Childminder in Hertfordshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 149447 Inspection date 17/02/2011 Inspector Alison Reeves

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and one of her two adult sons, in Baldock, Hertfordshire. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a small enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives or walks to a local school and pre-school to take and collect children. She takes children to the park, nature reserves, library, indoor soft play areas and educational facilities. The childminder has cats and fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for six children under eight years; and of these, three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for five early years age range children on a part-time basis. She supports children with English as an additional language.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are making good, steady progress in their learning and development whilst at the setting. Their safety and welfare is given high priority and all appropriate measures are in place to ensure this. Children are valued and the childminder works effectively to cater for individual needs. Their achievements are well monitored, assessed regularly and most aspects of planning are successful. Partnerships with parents are well established and those with other providers are in place to give continuity between settings. Systems to evaluate and reflect on practice are embedded and the childminder demonstrates a strong capacity to secure improvements.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop planning to show clear links to observation and assessments  develop self-evaluation to identify specific targets for improvement.

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provision

Children are safeguarded effectively and well protected in the setting because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role with regard to child protection. Her knowledge of local safeguarding procedures ensures that she has strategies in place to manage any concerns she may have about children in her care. This means that children's well-being is given priority and they feel secure.

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provision

Good use is made of up-to-date risk assessments to support the childminder in ensuring all the areas of the home are safe and that any outings have been given careful consideration. Planned, regular reviews ensure any changes and new actions required are identified. As a result, children are able to move safely and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 freely around the setting.

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provision

The childminder's secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage is used well to support children in their play and learning. She has completed an NVQ 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development, which has broadened her understanding of early years practice and this is used effectively in her work with children. The environment is organised to provide suitable space for play and rest with accessible resources. This means that children make good progress in their learning and development.

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provision

The childminder looks at all aspects of her setting and identifies her strengths. She has considered some potential improvements and can explain how she plans to implement changes. As a consequence she sets herself realistic targets that secure improvements. For example, she plans to further extend the resources for story sacks giving children more opportunities to become involved in story telling.

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provision

The childminder has established effective working relationships with parents. She obtains the required information about each child including their dietary and health needs. This means that parent's wishes and children's individual needs are effectively met. Parents compliment the childminder on her service and highlight the welcoming atmosphere and her approachable nature as particular strengths. Childminder and parents frequently share important information about children's starting points and ongoing progress. This means that parents can become involved in their child's learning and each child is supported in making progress towards the early learning goals. Relationships with other provisions involved with the children are established and contribute to supporting children's welfare and learning.

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provision

The childminder supports children well. She spends time with them helping them to access activities and to develop critical thinking by asking open questions. She readily adapts activities to ensure that all children can participate at an appropriate level. An effective equal opportunities policy is regularly reviewed and supports the childminder well. This means that the individual needs of all children are met and all children are included fully in all aspects of the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well and in ways that are safe. For example, they move carefully indoors and save running about for outdoor play. This is because the agreed appropriate behaviour boundaries are effectively and consistently implemented. Children are becoming increasingly independent in managing their self-care well. They are fully included in fun care routines, enjoying washing their hands and talking about the germs they are washing away. Children are physically active making good use of local outdoor spaces. They use small tools like knives to cut up the banana at snack time. Children eat a balanced diet and are offered regular drinks. This provides opportunities to discuss food and to promote healthy eating.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's knowledge ensures that activities provide learning opportunities and that children are challenged. Children are confident communicators; they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recognise print and enjoy books particularly when using the engaging props. Children use mathematical terms in speech and play as they talk about the size and shape of the dough they are rolling out and moulding. They are confident users of cause and effect toys enjoying pushing the buttons on the small world roadway to make the cars move and the music play. Children are creative and enjoy expressing themselves in role play and through painting. The childminder regularly observes children and uses photographs and notes to make assessments of their achievements. This leads into planning further activities. However, these are not always clearly linked. Nevertheless, children are making good progress

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's behaviour is good because the childminder gives clear explanations and sets appropriate boundaries. Children are developing a respect for themselves and others. They learn about other cultures and beliefs through special events and celebrations. The childminder makes effective use of books and resources to introduce new ideas and promote diversity. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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