Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299419 Inspection date 16 November 2005 Inspector Paula Durrant

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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 December 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged five years and four months in a suburb of Welwyn. The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years and is currently minding three school age children aged seven, eight and nine years after school. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where they learn the importance of high levels of hygiene and personal care. Exemplary practices are strongly encouraged. The childminder helps children to gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. Children's clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet, when returning from outside play and prior to eating, substantially reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children actively learn to protect themselves against the harmful effects of germs as they use antibacterial solutions to cleanse and eradicate dirt from their hands and individual hand towels to dry their wet hands. The childminder works to detailed, purposeful policies and procedures which she has devised in relation to health, hygiene, medication and illness. Extremely sound

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Helping children to be healthy

procedures are in place for children who are unwell to safeguard the good health of other children who attend the provision. The childminder rigorously maintains an accident book in accordance with registration requirements. Children receive appropriate first aid because the childminder holds a suitable first aid qualification and actively monitors her provision of medical supplies. Children are positively encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle because the childminder provides healthy snacks and meals and promotes children's knowledge and understanding of nutritional issues through discussion and activities. She always ensures that fresh fruit is available for children. They begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they enjoy home cooked food from fresh ingredients. The childminder meets specific dietary needs within the varied menu available to the children and respects parental wishes and preferences. The children always sit at the

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Helping children to be healthy

table to eat, learn good manners and social rules, and respond to one another with outstanding courtesy and care. Children are positively encouraged to drink water which is freely and constantly available. They understand the need to replenish their fluid levels in order to stay healthy. Children enjoy an extensive range of stimulating activities that positively contribute to their good health. The childminder has a robust understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, reflected in the exceptional and regular opportunities to enhance the development of young children's large muscle movements. The childminder has a thorough understanding of appropriate types of activities and levels of support for each child. This promotes children's confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and recognise when to ask for help. All year round, there is a daily opportunity to play in the child orientated garden. This is equipped with a vast array of toys,

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Helping children to be healthy

games and play equipment which develop children's physical competence. Children benefit from opportunities to cut, draw and manipulate malleable materials. This supports the development and improvement of children’s physical dexterity. Children rest and are active in accordance to their needs. Older children benefit from

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 an opportunity to relax on arrival home from school whilst younger children sleep in line with home care routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are really well cared for in an exceptionally welcoming, clean, safe and secure home environment. The childminder uses space in a highly creative manner to enable children access to toys independently and safely. The dedicated play room provides a source of valuable information for parents and conveys that children's needs are paramount in this setting. For example, photographs, certificates and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency assure parents that their children are in safe hands. Children have a clear understanding of the areas to which they have free access, and those which they require the childminder's agreement to access, for example use of the upstairs bedrooms or bathroom. Children independently select activities from an easily accessible, wide range of stimulating resources, which are in a good state of repair and are age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder uses detailed planning programmes to identify the potential learning supported by each item of equipment in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage guidance. She carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys, to ensure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development and played with in a safe manner. For example, dressing up clothes with tie fastenings are supervised when out as the childminder has identified in her risk assessment that long pieces of cloth or string can potentially cause strangulation should a child catch or wrap the item inappropriately. Children are able to move around and play safely, freely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised all risks, expertly balancing freedom for children and setting safe limits. Children actively learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder has clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

inside and outside the home. For example, the childminder reminds the children to sit down when eating and explains the reason why this is necessary. She raises awareness of road safety when out teaching children why they must wear safety restraints in the car and exit only when the car has come to a halt. Provision of a car with a curb side safety feature means that children can only exit the car on one side therefore supporting the childminder in maintaining a high level of supervision when transporting children. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has all of the required policies and documents in place. The childminder carries comprehensive contact details on her person at all times. Excellent practices actively contribute to the safety of children such as, thorough written risk assessments, extensive and detailed emergency evacuation procedures, frequently practised fire drills and open discussions about

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

road safety when out on walks. Children are very safe with the childminder as she has a robust knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and settle quickly in this friendly, relaxed family atmosphere where the childminder carefully prepares her home in readiness for the children. They arrive confidently and make themselves at home, demonstrating a real sense of belonging as they proudly show off their creations in progress and their completed collages of an autumn tree and bonfire night. Children make independent choices in their play and are able to choose from a huge variety of toys and equipment, which are all stored within easy reach in the dedicated playroom and the spacious garden. The children eagerly relish their chosen play activities and demonstrate excellent concentration and perseverance in this child led environment where they make positive relationships. Children relate exceptionally well to each other and show mature respect, patience and tolerance towards others. For example, children share

