Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310484 Inspection date 16 January 2006 Inspector Kerry Freshwater

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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 registered in September 2005. She lives with her adult daughter in Ware, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and three child over five before and after school. The childminder also minds one child over five during the school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

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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 good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They visit local open spaces regularly to benefit from the fresh air. Children experience a variety of physical activities using both large and small equipment. For example, they have fun on the climbing apparatus at the local park and enjoy long walks in the surrounding areas. In the house they develop their fine physical skills as they enjoy building with stickle bricks, threading and playing with play dough. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are cared for in a welcoming, clean home where they understand the importance of regular cleaning routines to keep them safe and healthy. Children have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside or using the toilet. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they enjoy a

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Helping children to be healthy

range of well balanced, varied meals. They know which type of food is good to eat and will help them grow big and strong. Children have access to drinks throughout the day and are encouraged to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents. She works with them closely to provide nutritious meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is a high priority and they are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. They move around safely, freely and independently and adhere to house rules to keep them safe. However, cleaning materials can be accessed in the upstairs bathroom and this creates a potential hazard to children. Children know not to climb on furniture, to sit properly on chairs and to tidy toys from the floor so they do not fall and hurt themselves or others. The childminder helps children understand how to keep themselves free from harm inside and outside of the home through discussion and leading by example. Children learn to cross the road safely, to look and listen and follow signs such as the green man, at crossings. Children learn about fire safety and practise evacuating the house in case of emergency. There is a range of safe developmentally appropriate resources placed around the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

room at child height for easy access. This enables the children to independently select their play and activities safely. The childminder has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a good understanding of Child Protection issues and has all the relevant information to hand.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a very broad variety of exciting play and activities which are child-led or planned and organised by the childminder. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed but their independence is promoted as much as possible. The childminder provides a range of stimulating play to aid their development. Children benefit from a range of activities which help develop their knowledge and skills. For example, they begin to know different colours as they thread with cotton reels, they count as play with various toys and issue plates for snack. Sharing books helps to develop their language and reading skills. They become confident and adept at cutting with scissors as they make snowflakes, complete puzzles and use fine paint brushes and pens for drawing. Regular use of creative materials such as pencils, crayons, paint, play dough and gluing, encourages the children to represent

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their ideas in a variety of ways. Children bake cakes and biscuits, create models using boxes and other materials and make a sand village mixing paint and sand to produce the required texture. Children's confidence and self-esteem is developed with frequent praise and encouragement which is given at appropriate times. Children's sense of belonging is promoted by the childminder who knows them well and values their achievements which she shares with parents. They make positive relationships, finding new friends at the music and childminder groups attended.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become aware of the wider society through every day circumstances, they socialise with other children at the different groups attended and watch appropriate television programmes that introduce a variety of cultures. Children are valued and respected. Their individual needs are met as they follow their daily routine which is discussed with parents. Children behave very well. They understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age appropriate methods used by the childminder to manage behaviour. Children are considerate, share, take turns and are polite, remembering to say 'please', 'thank you' and 'excuse me'. The childminder provides a range of opportunities for the children to socialise which helps them make positive relationships with others. Realistic challenges are set by the childminder to help the children develop. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They feel relaxed and secure and able to make

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Helping children make a positive contribution

independent choices about what they want to do. Children benefit from a very strong partnership between the childminder and parents who exchange information frequently. They have daily discussions and the childminder writes notes to keep parents up to date with events and routine activities. This helps provide consistency in the children's care and keep parents well informed

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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 of how their child's needs are being met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through very effective organisation and good communication with parents. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently which enables them to make choices about their play. A balance of child-led activities and organised play ensure children have a range of different enjoyable experiences whilst they are with the childminder. They benefit from routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to. Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. All of the required procedures are in place to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge which she is planning to keep updated with relevant training. She has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice and holds a current first aid qualification.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that cleaning materials do not pose a risk to children, this relates to the bathroom cupboard.

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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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