Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY362053 Inspection date 20/03/2011 Inspector Tina Kelly

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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 2007. She lives in Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, in Hertfordshire with her husband and three children aged five, nine and 13 years old. The whole house is used for childminding. Children do not generally access upstairs except to use the family bathroom. There is a secure garden for outside play. The family have a cat and guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She may provide care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time, two may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for four children in this age group and one child after school, part time through the week.

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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

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They take part in a wide range of activities which are well supported with excellent resources. The childminder has started to observe and plan for the children's learning, most information gained is used effectively. Effective partnerships with parents ensure children's individual needs are recognised and met. The setting is well maintained. Effective policies and procedures are in place to monitor the well-being of the children and for the smooth running of the care arrangements. She has started to evaluate her practice to identify areas to be developed and areas that work well. She has strategies in place to ensure that outcomes for children are of a good standard.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the process for self-evaluation to monitor practice and promote outcomes for all children  ensure plans show how observations and assessments are linked to the early learning goals and how these include planning for the next steps in the children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding in her role of safeguarding children. She has information from the Local Safeguarding Children Board readily available and on display for parents. She has recently updated her safeguarding training. Children are further protected as they are cared for in a safe and secure environment. A detailed risk assessment has been established and a day-to-day check list identifies and minimises risk to children. All children have regular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 opportunities to develop their own understanding of safety as this is incorporated within their play and every day routines. The childminder reminds them not to tread on toys and they help to put toys away before they select new games to play. They are beginning to understand simple rules that will keep them safe as they grow and play alongside other children.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an excellent selection of very good quality resources. These are stored around the lounge and conservatory that is used for additional play space. Toys are kept in storage boxes that are labelled with photographs of the contents so children can make independent choices about their play. The large garden provides an interesting area to play and to explore. The play house and ride on toys supports the children's physical and imaginative play ideas to a very good standard.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended a range of training opportunities since her registration. She uses the services provided by the local Children's Centre for support and training. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been met, this has improved her practice and opportunities for all children. The childminder is beginning to evaluate her practice and the process of self- evaluation. However, this is not fully developed to enable her to further enhance outcomes for children and to maintain continuous improvements. Strong relationships have been developed with the parents. Information is shared on a daily basis and a daily diary is provided for younger children in her care. Parents are kept well informed about the care and business side of the arrangements with comprehensive policies and procedures. The parent consultation document and letters of thanks show that parents are pleased with the care their children receive

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the early years provision

and are well informed about day-to-day issues.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very settled and content in the childminder's care. They have free access to an extensive selection of resources that promotes all aspects of their play and learning. The resources and planned activities provide an inclusive environment and develops children's understanding of the wider world. Free play is encouraged, children are very confident in making choices about their play. They have good concentration skills and are keen and enthusiastic learners. They show great delight as the childminder suggests new activities, they help to tidy away and sit with anticipation for the dough to be set out. A range of implements used with the dough promotes the children's finer physical skills and their language as they chat to the childminder who gives excellent support to their developing conversation skills. Children's communication skills are promoted through the use of the resources that the childminder has been given as part of the Every Child a

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and outcomes for children

Talker (ECaT) scheme, a national strategy to promote children's language. The small recorders are used to help children to speak clearly and get pleasure from hearing themselves talk.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has established a system of observations and photographs to show the children's achievements. These are recorded in the children's Learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Journeys. They show all children take part in a wide ranger of play opportunities in the home and at toddler and play groups. However, some aspects of the observations and planning for the next steps in the children's learning are not effective. For example, simple next steps such as ensuring young children know their colours, shapes and numbers are overlooked for wider outcomes that are not linked to the children's interests or abilities. The childminder knows the children well. She adapts activities to ensure all children have opportunities throughout the week to take part in a range of new experiences. Older children have a range of age appropriate resources that they can access easily. Young children learn about

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and outcomes for children

a healthy lifestyle through some of the planned activities and the day to day routines. All children have opportunities to extend their understanding of the natural world. They are involved in planting seeds and watching the plants in the green house grow as part of the topic of 'Spring'. 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 2 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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