Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309664 Inspection date 21 April 2006 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 July 2005. She lives with her husband and two children, aged seven and twelve, in the town of Hitchin. The childminder may care for no more than 4 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. The whole of the ground floor, two bedrooms and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and schools, shops and play areas are within walking distance.

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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. The family has a pet hamster.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The health of children is promoted by the childminder's sound knowledge, understanding and effective practice. The children benefit from a comprehensive range of positive health policies and procedures which are effectively put into practice. They learn about the importance of healthy eating through discussion with the childminder, and are encouraged to choose healthy snacks such as raisins rather than a biscuit. Children are provided with nutritious, balanced meals and snacks by their parents, which are appropriate to their individual dietary needs. However, the childminder will provide meals if they are required. She will take into account any dietary requirements, likes and dislikes. The children are protected from infection, and they will be well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill, because the childminder has an excellent range of policies, records and documentation. However, their health is compromised because

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Helping children to be healthy

the potty is not emptied immediately following use by the children. They are encouraged to wash their hands or to use anti-bacterial hand wipes. Children take part in regular physical play, both indoors and outside. They benefit from a wide range of activities and equipment which promotes their physical skills and aids the development of their muscles, balance and confidence. The children's emotional well being, growth and development are promoted through healthy choices and challenging physical activities such as learning to ride a bicycle or using a scooter to encourage good balance and confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected by the childminder who is vigilant, and has an adequate understanding of child protection issues. They have adequate play space both indoors and outside in the enclosed garden where they are supervised at all times. The home environment is clean and well maintained, however the children's safety is compromised because the outside storage for large equipment and the upstairs bathroom both have child height bolts, making them accessible to children. The children have access to a safe range of appropriate play equipment and activities which aid their development. These include assorted craft activities, visits to local places of interest, social activities with other children in groups, physical and intellectual challenges which promote their all round development and understanding. Children use safe, suitable toys and equipment that stimulates and challenges them.

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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 They benefit from equipment that is age appropriate and assists in building their independence and confidence by trying new experiences. Children's safety within the setting is promoted by very good policies, procedures and practices, as well as vigilant supervision, praise and encouragement. Written permission for outings, appropriate car restraints and vehicle insurance are in place. Younger children, aged under three years, are given opportunities to explore the environment, and they are kept safe by the childminder's close supervision and consistent boundaries, which are well balanced to provide freedom within safe limits.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and their individual needs are met because the childminder provides suitable stimulating and challenging activities which maintain the children's interest. The childminder has a good understanding of each child's likes and dislikes which enables her to provide activities which aid the children's total development. The children are involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events which support their development and overall learning. These include role play, craft, puzzles, music and physical activities. They are confident to make decisions, explore and investigate, and relate well to others. They have formed a good relationships with each other and with the childminder. Children respond well to the childminder who is attentive and always interested in what they do or say and she also regularly joins in their games if invited to by the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning about equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice through various toys, resources, and activities which promote positive images. They also meet regularly with their peers and other childminders which gives them an insight into their own community. The childminder has not cared for a child with special needs but she is aware that she would need to work closely with the parents and other professionals in order to effectively meet the needs of the child. All the children have their individual needs met by the childminder. She works in close partnership with parents and carers and information is shared verbally each day. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. Children’s welfare, understanding and development is promoted because they are

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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 taught by the childminder to consider the needs of others. They learn to share and take turns as well as gaining an insight into how their actions may affect others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the good organisation of the documentation and records. The childminder maintains all required records, stores them securely and confidentiality is maintained. Records and policies kept include, a register, accident record, incident record, emergency contact numbers and a portfolio which contains examples of each child's activities, achievements and their personal details. These records ensure that the children's welfare, learning and development is comprehensively promoted. The childminder effectively shares all information with the parents verbally. Parents are continually kept updated with their children's progress through their individual portfolios and they are kept up to date with the childminder's policies, procedures and practices through her own detailed portfolio and through confidential discussion and information sharing. Overall the individual needs of the children 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 certain 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):

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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 • ensure that the good health of children is promoted at all times. This refers to the children's potty being emptied immediately after use • ensure that reasonable steps are taken to ensure that hazards to children on the premises, both inside and outside are minimised. This refers to the upstairs toilet lock and outside storage area.

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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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