Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY225322 Inspection date 02/03/2011 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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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 1090. She lives with her husband in North Harrow, in the London Borough of Harrow. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding one child in this age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register, and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder treats all children with equal care and concern. She recognises the individuality of each child and works effectively with parents to meet their needs. Her good knowledge of the six areas of learning and how to promote them effectively enables children to make generally good progress in their learning and development. The childminder is fully committed to the continuous improvement of her setting in order to promote better outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 establish effective links with children's playgroups to share relevant information for continuity and coherence in their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding issues and the importance of making the welfare of children her first priority. She is knowledgeable about the indicators of child abuse and the procedure to follow to report concerns. Risk assessments carried out on the home and for outings identify potential hazards and how they are minimised to prevent danger to children. All the necessary records and documentation required for the efficient management of the setting and the well-being of the children are also maintained. The childminder actively promotes children's understanding of how to help keep themselves safe. Children explain what they have to do during an emergency evacuation drill, and how and where to cross roads safely. The childminder ensures parents have up-to- date contact details for Ofsted should they have concerns about the standard of care she provides. 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 values the close working relationships she establishes with parents. She recognises that working together provides appropriate and consistent care for each child. She makes parents aware of her routine and how the children will spend the day. A diary is used to record all significant events to ensure relevant information is shared. The childminder welcomes comments and suggestions from parents in relation to her practice, and occasionally produces surveys to fully gauge their views. Although the childminder has an overview of the topics covered at the playgroup the children attend, she has yet to liaise in detail about each child's development in each learning area. Gaining knowledge of their progress at playgroup enables children's learning to be supported at home and establishes a consistent and coherence approach.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of continuously developing her practice. Since her last inspection, she has attained a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Children's care learning and development. She takes pleasure in applying her new-found knowledge and skills to her work. The childminder also reflects upon her practice and identifies areas to enhance. For example, by deciding to serve lunch later in order to enable children to have more time to burn off energy before sitting down to eat. This change created a more social and harmonious time for all. Her plans for the future include the possibility of providing a sensory area in the garden, and obtaining a cabinet to house more play resource. Both initiatives will provide more positive experiences and challenges for children to enjoy.

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the early years provision

Children have plenty of space to enjoy the play materials within a clean and homely environment. The child-size table and chairs enable them to draw and play matching games in comfort and safety. Appropriate posters and children's art work are displayed on the walls and help to create an environment that is conducive to learning. All toys and equipment are clean and in good condition, which contributes towards the sustainability of the setting. The childminder promotes equality and diversity. She endeavours to enable every child to feel valued, confident and develop good self esteem. She achieves this by attaining a good knowledge of the individual backgrounds and needs of each child and giving appropriate support, praise and encouragement in all that they do. She also helps children to learn about and have respect for how others live through talking about customs and festivals related to their own and others religions, such as Easter and

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and outcomes for children

Children are relaxed, content and enjoy their play. The childminder spends time with them extending and supporting their learning. Consequently they become curious, active learners. She makes observations as they play that are linked to each area of learning. These are evaluated to assess each child's stage of development. The next step in their individual learning journey is then identified This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and included in the play plans. The childminder develops topics and devises activities around it that incorporates each area of learning. For example, the ?healthy eating and what is good for our bodies? topic included going to the supermarket to look at the variety of fruit and vegetables, visiting Wacky Warehouse for physical exercise, buying sunflower seeds at the garden centre to grow and making a poster of healthy foods. Children enjoy snuggling up beside the

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and outcomes for children

childminder for a story. They have great fun anticipating and reciting what happens next in their favourite books, such as ?Finished being four?. As well as developing pre-reading skills, children enjoy drawing and creating art work. Numeracy is promoted as they count the pictures in the books or the number of cups in the stacking tower. Access to several programmable toys enables children to learn the skills they need to operate information and communication technology in the future.

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and outcomes for children

Healthy eating is also promoted in the meals the childminder serves. Pasta, steak pie with vegetables, yogurt and plenty of fresh fruit are included on the menu. Water is mainly offered to drink. Children have plenty of opportunity to benefit from physical exercise as they have access to the back garden and visit the local park. The childminder understands the importance of fresh air and exercise to growing children. Children learn the importance of adopting good hygiene practices as they wash their hands at appropriate times during the day. Older children relate how germs have to be washed away.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder encourages children to challenge themselves by taking acceptable risks, such as climbing that little bit higher on the slide. By supporting children to do this they grow in confidence and self-esteem. She also encourages older children to negotiate any squabbles between themselves, thereby learning to have respect for others and their feelings. Knowing the rules, such as remembering to use good manners, also helps children to feel secure because they know what is expected of them. The childminder gives warm, kind care to children. They demonstrate that they feel safe with her by enjoying her interaction with them, and by confidently expressing their needs. 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 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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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