clean and in good repair. Children are beginning to have an awareness of danger, they are learning to put toys away and not to tread on them. When being taken on outings and walks they are taught about road safety and to hold hands to remain safe. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and appropriate records are well kept. Documents and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 information provided by the Area Child Protection Committee are readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and secure in their environment. They make good progress and their developing skills are well supported by an extensive range of resources and activities both inside and outside of the home. Toys are stored at low level so the children can access them freely. Resources for older children are also well presented and easily accessed. Children develop their early learning skills in a stimulating and well organised setting. They enjoy visits to park and are becoming aware of the daily routines, they show great delight as they anticipate collecting children from school. Children relate very well to the childminder because he is interested in what they have to say and do. They are encouraged to develop their play with good language support which extends their vocabulary and their understanding of the games they can play with the resources that are provided for them. Children are able to rest when

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they need to, they can express their need for a sleep and ask for their comforter. Children settle quickly, their well-being is monitored as they are checked on a regular basis. Children are confident, they are able to share ideas and express their likes and dislikes with their carer. Recognising young children's achievements and planning for their progress could be further improved by extending knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated as individuals, the childminder is very aware of children's different skills and preferences. Children are developing an understanding of the wider world through a very good selection of resources which reflect different cultures and family settings. They are offered a range of experiences to learn about the world around them. Young children are encouraged to be polite and are learning basic social skills which enable them to share and take turns with other children and with adults. Children are praised as they put tracks and toys out in a recognisable format. As a result they develop independence and a strong sense of achievement. Children are cared for according to their parents' wishes, their individual needs are well met. Good documentation is in place and information is shared with parents on a daily basis. The children are included in family routines, photographs are used to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

keep parents informed about the activities and events that they have taken part in.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well planned routine, their individual needs are recognised and well met. Children feel secure as they are familiar with the routines and they receive good support in all aspects of their care. Having attended a range of courses the childminder has a sound awareness of how to meet the needs of the children in his care. There is extensive documentation in place to monitor and maintain the best interests of the children, he is conscientious in keeping the documents up to date. Paperwork is well presented and readily available for parents. Important documents relating to his registration, insurance and information about the 'Birth to three matters' framework is displayed. Children's well-being is consistently monitored. Ratios are always maintained,

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Organisation

activities and outings are well managed with the assistance of his wife who is also a registered childminder. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • continue to develop and extend understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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