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

scissors, stickers and glue spontaneously whilst chatting about the different shapes of their photo frames and types of materials they use. They take turns and show developing concentration and personal pride in their activity. Children develop relevant social skills in this gently nurturing environment. The childminder encourages the children to meet new people and try new activities promoting the growth of their confidence and self-esteem. Trusting and secure relationships develop between the children and the childminder who manages the children very well, whilst allowing them the chance to express their needs. The children ask questions and the childminder skilfully progresses children's learning and development through her responses. For example, whilst drawing around templates for the shape of the inset of the photo frame, the childminder responds to the children's interest through thoughtful questioning about the colours and materials

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

used which makes them think. Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong as they play together because the childminder reminds them to treat each other with politeness and courtesy. The childminder is highly attentive to the needs of the children and ensures they have a balanced programme of activities. She has an exceptionally competent understanding of child development rooted in expert knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation stage guidance. She effectively uses her training in childcare and her constant commitment to update training to enhance and guide her practice. This supports the provision of flexible, high quality care expertly tailored to each individual child's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children hold a strong awareness and understanding of others because the childminder actively provides opportunities for children to mix with others from a diverse range of backgrounds on a regular basis. For example, the childminder takes the children to local toddler groups, childminding network groups and pram services at the local church. She actively strives to keep her service accessible to all. She provides a extensive range of resources and activities to promote a positive view 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 wider world. She makes full use of a local toy library to supplement her equipment and provide increased variety and range. For example, she borrows figures which represent different cultures and books about other cultures and countries. This means that children access unique equipment from specialised sources to enhance their learning. Children establish a robust understanding of their local community as they travel to and from toddler groups and other local amenities. All children are highly valued and respected as individuals and are fully included in all activities. Children sit together at the kitchen table to eat meals, enabled by a cushion, booster seat or high chair adaptor as appropriate. Children are highly confident individuals. They have positive levels of self-esteem and respect the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

opinions and actions of others because the childminder consistently praises their efforts. She reaffirms their achievements, guiding their social and moral development. The children receive excellent support according to their individual needs. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They demonstrate high levels of understanding about responsible behaviour and know, for instance, to use please and thank you to one another when sharing out yoghurts. An older child models adult behaviour by asking what colour the children would prefer respecting their choice of flavour. Children show care and concern for each other when playing and play together cooperatively, sharing, taking turns and using good manners. The childminder effectively meets children's needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. Parents actively contribute towards their children's learning and development because they remain fully informed of the daily activities at

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Helping children make a positive contribution

all times. The childminder organises a highly effective induction session followed up with a detailed welcome pack. This initiates a highly effective two-way communication process which enables parents to fully participate in their child's development and learning. She ensures that daily discussion about the service provided keeps parents informed about their child's activities and maintains a detailed written diary system for children under five-years-old. The childminder positively invites parents to make their own written contributions and they eagerly respond to questionnaires seeking their views on the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder adopts a highly professional, conscientious approach to her childminding and is extremely confident in her childcare practice. She is constantly seeking ways to improve her skills and is happy to incorporate any suggestions which might further enhance her provision for children and their parents. The childminder uses her maternal experience, her firm commitment to continued training and her effective organisation to promote positive outcomes for children. Children feel very much at home and are comfortable in the well-organised, suitably prepared and inviting family environment. The childminder enriches children's care, learning and play through her constant enthusiasm, interaction and inventiveness. Children confidently choose activities and participate with eager relish. Children extend their own play and learning in a natural

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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 and imaginative way, strongly encouraged by the childminder's expert practice. Her clear use of written procedures and routines which cover all aspects of the national standards effectively supports children's welfare, care and learning and underpins her professional practice. All written parental permissions are in place and documentation is reviewed periodically and changes implemented where appropriate to comply with current guidance. The childminder gives utmost priority to maintaining relevant and up to date knowledge of child care in this rapidly changing field of expertise. She uses childcare literature and the local authority training manual to maintain and improve her skills. The childminder offers high quality opportunities which are rooted in an expert knowledge of childcare and development. The provision meets the needs of all the

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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 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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