Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY258146 Inspection date 11 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, six and five years. They live in a two storey house on the outskirts of Abbots Langley. It is within walking distance to the library, parks, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding which consists of a lounge, dining room, hall and kitchen. The first floor bathroom and two bedrooms are also used. The front master bedroom is not included for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The garden has a selection of outdoor toys including a slide, a double swing, trampoline and a sand pit. 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 registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. She is currently minding three children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are provided with nutritious, meals and snacks that are important for their growth and general health. Children's dietary requirements are met and take account of their health needs and individual choices. Children learn to maintain good health and how to become big and strong. They enjoy eating a picnic lunch of a sandwich, raisins and grapes. Children access drinks freely enabling them to be independent. Children benefit from a range of activities that contribute to their physical development and control of their bodies. They enjoy time outside in the fresh air, as they take regular walks, play outside in the garden or visit local parks. Children rest according to their needs during the day. Children understand simple hygiene practices such as washing their hands. Clear explanations are given by the childminder enabling children to manage their own personal hygiene. They stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate

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Helping children to be healthy

procedures when preparing and storing food. Their health is protected by the childminder's knowledge of how to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has up to date training in first aid for infants and 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 welcoming and caring home. Their safety is considered through effective health and safety practice and procedures. Children use a wide range of suitable and well-maintained equipment and resources. These are washed and checked regularly to ensure they are clean and safe. Children enjoy helping to clean the toys and equipment. Children confidently access resources of their choice and move around the play areas because the space is well-organised. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder sets clear boundaries. Informal discussions or reminders throughout the day ensures that children are familiar with all aspects of protecting themselves to avoid any accidents. Children are protected because the childminder has a basic understanding of her role in child protection, although children would benefit from the childminder's greater

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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 The provision is good. Children are confident and very settled. They have a close relationship with the childminder and enjoy the company of other children. Children make choices about their play because resources are easily accessible. They confidently invent their own games using their imagination, as well as enjoy structured play. Children remain absorbed because the childminder interacts, follows children's interests and encourages them in their play. They are challenged in their thinking and learning through meaningful questioning. Children gain from a varied range of play and learning experiences. They particularly enjoy the weekly visit to the library for story time. Children play contentedly together and are developing positive relationships with one another. They learn how to share

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and negotiate in their play because the childminder provides the necessary support. Children use their initiative to develop their play. For example, whilst performing role play, a cardboard box is easily transformed from a child sleeping in a cot to another child negotiating space in a boat. The childminder's development and regard for the 'Birth to three matters' framework will further enhance the experiences given to children under three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging as they are included in the home setting. They are very much valued as individuals and their needs respected. Children with special needs receive appropriate support because the childminder works well with parents. Children's interests and individual needs are well known to the childminder. Children's awareness of cultures and diversity is developed through meaningful discussions and practical experiences as well a range of resources which promote positive images. Children's well-being is enhanced through the strong relationships the childminder has with parents. They share information informally each day and discuss all issues concerning their care. Children behave responsibly because clear boundaries are reinforced by the childminder. Children benefit from the training the childminder has completed in behaviour management. Children develop self-esteem and confidence

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Helping children make a positive contribution

because they are praised and encouraged.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and at ease in the childminder's home. They are confident to explore the toys and their environment. All necessary documentation is in place to safeguard the children. It is up to date and well-organised. Children benefit from the childminder's effective organisation of space and resources. However, there remains a minor weakness in organisation with regards to a registration condition which has not successfully been completed. The childminder is currently still working towards an approved registration course. Routines run smoothly and children are well

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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 behaved. The childminder is mainly occupied directly with the children unless carrying out tasks to prepare for the next routine or activity. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was requested to obtain permission for medication and undertake an approved Introduction to Childminding course. Children stay safe as appropriate procedures are in place for gaining parental consent regarding any medication. The childminder is currently still working towards an approved registration course and this remains a recommendation.

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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): • develop knowledge of child protection • provide activities to help children's development in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework • complete an approved childminding registration course.

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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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