Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY365012 Inspection date 28/04/2011 Inspector Alison Reeves

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged twelve and seven years in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives to pre-school to take and collect children. She takes children to the park, nature reserves, library, indoor soft play areas and educational facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for three children under eight years. Of these, three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for one early years age range child on a full-time basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage thrive in this highly effective setting, with each individual valued and respected. Children's needs are met and they make rapid progress in their learning and development. Partnerships with parents and other providers are successful in promoting high quality care and education. Robust self-evaluation and reflective practice ensures that continuous development and improvements are secured.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 develop further the planning to reflect the inclusion of other cultures.

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded by this accomplished childminder who is very clear about her role in protecting children and ensuring their well-being. She ensures children are not left alone with anyone else and visitors are logged. Comprehensive, robust policies are implemented extremely well to ensure children's safety. Thorough risk assessments are conducted inside the home, in the garden and for all outings to minimise the likelihood of accidents.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed all of the required training and is proactive and committed to ongoing professional development to provide increased opportunities for children's learning, as demonstrated by her attendance at additional training and her stated intention to continue with this. The home is well organised and effectively planned, providing a highly stimulating learning environment. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enthusiastically select items for their play from a wealth of easily accessible resources. For example, they organise a street party with the toys as part of their Royal Wedding party celebrations. This has them dressing up, seating the toys and sharing out plates and food, and then they all engage in some wonderful dancing. This kind of play means children can include many aspects of learning in a single activity and therefore they are thriving.

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the early years provision

Self-evaluation is robust and thorough. The childminder continually reflects on her practice. She knows her strengths and areas for improvement extremely well. Consequently, improvements are effective in increasing opportunities for children to learn about and experience the world around them. For example, she has included planting and growing so that children can see where their food comes from and be involved in its production. The targets she sets herself help the childminder to maintain her high standards and provide challenge that brings about improvements in outcomes for children. For example, training on the Early Years Foundation Stage and on observation, assessment and planning has enabled her to use her previous early years qualifications to good effect by transferring her skills to the new framework.

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the early years provision

The childminder forms close working relationships with parents. She values family background and seeks detailed information that supports her in understanding children's needs from the outset. Children's routines are followed to ensure continuity of care and there is regular sharing of information to ensure changes in children's needs are understood. The childminder works very closely with children and their families to support ongoing achievements. Parents regularly contribute to the achievement records with photographs of their children participating in a variety of events and activities. She has established effective links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage that children attend to ensure both settings work successfully and cohesively. Regular discussions with the child's key person, sharing records of achievement, planning and newsletters mean continuity of care and shared goals.

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the early years provision

The childminder supports children extremely well. She spends time with them engaging in play and develops critical thinking by asking open questions. Her ability to adapt activities means all children are challenged and able to participate at an appropriate level. Inclusion and equality of opportunity are prioritised. This means that the individual needs of all children are met and all are included fully in all aspects of the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel very safe because of the strong trusting relationships that have been established. They move carefully and safely around the home and understand how this helps them to stay safe and avoid accidents as they play. Children demonstrate their skill in the safe use of small tools as they use glue spreaders and scissors in their creative play.

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and outcomes for children

Children play outdoors throughout the year and wear suitable clothes to provide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 protection and warmth. They play lots of active games that help them to learn body control, for example, dancing is very popular and sees children and childminder enjoying moving to a variety of music. Healthy, nutritious snacks, meals and drinks ensure children are well nourished and hydrated. This ensures they have plenty of energy for play from a diet that meets their specific needs. Children understand how to keep themselves healthy and free from germs. They are competent in implementing robust hygiene routines and can explain why this is vital for their own health.

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and outcomes for children

Children enthusiastically engage in lots of interesting, worthwhile activities that help them develop a wide range of skills. They thoroughly enjoy planning a street party for themselves and the toys. They dress up, wearing the crowns they have made, ready to celebrate and dance. Children are confident communicators and use their knowledge of letters and sounds in play, for example, when writing a shopping list as part of their imaginative play. Their love of books is seen clearly as they are enthralled by familiar tales. Children use a variety of mathematical concepts in play to count items and organise objects according to size. They regularly describe the various characteristics of objects they are using, demonstrating their understanding of shape, texture and weight. Children are frequently engaging with the natural world as they care for their growing plants and feed the birds. They are highly skilled in operating the computer and easily

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and outcomes for children

explain how their favourite programmes work. Children are very interested in the Royal Wedding and have been able to incorporate it in many aspects of their play and learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder plans a wide variety of challenging, stimulating activities based around children's interests. Most aspects are very successful; however, plans do not always reflect the full breadth of what they do in relation to other cultures. The childminder makes precise observations of children and uses what she sees to make accurate assessments of children and to devise activities that help children achieve their full potential. Consequently, children are making rapid progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They take responsibility for tasks in play and as part of organising their environment. They show respect for others as they listen carefully and consider other people's feelings. This is because the childminder role models behaviour exceptionally well, gives clear explanations and sets appropriate boundaries. Children are active within their local community and are learning about the wider world through interesting activities that introduce new ideas and promote diversity. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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