Childminder in HertfordshireOfsted inspection, 13 Jan 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY279319 Inspection date 13/01/2011 Inspector Maura Pigram

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2004. She lives with her 11 year old and 19 year old year old children in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a bedroom is used for sleep and rest. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family have pet rabbits, guinea pigs, fish and a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend at various times. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is extremely well organised and demonstrates an absolute commitment. Every part of her working day and home is dedicated to creating the best possible outcomes for the children. The childminder knows the children exceptionally well and adapts her practice to suit individual needs. Partnerships are a key strength of her practice. Self-evaluation is mostly rigorous and actions taken to improve are well targeted to have a positive impact on children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 review the culture of reflective practice so that it includes children's views and that of their parents or carers, use this to identify the setting's strength's and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder is passionate about her work with children and shows a strong commitment to developing her knowledge of child care and education. She has a clear vision for the future and the impact on children's outcomes, she is currently working towards a level four qualification. In addition, she regularly attends short courses in topics such as safeguarding, food hygiene, inclusion and working with parents. These help develop her skills and practice and ensure her knowledge is regularly updated so that children are safeguarded at all times.

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the early years provision

Her priority is the safety of the children as demonstrated in her detailed risk assessments and understanding of safety issues outside the home. She maintains children's well-being by continuously monitoring safety issues in and around the home, and by supervising children closely whilst still giving them space to develop their independence. She takes exceptional measures to ensure children are safe in the event of an emergency whilst on outings. For example, emergency contact details and any other relevant medical information are listed on children's individual cards which includes an updated individual photograph. This means that in the event of an emergency services are quickly able to contact children's parents. The childminder has created an extremely warm and inviting, well organised, child- friendly home for children and parents. Children enjoy a fantastic range of activities that support all areas of learning extremely well. Her home both indoors

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the early years provision

and outdoors is dedicated to the children's enjoyment and needs. For example, recent development of the garden has contributed successfully to children's positive achievements. In addition, the layout of the high quality resources which reflect the world around them means that they are easily available and diversity is embraced. The high quality low-level furniture contributes effectively to children feeling a strong sense of belonging. Positive steps are taken to ensure she has an exceptional knowledge of each childs background and needs. Information gained is effectively supported so that all children are fully included and children's interests are extremely well supported. She maintains clear records and observations of children's progress, thus ensuring all children are supported in reaching their potential.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a friendly but professional relationship with parents and shares valuable information about children's achievements. This allows parents to actively support their children's learning. Views of parents and children are welcome although they are not fully included in the otherwise detailed self- evaluation. She has addressed the recommendations made at the last inspection by installing a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs to ensure children are safe as possible at all times. In addition, she places a sign on her front door warning any service deliveries about possible sleeping children so that they are not disturbed. Partnerships with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage is a key strength of the setting. For example, the childminder attends pre-school parent consultation sessions and actively assists children in the transition to other settings, such as, nursery and school. Comprehensive policies and procedures are

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the early years provision

in place and followed vigilantly by the childminder to ensure children's welfare is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effectively safeguarded and promoted. She maintains impressive learning journals of children's progress, thus ensuring all children are supported in reaching their potential. All records are carefully maintained and are confidential.

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and outcomes for children

Children play in a home that is child-centred, highly stimulating and extremely welcoming. The childminder knows each child exceptionally well. Starting points are discussed and noted during the flexible settling in procedures and parents complete a questionnaire providing further information about their children's health and care needs. Her written observations are extremely good and help her identify the children's next steps for learning. Planning is flexible and covers all areas of learning. The childminder introduces topics such as, 'Transport, 'Ourselves and 'Animals'. Each topic incorporates a wide range of interesting activities that cater for different tastes, learning styles and abilities. For example, the topic on transport included an outing to town by bus, and preferred gender play is particularly well supported so that potential achievement gaps are narrowed. Through safety measures are taken to ensure children are safe at all times. In

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and outcomes for children

addition, relevant stories, certificates and stickers contribute to children learning how to keep themselves safe during their play and in an emergency. The childminder supports individual learning extremely well by asking questions that encourage children to think. She skilfully introduces mathematical language and concepts while children play, and through baking sessions. Activities are challenging but achievable ensuring children remain confident and motivated. Children have plenty of opportunities to practise new skills both independently and with support when needed. For example, children with English as an additional language are very well supported so that they can fully engage in activities and feel welcome. Children learn about the society in which they live in through everyday play, planned activities, purposeful outings and the sharing of books such as Children and their food around the world. The childminder provides a broad

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and outcomes for children

range of culturally diverse artefacts to help extend children's knowledge of the world they live in. For example, plans are in place to introduce Chinese Lanterns to the children which can be released into the atmosphere. In addition, parents are encouraged to share their backgrounds with all the children. For example, they explain traditions and share food, specifically enjoyed during important occasions related to their cultural background. The partnership with parents is further supported through children taking home Edward the teddy and his diary. This is very successful in stimulating conversation and creating a strong link between the setting and the children's homes. Any issues of unwanted behaviour are sensitively managed so that children understand their feelings and develop high levels of self-control. They are very confident, enthusiastic and well motivated, benefiting from the consistent praise and effective support offered by the

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and outcomes for children

childminder. There is a good mix of free play and adult-initiated activities. Children have free access to a wonderful range of toys and resources and are confident to select these independently. They are also comfortable seeking adult support when necessary. The overall quality of the activities and interaction from the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 is exceptional. Great consideration is given to children's likes and dislikes and, as a result, they are enthusiastic in their play and learning. They are also developing very good levels of concentration. Activities which are currently popular with the children include dressing up in favourite costumes, playing shops and having tea parties. These all encourage imagination and help children learn about their world in a safe environment. Concentration is also successfully promoted during playdough activities. Children engage themselves in creating models to develop

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and outcomes for children

skills for the future, such as, using appropriate tools to help them create their preferred models. Positive interaction means that children learn how to use toys and tools, such as, rolling pins and knives safely.

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and outcomes for children

Children eagerly explore the wonderful and diverse musical instruments. Children have fun playing in the garden and often have the playhouse as a vets, doctors or a shop. Physical development is further supported through many planned outings, such as, trips to the sea-side and to suitable areas to fly kites. Children's centres and age-appropriate groups are well used to compliment children's socialisation and learning, such as, messy play or music and dancing sessions. Children are extremely settled because their individual health, physical and dietary needs are met to an exceptional standard. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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Stage

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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