Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302961 Inspection date 21 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 good. 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 March 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, seven and five years in a rural suburb of Welwyn. The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years and is currently minding four children under the age of five years all of whom attend on a part time basis. Dedicated areas of the home used for childminding include a purpose built play room, access to the kitchen and down stairs cloakroom and a bedroom for children requiring undisturbed sleep. There is a segregated area of the garden which the childminder has adapted as a park area for outside play. This is fully enclosed. The family have two guinea pigs, chickens, a cockerel and a goldfish. The

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a friendly family home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the daily routine. They fully understand the importance of washing their hands prior to meals, after using the toilet facilities, when returning from outside play or petting the family animals. Children know to use a tissue to wipe their nose and to put it in the bin when they have used it. They understand the reason for these actions as the childminder freely talks to them about germs and the affects they have on their bodies. This reduces risk of cross infection. Children stay safe and healthy as the childminder abides to her written sickness policy which she openly shares with parents. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification and maintains sufficient medical supplies to administer emergency aid. All required records are in place for accidental injuries and medication administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder provides home cooked meals from fresh ingredients. She complies with children's likes, dislikes and individual dietary needs. Children develop an awareness of different fruits as they shop with the childminder as part of an activity to purchase provisions for their snacks. They buy a 'Sharon' fruit to taste in addition to regular fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges. Children stay well hydrated as drinks are available at all times. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children's large muscle skills whilst cutting drawing and completing puzzles supports the development of physical dexterity. Children remain active and rest in accordance with their needs.

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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 safe, secure home environment where significant emphasis is given to identifying and minimising risks. This means that they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, children wait patiently to be seated into age appropriate restraints prior to being transporting in the childminders vehicle. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality resources 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

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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 their age and stage of development. The childminder has all required procedures and documents in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid qualification and has a sound understanding of child protection issues 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 good. Children settle quickly in the child-friendly atmosphere. They arrive confidently and quickly make themselves at home. They have a clear understanding of the areas to which they have free access, and those which require the childminder's agreement to access. The childminder is very attentive to the needs of the children and ensures they have a balanced programme of activities throughout the day. The children are able to have free choice, guided by the childminder who makes additional suggestions. Each child is able to have individual attention whilst one is resting or at school. Children have some time outside each day, either in the garden or walking to the park. They have free choice of activities and are able to ask if they wish to do something specific. The childminder is skilled at developing the children's knowledge and understanding through discussions and their play, both inside and outside the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

home. The childminder has knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' Framework, but is yet to implement this within her working practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides an effective range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, dolls which represent different cultures and books about other countries. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder gives lots of praise for their achievements and meets their needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder ensures that daily discussion about the service provided keeps parents informed about their child's activities. Children show care and concern for each other and they behave very well in response to the childminder's consistent boundaries and high expectations. Children play together cooperatively sharing and taking turns; they use social graces without prompt.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel part of an extended family and are comfortable in this well-organised and inviting environment. Children confidently choose activities and extend their own play and learning in an imaginative way. The childminder effectively uses her written procedures and routines to effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of all

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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 the children. All written parental permissions are in place and 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 good. 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): • enhance your provision for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'.

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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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