Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY249288 Inspection date 23/03/2011 Inspector Dianne Andrews

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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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, 12 and 14 in a house in Potters Bar. The whole of the ground and first floor of the house are used for childminding and there is a garden for outdoor play. The property is accessed through the use of three large steps to the front door. The family has a collection of fish in an indoor fish tank and pet rabbits kept in the garden.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and currently has six children on roll. She is registered on the Early Years Register and 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming, child-friendly environment and a range of age-appropriate resources and activities to help children make good progress. She knows the children and their families well, and works with parents to provide a service they are happy to use. She has a developing understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements and is beginning to put systems into practice to promote children's welfare adequately and to demonstrate how children are progressing. The childminder demonstrates a sound commitment to improving outcomes for children and to the development of self-evaluation to provide her with a clear focus for future improvement.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 display the certificate of registration (Documentation) 23/03/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 support children's understanding of the wider world by expanding the range of resources and activities to reflect the diversity of children and adults within and beyond the setting  use a system to record the names of visitors, the purpose of their visit and the times of their arrival and departure  develop a culture of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for improvement 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 has a sound understanding of child-protection issues and of her responsibility to safeguard children. All adults living in the household are known to Ofsted, to enable appropriate checks to be undertaken. The safety and security of children is ensured through effective supervision, and by providing secure indoor and outside play areas. The childminder is vigilant about safety around the home and when on outings. However, the written risk assessment does not yet cover all the things a child may come into contact with to ensure all hazards, in all areas, are fully minimised. Fire-detection equipment is fitted where required and children practise emergency evacuation procedures to ensure children understand how to keep themselves safe. Essential records for recording accidents, medication and children's attendance are kept accurately to ensure efficient running of the service. However, a record of visitors to the setting is not maintained to ensure children's

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the early years provision

The premises are well-maintained, comfortable and child friendly. There is a suitable range of age-appropriate resources available for children to choose from, which the childminder makes available to them. Activities in the home are supplemented through regular outings and attendance at local amenities and groups. The childminder strives to provide a service that is inclusive for all children and their families, to ensure they get the support they need to make good progress. She demonstrates a clear understanding about how children learn through practical activities and interaction. However, there are limited opportunities for children to learn to value similarities and differences in themselves and others through activities and resources. All children are valued as individuals and with equal concern; any specific needs are met appropriately in discussion with their parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder has initiated systems for observation and assessment of children's progress, but is still developing her knowledge of how to use these to plan activities to encourage the next steps in their progress. The childminder discusses how the service operates with parents when their children start to attend, although she does not have any written policies to underpin these discussions. Her certificate of registration is available for the parents to see if requested, but is not on display to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She discusses children's attendance at other provisions with their parents to encourage consistency. She tailors her practices to meet parents' wishes, for instance with regards to the provision of sleep during the day.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a wealth of childcare experience. She attends some training opportunities to support and improve her knowledge and practice and welcomes advice from other childcare professionals. She has made improvements since the last inspection and has developed her knowledge of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, although self-evaluation systems are not used to highlight areas for improvement to secure ongoing development of the service. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The children are content, relaxed and secure; they develop very positive relationships with the childminder, who is attentive and shows that she knows them and their families well. Children make good progress as the childminder instinctively supports their learning, joining in their play and initiating activities, which follow their interests.

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and outcomes for children

Children request and thoroughly enjoy use of the outdoor environment, benefiting from the fresh air and active play and showing an understanding about healthy lifestyles. They follow appropriate personal hygiene routines in most areas; washing hands after outdoor play and before eating. However, babies are not encouraged to follow 'hand washing after toileting' routines as they do not wash their hands after having their nappy changed.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn how to take care of living things through access to the family's pet rabbits and fish. Older children begin to recognise and name the contents of the aquarium and a toddler joins in the conversation, bringing a model fish to the tank to compare it with the others. Children have opportunities to visit local amenities, learning about their local environment, for instance going to observe aeroplanes at the nearby airport. They make connections in their experiences as they use their observations in their play, making models from construction materials. They have fewer opportunities to develop an understanding about the wider world to enhance their knowledge of how others live.

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and outcomes for children

Communication and language skills are developed well, as children initiate conversations and sing songs and colouring and mark making is encouraged. Older children are keen to practise their writing skills under the pictures on wipeable cards and explain which letters make up their name. The childminder encourages counting during routine activities and through the repetition of nursery rhymes. Children use mathematical language and concepts in their play from an early age; toddlers recite numbers and describe the cars movements 'going up and down' as they manoeuvre the vehicles over the furniture.

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure and develop a sense of belonging to the setting. They know what is expected of them and are consistently and gently reminded by the childminder when they do something which is potentially unsafe. They recognise unsafe practices and verbalise the safety messages and house rules that they understand. For example, they explain that they know not to open the door in case it is someone that they do not know. They are supported well, taking managed risks in order to develop confidence when climbing on larger outdoor equipment. They are proud to demonstrate their new skills to their parents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3

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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 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Certificate of Registration) 23/03/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Certificate of Registration) 23/03/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 22/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 devise a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 22/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Certificate of Registration) 23/03/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 22/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 22/04/2011

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