Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 130221 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones

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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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband, their two adult sons and 17 year old daughter. They live in a house in Potters Bar. The downstairs area is mainly used for childminding, which has toilet and washing facilities and a large living room. There is an easily accessible and secure garden which has a paved area, decking and a lawn. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding five children on a part-time basis.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene procedures. Children understand the importance of simple hygiene practices and are encouraged to be independent during daily routines. Children practise and develop skills and confidence using a variety of equipment. They learn to control their movements whilst painting and completing jigsaw puzzles. Children are provided with snacks and meals prepared by their parents. Children are encouraged to try some healthy foods. However, they always prefer and enjoy biscuits and crisps. Children can access drinks at all times. The childminder does not have up to date training in first aid. Consequently the children's health is adversely affected.

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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 welcoming and clean environment. They move freely around the space because it is well-planned and has been made safe. They have easy access to a large enclosed garden. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder sets clear boundaries. Children use a suitable range of safe toys and equipment. Children's security is safeguarded by the care the childminder takes to ensure children are well supervised. However, there remains a minor weakness in safety with regards to a couple of potential hazards that children are not sufficiently protected from. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder ensures children are always within sight. They are taught to be aware of any dangers, such as road safety procedures. The childminder has a basic understanding of her role in child protection, although she has omitted to improve her knowledge as requested in a previous

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

recommendation. Further knowledge of issues and procedures will enhance the welfare and protection of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are enthusiastic to attend and self-assured in the childminder's home. They enjoy this time at the end of their nursery or school day where they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests. Children's self-esteem and confidence are increased as they are consistently praised for their efforts. This enables children to become independent but also know they can ask for help. Children take the lead with regards to activities that they wish to pursue. An adequate selection of resources is accessible and a wealth of art and craft materials are also

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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 available. Children show an interest in what they do, they enthusiastically select painting on a regular basis. Children's enjoyment is enhanced by the childminder's involvement in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, treated fairly and as individuals. All children are fully included in the friendly home setting. Children are independent to make choices and decisions in their play. They benefit from the individual attention that they receive. Children behave generally well. They are developing self control and manners through the clear consistent boundaries the childminder sets. Children are cared for according to parents' wishes. They receive appropriate care because their needs and interests are well known to the childminder. Information is shared verbally on a daily basis. Children benefit from the sound partnership that has developed to ensure that children are happy and settled.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children attend mainly on a part-time basis. They have sufficient space to play and rest. Children enjoy attending and are at ease in their surroundings. Their independence is promoted as a range of resources are accessible in the lounge and hallway. The childminder is always at hand to offer support and guidance to those who may need it. Records are kept secure and maintain confidentiality. Documentation is sufficiently maintained to safeguard children. However, there are not suitable procedures for ensuring all persons in the house over sixteen years are suitably vetted. Good communication that the childminder has with parents contributes to children's continuity of care. Overall the childminder 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 improve organisation of the toys. These are now stored in boxes with a variety of resources suitable to the children's age and interests. The childminder was also asked to ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised and to ensure written permission is obtained for transporting children. Children's safety has been increased as a chain has been fitted to the door and all necessary consents have been obtained from parents. The childminder was also asked to consider varying snacks to provide more healthy food alternatives, however children mainly arrive with their own food. She was asked to improve her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures and this remains a recommendation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 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): • inform Ofsted of reference number of outstanding CRB check for daughter • complete an approved first aid course for young children and infants • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures • ensure any potential hazards are made safe or inaccessible to the children, with regards to the low bathroom locks and ivy in the garden.

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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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