Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY370954 Inspection date 18/10/2011 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 2008. She lives with her partner and two children aged three and five years, in Kimpton, Hertfordshire. Most of the home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to a local school and pre-school to take and collect children. She takes children to the park, nature reserves, library and educational facilities. The family have a cat.

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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 four children under eight years, of whom, two may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for one early years age range child on a part-time basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are making excellent progress in their learning and development whilst in the care of the childminder. Their safety and welfare is given priority and all appropriate measures are in place to ensure this. Children are valued and the childminder works hard to cater for individual needs. Children thrive in the stimulating environment where their achievements are monitored and assessed effectively. Planning continues to be developed to further enhance the provision. Partnerships with parents and other providers are highly successful. The childminder reflects on her practice and has a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance planning systems to show clearly the link to children's next steps.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded and well protected in the setting because the childminder's understanding of safeguarding issues means she is able to keep children safe and promote their welfare. Attendance at training courses enable her to keep up-to-date with current practice and to amend her policies and procedures. Risk assessments are routinely carried out to ensure rigorous safety levels are maintained throughout the home and ensure suitability of any outings. Consequently, children are able to move safely and freely around the home, front and side garden. All of the essential documentation is in place to promote the welfare of children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are made really welcome in the very well organised and stimulating learning environment where the childminder makes outstanding use of space. Resources are stored so they are easily accessible to children, enabling them to

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the early years provision

make highly appropriate choices about their play and learning. As a result children thoroughly enjoy their time in the setting, making excellent progress in their learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established highly effective relationships with parents and carers. She gathers all of the required information so that she understands children's individual needs. Policies and procedures are shared with parents so they are fully informed about the childminding service. The childminder frequently shares important information about children's progress and parents are equally keen to share children's successes at home. This means that parents are fully involved in their child's learning. Partnerships with other providers are extremely successful and contribute significantly to continuity of care and shared goals for children. The childminder has already updated her training by attending useful workshops and beginning a Diploma course that is giving her a deeper understanding of how children learn. Consequently, outcomes for children are improved as she uses her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage well to

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the early years provision

The childminder has fully evaluated her setting and is aware of her strengths and weaknesses. She continually looks for ways to improve her provision for the children and to this end is setting herself challenging and highly appropriate targets. Plans to further develop planning systems and to make use of the pond in one of the gardens come from well considered reflection on practice.

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the early years provision

The childminder offers sensitive support to children and readily adapt activities to ensure that all children can access them. An effective equal opportunities policy supports her well and she makes good use of books and resources to introduce diversity. As a result, the individual needs of all children are met and each one is included fully in the life of the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children have an incredible sense of security and well-being because of the established relationships with the childminder and her family. Children move confidently and safely around the home and this enables them to take the lead in play and learning. Their dexterity is developing well as they use a varied range of tools for drawing and emergent writing.

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and outcomes for children

Children's excellent health is maintained because they engage in plenty of active play and eat a healthy, well balanced diet. Children understand good hygiene practice because they are fully included in routines for hand washing and discussions about spreading germs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are engrossed in a wealth of purposeful activities that support them in gaining new skills. They delight in activities that include animals, especially mini This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 beasts. The children have collected snails and found out which leaves they like to eat and been successful in making their very own grass caterpillars using potting compost, grass seed and a pair of tights. Children use language effectively to communicate with adults and with one another in play. They frequently enjoy role play games, sharing out drinks and a delightful range of interesting snacks. Children are experts at using simple technology such as programmable music makers. They are confident in the use of mathematical language and have developed good spatial awareness and problems solving skills by doing increasingly difficult jigsaw puzzles. The childminder supports activities effectively and uses

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and outcomes for children

questioning to encourage the children to think and explore their ideas. This means children make excellent progress in all areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Systems for observation, assessment and planning are embedded but still developing. This ensures the childminder continues to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for individual children.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is good because the childminder gives clear explanations and set appropriate boundaries. Children are developing a respect for themselves and others. They learn about other cultures and beliefs as they share special events and celebrations with friends. The childminder makes effective use of books and resources to 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 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

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Stage

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

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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 2 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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