Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY245644 Inspection date 22/03/2011 Inspector Sally Smith

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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 2003. She lives with her husband, two adult children and younger child aged 11-years-old in Watford. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding along with the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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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 is generally sound in her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She establishes positive relationships with parents so that children's individual needs are met. Policies and procedures continue to be devised, although not all are in place to consistently support children's welfare, learning and development. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to ongoing improvement although she has not formally evaluated the provision to accurately reflect her strengths and areas for further improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information from parents in advance of a child being admitted to the provision, regarding who has legal contact with the child, and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 21/04/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child, enabling parents to contribute to this process  support children's understanding of the wider world by expanding the range of resources to reflect the diversity of children and adults within and beyond This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the setting  update the record of risk assessment to cover anything with which a child may come into contact and to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  use self-evaluation and quality improvement processes as the basis of ongoing internal review.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of safeguarding procedures and her responsibilities to report any concerns. She holds contact details for the appropriate agencies should she have any concerns and would not hesitate to contact these should the need arise. A written policy outlines the childminder's responsibility in safeguarding children whilst in her care An accurate record is maintained of children's daily attendance. A written record of risk assessments is maintained for the childminding environment, both indoors and for the garden. However, the record does not identify all hazards within the home and how these are minimised. In addition, the record does not identify how appropriate measures are taken to minimise risks for each outing undertaken. However, children gain an understanding of how to keep themselves safe through daily routines. For example, the childminder reminds them to sit on their chairs properly so that they do not fall off and hurt themselves,

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the early years provision

and when out and about, the childminder talks to them about road safety.

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the early years provision

The childminder establishes positive working relationships with parents to meet children's needs. Information is shared verbally at the beginning and end of the day. Policies and procedures are shared and they are made aware of how to make a complaint about any aspect of the childminding service should they choose. Most of the necessary consents are obtained although the childminder has not determined who has legal and parental responsibility for the children in her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder has addressed most of the recommendations raised at the previous inspection. She embraces any advice given to make improvements to her provision. Whilst the childminder has yet to complete a written evaluation of her practice, she recognises this as being important to identify gaps in her knowledge and skills.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is increasing her confidence and skills in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. She has started to observe children in their play and record these in 'learning journals'. However, observations do not reflect all six areas of learning and how children progress through these. The childminder continues to seek advice and support in order to implement this element of the Early Years Foundation Stage effectively. Good links are made with other early years settings that children attend. The childminder obtains copies of children's individual record sheets which covers the various topics This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 being undertaken for the term. The childminder has started to complete her own copy to consolidate children's learning whilst in her care but does not yet link her observations and planning together. Parents and carers trust the childminder and

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and outcomes for children

know that she cares for their children with great kindness. They are overwhelmingly positive about the childminder's care, all writing testimonies in praise of her role in supporting their child. However, they do not contribute to their child's learning journeys.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well and engage in activities with enthusiasm, particularly role play, small world, and physical activities. One child happily climbs on the rocking horse, riding to and fro with gusto whilst another child plays in the role play area making 'tea and toast'. Children work and play well together, often helping one another without reminders from adults. For example, whilst playing in the tent together one child throws a ball out and the other child retrieves it. However, resources to reflect the diversity of children and adults within the setting and the wider world are limited. Children grow in confidence and independence as they make choices for themselves, selecting resources that appeal to them and take their interest. This supports their personal, social and creative development well. However, the childminder does not yet ensure through her observations and planning, that children choose activities to give them opportunities to learn across

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and outcomes for children

Children have a good understanding of the importance of healthy snacks, and know that fruit and vegetables are good foods to eat. Drinks are readily accessible and children help themselves to their individual cups. Children make a satisfactory contribution to the day-to-day life of the setting, at times helping to tidy up. They make friends eagerly and establish positive relationships with each other. 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 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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: 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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