Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY245644 Inspection date 27 June 2005 Inspector Julie Whitelaw

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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 their three children aged 12, 10 and 5 years in Watford, Hertfordshire. They live in a three bed roomed mid-terraced house. The premises are situated within walking distance to the local schools, parks and shopping centre. The main living room and upstairs area are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets.

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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 a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from an adequate range of activities that contribute to their good health. They enjoy time outside in the fresh air as they walk to and from school. Children have daily opportunities to play in the garden when the weather is fine and occasionally visit the park. This promotes their physical development as they run, ride bikes and kick balls. Children are beginning to develop a good understanding of their own needs as the rest when tired and ask for a drink when thirsty. Children's health is promoted through the clean environment the childminder provides. Food supplied by parents is stored and prepared appropriately to keep children safe. Children learn about healthy eating when given nutritious snacks such as cheese, yoghurts and bread sticks. They are beginning to develop an understanding of hygiene and independence in their personal care. Children are

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and attempt to put on their shoes independently before going in to the garden. Children's health is promoted as the childminder follows the policy she has in place to exclude sick children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming indoor environment. They are able to move freely around the living room because it has been made safe. Most potential hazards have been addressed through the use of socket covers, safety film, stair gates and fire guards. However the knife drawer must be secured so that children cannot access the contents. Children are safe when on outings. Appropriate cars seats are used and children learn about road safety when walking to the park. The dangers of climbing furniture and running near the road are explained to children. This develops their understanding of how to stay safe. However, children are allowed to run around when eating their lunch. This could cause them to choke. Children are kept safe because resources and toys are cleaned and checked for damage regularly. They are confident to play independently because the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

closely supervises them and supports them when necessary. Children are kept safe through the childminders knowledge of first aid. They are protected by her satisfactory understanding of the procedure she should follow if she suspects a child is being abused.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 participate in an adequate range of activities that promote their development. They build with construction toys, ride bikes and kick balls in the garden. The range of toys and resources that children can access freely is limited. This needs to be increased to meet the children's needs and stored appropriately to promote children's independence. Also daily activities must to be planned to ensure children enjoy a variety of stimulating experiences that hold their interest and provide challenge. Children's self esteem is developed through the praise they receive for their efforts and good behaviour. They show confidence when they ask to play in the garden. Children who speak English as an additional language are encouraged to make progress through the one to one attention the childminder gives them. The use of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

books and repetition of words reinforces their understanding and promote their language skills. Children play co-operatively most of the time. They are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong. This is promoted through the consistent boundaries the childminder sets and encouragement of good behaviour. Children's individual needs are met to an adequate standard through the one to one attention the childminder gives them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated as individuals and with equal concern. They confidently settle on arrival and for a sleep after lunch. The close relationship that has been formed with the childminder ensures they feel secure. Children are beginning to develop self- control. Praise is used to positively reinforce good behaviour. Children benefit from the sound relationship that has formed between the childminder and parents. Information is exchanged daily to ensure appropriate care is given. Parents reported that they were happy with the care the childminder provided. Children with special needs would be supported in the setting because the childminder has an adequate understanding that they may require additional support and resources to enable them to meet their potential. Children's awareness of the wider world is hindered as there are no resources that reflect diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at ease and are happy in the childminders home. They are confident to play with the resources that are available and seek support when necessary. Children feel secure and valued through the close relationships that have been formed with the childminder and the individual time they have with her. Children benefit from the training the childminder has completed and her willingness to

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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 develop her skills by attending further training. Polices and procedure are used adequately to promote the welfare and care of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her skills in behaviour management. Since then she has attended a behaviour management training session. She now has satisfactory strategies in place to manage behaviour. However, these should be implemented at meal times to ensure children are safe. She was also asked to ensure a daily attendance register was maintained and that a sickness policy was in place. These have both now been addressed. This ensures children are kept safe and their health is protected. The childminder was asked to ensure hazardous items are inaccessible to children. The spade was removed from the garden and children are now able to play safely outside. However the drawer where knives and scissors are stored is accessible to children and could cause injury if accessed.

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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): • ensure appropriate routines are in place at lunch time that keep children safe when eating and promote independence • ensure hazardous items are inaccessible to children. This includes knives and scissors in the kitchen drawer • ensure children's development is promoted through a wide range of stimulating, accessible resources and activities that provide challenge and teach children about the wider world.

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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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