Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY413918 Inspection date 08/07/2011 Inspector Tina Kelly

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 2010. She lives with her husband and four teenage children on the outskirts of Watford. Children are cared for in the main lounge, spacious hall and dining room area. They do not generally access upstairs other than to sleep. There is a downstairs cloakroom. The conservatory, garden and rear bedrooms are not included in the registration. Access to the property is up steps to the front door. The family have two dogs.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six 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 four children in this age group on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder regularly works with an assistant and at this time the number of children in the early years age group increases to four.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She supports children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language.

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 provides a warm and caring environment for children, who make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder is very knowledgeable about how children learn. Records of the children's progress are effective in monitoring their achievements. Good relationships have been established with parents, which contribute to the children's individual needs being identified and met to a good standard. The childminder has started to evaluate her practice and is keen to promote her practice to improve outcomes for all children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review planning to focus on children's interests and learning needs to assist in planning their next steps and promote their existing talents  develop the process for self-evaluation to monitor practice and to promote outcomes for all children.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is very aware of her responsibilities with regard to safeguarding all children. She has attended training and clearly understands the signs of abuse and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has effective procedures in place to enable her to refer any concerns to the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She ensures parents are fully aware of her commitment to child protection, with clear procedures readily available. There are effective risk assessments to ensure all areas used by the children are safe and well maintained. Comprehensive risk assessments are in place for walks in the local community, outings and events. The childminder is a positive role model. She has clear boundaries and talks clearly to the children so they know what is expected of them. Young children learn about their own safety in the home with gentle reminders from the carers. They are beginning to share and to take turns. They

p.4

the early years provision

are becoming aware of how their actions impact on others playing nearby.

p.5

the early years provision

Excellent relationships have been established with all families. The childminder has an instinctive understanding of the children's different needs which is based on her experience and the communication she has with the parents. Information from parents is used to ensure she is fully aware of the children's developing needs and that these are recognised, recorded and met in full as they grow and develop. The childminder knows the children's individual characters extremely well. Children are beginning to understand their own uniqueness and the importance of the difference of others. The children have free access to a wide range of very good quality resources around the lounge. Mobile children use the additional space in the hallway to practice their newly found walking skills. They are well supported by both the childminder and assistants.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a wealth of experience in caring for children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. She has a very clear understanding of the importance of working with parents to ensure all aspects of their home life and the children's individual needs are respected and valued. The childminder does not currently care for children who attend other early years settings. However, she is aware of the importance of sharing information with other settings when appropriate to support children's continued learning. The childminder promotes an inclusive setting; resources, activities and community events are used to promote the young children's understanding of the wider world and different cultures.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a clear sense of purpose about what she wants to provide for the children in her care. She uses the support services and training opportunities provided by the children's centre and the local authority early years partnership. She has just started to look at a self-evaluation process that will enable her to review her practice effectively. The childminder has a commitment to extending and improving the service she provides. There is good evidence for continued improvement as strategies are in place to identify areas of her practice to be developed.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a safe and stimulating environment. They develop a warm and trusting relationship with their carer and the others in the household. This greatly contributes to them feeling safe and secure. Children are very familiar with the day-to-day routines. When they are tired they settle quickly to sleep and wake This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 up happy to see the other children. Children play well alongside each other as they explore and make good use of the age-appropriate toys set around for them. They interact well and use all the available space to play and explore. The childminder focuses on the young children's personal and social skills. This means they are gaining confidence which will enable them to feel secure as they take part in new play and learning opportunities.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how young children learn. She provides a wide range of free-play resources to promote their independence. At the same time she provides adult-led activities to give children of all ages new experiences. The childminder and assistants give consistent verbal support, extending and developing the very young children's vocabulary and comprehension. When older children are cared for, their play needs are well met and they have easy access to a range of appropriate toys that suit the after school and holiday care routines. Regular outings to activity sessions, the park and children's events are an important aspect of the children's routines through the year. This gives all children many opportunities to learn about both their local community and the wider world.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The children's journals with observations and assessments, alongside photographs, show that the children take part in a wide variety of play and learning experiences. Aspects of their development and progress are identified and linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage outcomes. Planning is flexible but at this time does not always link with the children's interests or the next steps in their learning. Their achievements are recorded but not extended to ensure children are confident in their new-found skills. The childminder provides interesting activities and outings to ensure children's learning is developed. They are making good progress towards the early learning goals and developing skills that will support them in their future learning. 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 2 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