Childminder in HertfordshireOfsted inspection, 20 May 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY348131 Inspection date 20/05/2010 Inspector Hilary Preece

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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 two children aged 5 and 14 years in north Watford, Hertfordshire, within walking distance of shops and amenities. The childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor of the house with children only accessing the first floor to use the bathroom or play in one of the bedrooms. There is a rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group at different times of the week. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes children to and collects them from local schools. She also takes the children to local groups for children.

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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

The childminder has a well developed knowledge of each child and generally plans appropriate activities and experiences that promote their learning and development. Positive partnerships are developing with parents and carers which further enable children's needs to be met. Overall, most policies and procedures are effective in keeping children safe and secure although some are less robust and do not fully meet requirements. The childminder is beginning to develop a useful self-evaluation tool to plan improvements in some areas of practice although this does not target all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 review the risk assessment to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum in relation to security of the garden boundary and children's access to the washing line (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 03/06/2010

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further?

 review the safeguarding children policy to include a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 03/06/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating experiences for each child  develop self-evaluation further to reflect on all areas of practice relating to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework in order to maintain continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in protecting children and keeping them safe. She has sound knowledge of what to do in the event of any concerns about a child's welfare and would implement her safeguarding policy without delay. She is confident to deal with any issues promptly, sensitively and with the children's well-being at the forefront of her actions. However, her policy does not include a clear procedure to follow in the event of an allegation being made against her, which compromises her own position and the protection of children. Children are supervised well and the environment is appropriately equipped and generally safe and secure. Emergency evacuation of the premises is practised so children are familiar with what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency. Risk assessments are carried out on the home, garden and places that children visit in the local area which show what action is taken to minimise most hazards.

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the early years provision

However, the childminder has not identified the risk to children from a gap in the garden boundary where children could venture into a neighbouring property or the risk presented by the hanging cords from a rotary washing line. Appropriate procedures are followed in relation to managing children's health and medical needs. The childminder has recently updated her first aid training after allowing it to lapse so is now better informed about how to deal with accidents and injuries.

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the early years provision

The childminder takes her work seriously and works hard to develop her confidence and knowledge. She has attended some further training workshops and uses the internet to access information that is useful to her practice. She is beginning to reflect on what she does by identifying what she does well and where improvements can be made in relation to the outcomes for children. She sets herself targets and timescales so that she can monitor her plans to make sure she is carrying them out effectively. So far, self-evaluation is limited to reflecting on how well she promotes the outcomes for children but does not extend beyond this to think about how well she understands and implements all elements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and the welfare requirements. Consequently, self-evaluation is not yet rigorous in identifying and addressing all weaknesses.

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the early years provision

Equality and diversity is promoted by forging solid relationships with parents that allow her to find out about and understand children's diverse needs and backgrounds. She is welcoming and shows respect for all families by planning experiences that help children recognise their own identity and the differing beliefs and cultures of others. For example, children with differing faiths and beliefs are taken to visit a church and a Hindu temple to help them understand those who are different to themselves. Parents are kept well informed about activities and given This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate information about the childminder's policies. Regular discussion about children's ongoing development allows the childminder to adapt the activities and routines, particularly where there are children with additional needs or health issues. The childminder understands the importance of working in partnership with

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the early years provision

other settings that deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage and plans to exchange information where appropriate to support children as they prepare for moving on to school.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is developing her knowledge and understanding of how to use the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to support children's progress towards the early learning goals. She has begun to make some useful observations of children, illustrated by photographs, but these are not fully developed to show what children are achieving in relation to their starting points. Neither are they used consistently to plan for children's next steps in learning. However, it is evident that children do make sound progress and are supported particularly well to settle in, making relationships and developing important social skills. The childminder shows she knows the children well and provides some experiences that are tailored to their interests.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a reassuring environment where children feel secure and can explore their surroundings with some confidence. Toys and equipment are easily accessible in storage boxes on the floor so children can make independent choices in their play. There is an appropriate balance of free play and activities guided by adults. The childminder is sensitive to the children's interests and knows when it may be appropriate to suggest an activity or engage with children to develop their learning through play. For example, she quickly suggests children choose a book to share if they lose interest in what they are doing and ably gets their attention in story telling. She encourages their interaction by asking questions and challenging their thinking. Children therefore develop listening and communication skills which are important for their later literacy. She encourages imaginative role play in the toy kitchen and provides children with resources to

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and outcomes for children

make secret dens. Further opportunities for them to use their imagination and be creative are provided through drawing and making cards or finger puppets. Children enjoy the challenge of problem-solving whilst matching puzzle pieces with the childminder and working out the correct size of ring to fit on a stacking tower. Children are encouraged to explore and be active learners. They enjoy digging around in the garden for ants and other insects and planned outings to the parks allow them to experience nature and see wildlife in its natural habitat. They are provided with a few electronic learning toys, cameras and binoculars with which to investigate how things work and use technology.

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and outcomes for children

Children show growing independence in their personal care. Safe hygiene practices and understanding of why it is necessary to take good care of their bodies is reinforced through daily routines, such as hand-washing, and using appealing books about health and hygiene that children can relate to. Children act safely and develop awareness of dangers when they are at the park, travelling in the car or This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 walking near roads because these are reinforced frequently. They are encouraged to show respect for their surroundings and for others by hanging up their coats, removing their shoes and helping to tidy away toys after use. Children show regard for expectations and behave respectfully to each other. They build positive relationships with the childminder and other children attending the setting. Older children are encouraged to solve simple differences of opinion amongst themselves

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and outcomes for children

under guidance from the childminder. This gives children some responsibility and control over their actions. Some activities are planned where children can work together in a group such as when making jelly. They are all included and involved in the process and enjoy pouring, stirring and watching the jelly cubes melt and set again. Such activities and meal times are used to show children which foods are better or worse for their health. Overall, children are provided with balanced meals that contain fresh fruit and vegetables as well as showing respect for those with particular preferences or dietary needs. The childminder is keen to get children to try foods they may not have tried before in order to broaden their tastes. Children enjoy active play outside in the garden where they can run about, use equipment and explore. They climb on apparatus in the park and babies learn to develop their co-ordination and balance by using push-along toys to aid them

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and outcomes for children

with walking. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) (Also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 03/06/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 03/06/2010

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