Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY256781 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Gyatri Rupal

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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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and one child aged two years in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden used for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis and one over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local playgroup to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. She 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 satisfactory. Children are cared in a warm, clean environment where they can play and rest according to their needs. Children enjoy a basic range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy life style. They are developing self confidence in their physical skills as they use a range of indoor and outdoor toys and equipment. This includes opportunities for active play and regular visits to parks and parent and toddler groups. Children are generally learning the importance of good hygiene practice through their daily routine. Children benefits from a healthy diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children 's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeals to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children are beginning to learn about healthy diet as the childminder provides practical activities for children to think about healthy meals. For example, children made a poster on healthy and unhealthy meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most of the required documentation is in place to promote children’s health and welfare. However, the childminder has not obtained written permission for emergency medicine treatment for all minded children, which can delay the child in receiving any urgent treatment.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has clear ideas on preventing accidents and keeping the children safe. She makes sure suitable measures are in place in the home such as socket covers, stairgates window locks and safety glass. Toys and equipment have safety checks carried out which ensures they are suitable for children to use. Children are unable to leave the premises unnoticed and are able to play in a well maintained and safe garden. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder gives high priority to helping children understand safety in and outside the home. For example ; the childminder teaches the 'Green Cross' safety code of practice to children, when crossing roads. Children are reminded to keep safe by the house rules which are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

displayed within the home. which minimizes accidents happening in the house. Children practice a fire drill and know how to evacuate the premises. Children independently select activities from a suitable range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, the

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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 childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Younger children receive lots of attention which increases their sense of well-being. They benefit from routine which is consistent with their experiences at home. Younger children are developing their social skills as the childminder regularly takes them to a local parents & toddler group. Photographs of young children provide evidence that they enjoy a wide range of activities in and outside the home. Younger children are generally learning their new skills through a good variety of play resources and activities suitable for their age and understanding. They generally enjoy playing, using resources such as, musical toys , books, dolls, art-craft , puzzles and out door equipment. They also enjoy the textures of natural materials and colours and sounds of manufactured toys which they explore with interest. Younger children are settled well. They are beginning to develop their communication

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills as they attract the attention of the childminder who responds to their sounds during play. Children's work is valued and displayed in the house which helps to develop their confidence and self -esteem. Older children generally enjoy exploring an appropriate range of activities. However, their choice of play opportunities is limited because of the very limited play resources available for school age children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met as the childminder follows their normal daily routine, as discussed with their parents. The childminder is aware that some children may have special needs and is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken in the identification or admission of a child to her care. Children learn about the local community by regular visits to parent and toddler groups and local parks. The Childminder helps children gain an awareness of diversity through practical activities and play resources reflecting positive images of culture and gender. For example, children made a welcome poster which reflects diversity. Children generally behave well because the childminder supervises the children closely. She deals with their unwanted behaviour appropriate to their age and understanding. Children respond well to direction and are aware of the house rules.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

For example, they take off their shoes as they enter the house and help to tidy away the toys. Children benefit from a positive partnership which the childminder has developed with

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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 parents. Children are settled because the childminder works closely with the parents. She provides parents with written information about most of her polices, procedures and her practice. The childminder shares information with parents verbally on a daily basis which helps children make progress and feel secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are broadly content and settled in the setting. The childminder and parents works sufficiently well together to meet each child’s needs. Children have a sense of belonging. They generally initiate their own play and explore easily accessible play resources. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child care. She has completed the required training. She has organised a system to regularly share most of the information with parents about the service and their child’s activities. This contributes to a trusting relationship between parents and the childminder, which impacts positively on the children. However, the childminder has not fully developed her knowledge about all required regulations and she has not organised a system to ensure all required parental consent are in place. In certain circumstances this could have an adverse effect on children’s health and welfare. Overall the childminder

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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 satisfactory. 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical

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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 advice or treatment and make sure emergency arrangements are discussed with the parents. • provide a suitable range of play resources to meet the needs of children from 5 to under 8 years • make sure a written agreement is in place about activities provided to children and obtain parent's written consent for taking children on outings and taking children's photographs.

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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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