Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309822 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 outstanding. 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. She works alongside her husband who is also a registered childminder. They live with their 3 children who are aged 5,9 and 13 years 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, she is currently minding one child. The childminder is involved with the Hertfordshire Childminding Association as the group secretary and runs the childminder drop-in group for the National Childminding Association(NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective health and hygiene practices with thorough policies and procedures in place. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children to learn about their own personal hygiene and well-being. Children have their own personal wash bags, toothbrushes and towels. This ensures children are protected from illness and infection. Children are well nourished, they are learning about healthy foods and good social skills which are promoted at meal times. The childminder has attended recent training in food hygiene and healthy eating. The children have their individual needs well met because the childminder takes account of the parent's wishes and keeps comprehensive documents to record all children's requirments and preferences in detail. Children have access to drinks at all times and enjoy eating fresh fruit both as

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Helping children to be healthy

a snack and with their lunch and tea. Children are able to explore and develop their physical skills through an excellent range of indoor and outdoor experiences. They benefit from regular fresh air and enjoy regular opportunities to play in the garden, walk to the shops and run in the park. Children are also able to extend their hand and eye co-ordination through an excellent range of equipment and activities. All children's personal care details and preferences are recorded in full, they are provided with active and restful periods that meet their individual needs. The childminder has attended appropriate first aid training which ensures the children's well-being at all times .

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and child-friendly environment. Children's safety is of high priority, they are well protected because the well implemented policies and procedures reduce any potential hazards. Appropriate records are exceptionally well kept to keep parents informed of any incidents or concerns. Children are able to move freely, safely and independently between the various play areas and the cloakroom. They use a wide range of well-maintained and safe equipment which is stored appropriately.

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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 Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder gives a great deal of time and attention to helping children understand basic safety in the home. Children are encouraged to make sure that equipment is put away safely and not to tread on toys that are laid out on the floor. They stay safe on outings as they are closely supervised, they learn about road safety when out walking. Children's safety is promoted through the childminders extensive knowledge which has been developed through recent training and short courses. Children are well protected by the childminder who has attended child protection training up to level two. She has a sound understanding of protecting children at all times and gives high priority to the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in their care setting. They make great advances in language and early learning skills, they experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their all round development inside and outside the home. High quality interaction provides support which promotes all aspects of the children's learning. Young children are introduced to age appropriate activities that are linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework and attention to the early learning goals provides challenge for older children. Children are very confident in making their own decisions, they are clear about the resources that they like to play with, and share their wishes with the childminder in a competent manner. They are eager to take part in the play opportunities that are presented to them. Children listen intently to stories and are familiar with the books which enables them to join in the story-telling experience.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Well presented plans are in place to ensure that activities and play opportunities cover basic colours, numbers and simple letter recognition for young children. Visits and outings are an important part of the weeks routine. Children are able to develop their social skills and extend their physical play at toddler and childminder drop in groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are treated as individuals, the childminder is very aware of different skills and abilities. Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is consistently reinforced. There are extensive opportunities offered to them to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. Children of all abilities are given opportunities to develop at their own pace. They show clear enjoyment and pleasure as the childminder praises them. There is a strong relationship between the children and their carer who instils basic rules such as being kind, sharing and taking turns. Children show a growing understanding of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 boundaries set for them. There is an excellent relationship with parents, which contributes to the well-being of the children in all aspects of their care. The childminder actively seeks parents views about their child's needs. She reviews and monitors her practice through self assessment procedures which are conducted with the parents. She shares information on a daily basis and keeps excellent records with photographs to share with the parents which keeps them up to date on the outings and activities that the children take part in.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder consistently provides a high standard of care for all children. Children's day to day routines and the planning of activities benefit from the extensive range of recent training that the childminder has attended. She trained as a Registered General Nurse and has completed the childminding practice courses up to level three. She has tutored level one of the childminding practice course and worked with childminders who receive funding as part of the Childminder Network scheme. She has an excellent understanding of meeting the needs of all children. In-depth documentation is updated on a regular basis and incorporates any requests and changes highlighted by parents. This is well presented, easily accessible and reviewed on a regular basis. Important documents and certificates are on display for parents to refer to. Ratios are always maintained, activities and outings well managed

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Organisation

with the assistance of her husband 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 outstanding. The registered person meets

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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 the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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