Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY356906 Inspection date 29/03/2011 Inspector Jane Mount

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in July 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged 14, five and one in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire. The property is situated close to shops, parks and schools and all areas of the home are included in the registration. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The registration is for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, with no more than one in the early years age group. The childminder is currently caring for five children, three of whom are in the early years age range.

p.4

Description of the childminding

Overnight care is not included in the registration. The family have a cat as a pet. The childminder is a member of a local childminding group and the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

An inclusive and highly welcoming environment is provided and excellent partnerships with parents, carers and others significantly contribute to the childminder's knowledge of individual children's needs. Children share secure, friendly relationships with the childminder and her family and feel at home in the childminding environment. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of children and has effective systems in place to ensure they are safeguarded and their welfare is protected. Children are making good progress in their learning and development as observation and assessment systems ensure learning opportunities for children are stimulating and developmentally appropriate. Some processes for monitoring the quality of the provision are in place and a system of self-evaluation to ensure continued improvement is in the early stages of development.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further a quality improvement system, such as self-evaluation, to closely monitor and extend effective practice to ensure continued improvement.

p.4

the early years provision

Safeguarding procedures are secure and children's welfare is protected. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection as she regularly updates her knowledge through training. She ensures all household This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 members have had relevant background checks completed and an informative safeguarding policy is in place which details the procedures the childminder would follow if she did have a concern. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. Positive steps are taken to keep children safe, such as, using a safety gate to prevent children accessing some areas of the home unsupervised and door stops to prevent children hurting their fingers in door hinges. Written risk assessments and ongoing visual assessments ensure the environment remains safe and children are protected.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is committed to fully implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage and this is reflected in her practice. Documentation is well-organised and informative and she has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. She understands the importance of continuous professional development and has attended a selection of early years courses and workshops. She has identified further training, including a food hygiene course and a safeguarding children course to increase her knowledge and enhance her practice. The childminder is aware of her key strengths and the areas she wishes to develop. She undertakes some monitoring to ensure the quality of the provision is good, such as, regularly reviewing and updating children's records and seeking feedback from parents. A system of self- evaluation to more closely monitor the childminder's practice to ensure continued

p.5

the early years provision

improvement has recently been introduced.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder successfully organises her time and resources to ensure children's learning is positively supported and their individual needs are met. Resources are accessible and developmentally appropriate, with the daily routine planned to ensure all children are fully included. The childminder welcomes the children in her care and their families into her home and works hard to provide an inclusive environment. Purposeful relationships between the childminder and parents ensure children's care and learning needs are fully supported. Parents are kept fully informed of their children's care, progress and achievements as information is effectively exchanged on a daily basis. The childminder works in partnership with others and has developed links with a children's centre and networks with other childminders through attending a childminding group. She shows a positive attitude to and awareness of liaising with other early years settings, such as, the

p.5

the early years provision

local school and nursery children in her care attend, to promote the full integration of care and education and to ensure children are fully supported.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has implemented observation and assessment systems which show children's progress and achievements over time. She then uses this information to plan the next steps in children's learning, with activities adapted to cater for individual children. Children experience a varied range of play experiences which effectively cover the six areas of learning. They enjoy their learning and participate in a mixture of adult-led and child-initiated play, with the indoor and outdoor environments used to encourage and develop their play and learning. Regular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 visits to toddlers groups further promote children's learning experiences as they enhance their opportunities to develop social skills and become more creative and independent thinkers. The home environment is organised with many resources at

p.5

and outcomes for children

child height to encourage children to make independent choices in their play. Children's language and communication skills are promoted as the childminder supports children in their play, engaging them in conversation, such as when playing games together. Regular story times also support children's early communication skills.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have many opportunities to experience a variety of art and craft activities including play dough, painting, drawing, cutting and sticking. Children's understanding of shape, colours and numbers is encouraged and the childminder asks questions to help children think and problem solve as they play. Children confidently count their sandwiches at lunch time and enjoy playing with puzzles or number games. They learn to coordinate their eye and hand movements when using sewing cards and weaving thread in and out of pre-punched holes. Children are learning about the wider world and have opportunities to learn about their own and other cultures and religions. Through access to a range of resources and activities, children's awareness of diversity is encouraged and for Chinese New Year they enjoyed learning about China and how to use chopsticks to eat their food. Children learn about the local community through outings including visits to

p.6

and outcomes for children

the library, parks and toddler groups. Children recently enjoyed making a map to show their favourite nature walk. The childminder takes full advantage of the facilities in the local area and regular days out further afield are also planned for

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder implements effective strategies to promote and safeguard children's welfare. Their health is protected as good hygiene practices are in place to ensure the risk of cross-infection is minimised. Through discussion and support, children learn the importance of personal care routines to keep themselves healthy, such as, why they must wash their hands before eating. Children participate in a varied range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical fitness. They go for walks, play in the garden or visit the children's park. Children are learning that exercise can be fun and keenly participate in music and movement sessions. The childminder implements a healthy eating policy and children are provided with a nutritious, balanced diet. Their dietary requirements are discussed with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are catered for appropriately. Children are beginning to learn about the benefits of eating a

p.6

and outcomes for children

healthy diet. They know fruit and vegetables are good for their body and have enjoyed making pizzas with a selection of healthy toppings.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's safety is protected and they are developing a good understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. When out walking they discuss road safety and know it is important to use a zebra crossing or to look for the lollipop lady when wanting to cross the road while walking to and from school. When travelling in the childminder's car they know they must sit in the correct car seats and wear seat belts. Clear emergency evacuation procedures are in place, which are regularly practised with the children to ensure they know how to stay safe in an emergency. Children's behaviour is managed well and regular praise and encouragement from the childminder develops children's self-esteem. Through discussion, they learn how to behave well because they learn simple house rules, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 such as, sharing and taking turns. Positive relationships between the childminder

p.6

and outcomes for children

and children enable children to feel settled in the childminder's care and. consequently, children feel secure in their surroundings and are confident in their play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

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

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9