Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY292854 Inspection date 16/06/2011 Inspector Ann Cozzi

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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and their three children aged eight, nine and 12 years, in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The childminder uses the ground floor of the property for childminding activities and toilet facilities are also available on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The family has two pet cats and a dog.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

The childminder has a good understanding of the individual needs of each child in her care. This assists her in promoting their welfare and learning. Children are safe and secure and benefit from learning about the local community and wider world. Partnerships with parents and others are important in providing continuity of care and learning and to identify any additional support needs that may be required. Children make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder is proactive in reflecting on her practice and seeks the views of others enabling her to respond effectively to user needs.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure that risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come into contact.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and has clear written policies in place. She places high importance on the safety of children in her care which is demonstrated in the safety measures she has put in place throughout her home, for example, she makes sure that the front door to the premises is always secure. This means that intruders are prevented from entering and children are unable to leave unsupervised. Written risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments are undertaken on the home and for outings, although they do not fully reflect all of the safety measures in place. This means that current risk assessments are not fully effective. Risk assessments for outings demonstrate well how the childminder manages safety when she takes children out and about in the local community. There are a broad range of policies and procedures which are

p.4

the early years provision

shared with parents and implemented in the childminders daily practice. This supports the smooth and safe day-to-day management of the setting and promotes positive outcomes for children. Since her last inspection, the childminder has attended a range of appropriate training and has achieved a level three National Vocational Qualification in children's care, learning and development. Her qualification in Paediatric first aid means that she is able to provide appropriate care to children in the event of an emergency.

p.5

the early years provision

Resources are good, they are organised and used well to achieve the planned goals in learning and development. Children have the use of a well maintained, dedicated playroom which provides them with an environment which is conducive to learning, safe and stimulating. The provider strives to ensure that resources and the environment are sustainable. There is no bias in the childminder's practice in relation to gender, race or disability. She provides opportunities which actively encourage children to learn about other cultures and customs. Partnerships with parents and other partners are in place and promote the sharing of information. This enables the childminder to build well on learning which happens at home and in other settings.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder reflects on her practice as she talks with parents and invites them to complete a questionnaire on a regular basis. She completes a daily diary which is also used to enable a clear two-way flow of information with parents. The childminder has completed written self-evaluation of her service. In addition, she works closely with other local childminders and her local children's centre in order to further reflect on, evaluate and develop her already good practice. She has successfully addressed the recommendations raised at her last inspection which has had a positive outcome for children attending.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has attended additional training to enhance her understanding about the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She uses a range of methods to record activities and learning opportunities which children are able to take advantage of during their time with her. For example, a daily diary and a record of how children achieve their next steps in learning. In addition, she takes photographs which show activities children take part in on a daily basis. Planning is well informed and demonstrates that children's individual needs are being met as they make good progress towards the six early learning goals.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are able to persist for extended periods of time at an activity of their choosing, for example, they have lots of fun playing with a tray containing dry oats, various small world play farm animals and empty containers. They show good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 control in their use of tools and equipment as they play with dough. They use number language, such as, 'more' and 'full up' and are able to recite some number names in sequence. The childminder encourages children to identify animals by name and what sound they make. They demonstrate their concern for others when they learn from the childminder during an imaginary game that one of the animals does not have a home. Children are able to recall past events, such as when they visited a real farm. They demonstrate that they are beginning to understand variation in size, for example, when the childminder talks about a family of mice

p.5

and outcomes for children

which they saw at the farm, children remember that the big mouse had a long tail.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's understanding of the wider world is demonstrated through their play, for instance, as they use small world play resources they use their imagination to create real or imagined experiences. Children demonstrate their growing independence as they consistently make their own decisions, such as which small world play figures they would like to use in their game. They confidently use single handed tools, such as, a spoon which they use to scoop oats into a container. Children learn about capacity as they fill and empty containers with oats. Using number language they tell the childminder that they have filled the bowl up. Children have lots of fun and clearly enjoy attempting different activities without fear of failure. During a game with the childminder they proudly smile after successfully finding three hidden sheep. They clearly enjoy the positive praise and attention received from the childminder at their achievement.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have a good relationship with the childminder. They are well behaved and show that they feel safe and secure in her care, for example, they approach her without hesitation for support or to share concerns, for example at the arrival of the inspector. Children's understanding of the wider world is developed during trips out and about where they meet others in the local community and find out about the natural world as they enjoy walks in the local parks and woods. In addition, they also enjoy trips to a local children's centre and farm.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children show a very good understanding of the importance of following good personal hygiene routines. For example, after having their nappy changed they move towards the sink in anticipation of washing their hands. Children engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out, and gain an extremely secure understanding about the importance of regular exercise as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They have extremely innovative opportunities to develop their understanding of healthy eating through a wide range of fun and interesting games and activities. As a consequence, their understanding of different types of food is considerably broadened. In addition, these planned activities significantly support children to develop the confidence to begin to experience new and varied tastes. Children at this setting are encouraged to take ownership of their health and well-being. For example, they eat a wide range of

p.6

and outcomes for children

fresh fruit and vegetables which they have planted and cared for. Children at this setting are exceptionally well informed about what constitutes healthy living. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8