Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY332464 Inspection date 24/10/2011 Inspector Tina Kelly

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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 2006, she lives with her husband who is registered as an assistant and school age child in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children do not generally access upstairs, other to use the family bathroom and for younger children to sleep. The house is within walking distance of local amenities, such as, schools, the library, shops and parks.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and 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, some of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. When working with an assistant, they may care for up to four children in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a Level 3 qualification in childcare, learning and development.

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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 are very happy and well settled in the childminder's care. She uses observations and assessments effectively to show that children are making excellent progress, but some aspects of the planning are not fully effective. Parents are kept well in formed of their children's personal care routines and the activities they have enjoyed. The documents required for the well-being of the children and the smooth running of the setting are comprehensive and readily available. The childminder has attended a range of courses and has a well established self evaluation processes in place. She is committed to improving and developing the service that she provides to the families in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensuring that planning shows personalised learning for each child to promote their existing talents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded as the childminder is very clear about her responsibilities to provide a safe environment. The childminder has information and leaflets provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board readily available and she bases her safeguarding policy on this information. Appropriate background checks have been taken out on all adults in the home and the visitors' book ensures she is aware of all adults that come to her home. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Extensive risk assessments are in place, which are very effective in identifying and minimising risks to children within the home and on outings. Road safety and stranger danger are highlighted as aspects to be discussed when out in the community. A daily check list ensures areas and resources used by the children are clean and well-managed. There is a wide range of very good quality resources readily accessible for all children. They are age

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the early years provision

appropriate and linked to the interests of the children being cared for. The garden provides a stimulating area for children to play and extend their physical skills.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very comprehensive process in place to share information with parents about the children's personal care and aspects of the day they have enjoyed. This is a two way process, parents keep the childminder informed about events from home as they have regular input into the children's learning journeys. A recent questionnaire shows that parents are very happy with the care their children receive and this demonstrates that the communication with the childminder is effective. Parents have also sent in letters of reference and recommendation to Ofsted to be used as part of the inspection process. The childminder is highly committed to working in partnership with other agencies and early years settings that the children attend. There are excellent channels of communication with pre-school settings to track children's learning and to enable the childminder to link activities that she provides to the experiences the children

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the early years provision

have within the group setting. The childminder has developed a very good partnership with the local Surestart children's centre. She has been heavily involved in developing the childminder network and supporting newly registered childminders. She has received excellent support from the childminder drop-in sessions and shares information with families to ensure that parents are aware of the community services available to them. The childminder has not cared for children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, she has a very clear understanding of the importance of working with parents to ensure that all aspects of their home life and the children's individual needs are respected and valued.

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the early years provision

Since registration the childminder has attended a wide range of training courses. She is aware of the future training available and is continually looking to improve her practice and overall knowledge of early years provision. This commitment to maintain continuous improvement enables her to provide an outstanding setting where children are keen to learn and thrive as their personal and social needs are recognised and met to a high standard. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been met in full, improving information for parents and outcomes for children. The childminder has developed a system of 16 commitments that are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 based on the practice cards in the 'Every Child Matters' pack. She focuses on specific aspects of the four themes of the Early Years Foundation Stage to identify the important outcomes of care and learning for the different ages she cares for.

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the early years provision

This enables her to plan for a smooth transition between the different ages and stages of development. The comprehensive online Ofsted self evaluation has been established over several years. The process is used very effectively to monitor her practice and identify areas to be developed. Her husband is recorded as an assistant, this enables her to provide very flexible care arrangements to the families she cares for. She has exceptionally high expectations of herself and the service she provides.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a stimulating and interesting range of resources, activities and outings throughout the week for the children her care. Photographs show that children enjoy a variety of activities, both in the home and out in the community. She has a very thorough settling-in process and spends time with parents to establish a very good understanding of the children's individual learning and care needs. This provides an excellent starting point to build on the children's interests and previous experiences. Children understand the simple rules that are in place to teach them to share and take turns. The childminder is an excellent role model, she talks to the children and uses praise to promote good behaviour. Children are considerate and play alongside each other well. Spontaneous imaginative play shows they are kind and helpful towards each other. They are beginning to understand the impact their actions have on other children playing

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and outcomes for children

nearby. This has developed a strong sense of belonging as children know what is expected of them and thrive in this well managed setting. Older children share their views with the childminder as they have the opportunity to fill in a questionnaire. Their views are sought and respected, this enables them to be involved in the planning of future activities and events. The childminder plans her time to ensure all children have opportunities for robust outside play. The resources in the garden promote the children's physical skills, they enjoy the games and activities that are planned to promote their stamina and sporting skills. Outings to local parks, play areas and children's farms extends their understanding of their own community and the wider world. Trips to the local park develop children's physical skills. Toddler groups and play sessions develop children's social skills. They are gaining confidence and are beginning to enjoy new experiences in

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and outcomes for children

a safe environment and with excellent support from their carer.

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and outcomes for children

The well established and detailed learning journeys show comprehensive observations consistently based on the outcomes of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. These are shared with parents who are encouraged to share events from home with comments and photographs. The childminder uses this information as part of the ongoing assessments and to extend children's conversation and recall as they talk about holidays and time spent with extended family. The records of assessment and observations show that all children are making outstanding progress in all areas of learning. At this time, the detail for future learning opportunities is less well developed. Children's individual This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 achievements and skills are not fully reflected in the planning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's personal health is promoted with very good cloakroom routines. Children are very confident in asking for help when needed. They are beginning to understand the importance of good personal care. Posters remind them about hand washing and they have their own towels and flannels to promote newly acquired skills. When parents provide food for children their diets are supplemented by the childminder who takes account parents requests and dietary requirements. Drinks are available at all times, children chose their mid-morning fruit snack and sit with the childminder to talk about their choices and what they like. This calm and quiet snack time is used to discuss what to do that day and to reflect on their number, colour and shape recognition with simple guessing games and discussion.

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and outcomes for children

Children show great confidence in their carer and in making their own decisions. They are beginning to find a voice and are competent communicators for their ages. Their sense of belonging and self esteem is enhanced to a very high level with this close interaction. The childminder has a very good understanding of providing an inclusive setting as she has attended training to extend her knowledge in this important aspect of early years care. Equality and diversity is promoted through a range of resources and events planned throughout the year. The childminder knows the children well. She provides activities, toys and resources that they are interested in and which complement their family and cultural backgrounds. Children have developed a very warm and trusting relationship with the other children and their childminder. Young children are drawn in to share experiences with the childminder's son. They are fascinated to

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and outcomes for children

be shown computer games and show great pleasure as they begin to recognise characters and are encouraged to join in the game. They are challenged and are beginning to understand how technology impacts on their lives with the use of tills and phones in their imaginative play. Their self-esteem is promoted to a high level with consistent interaction, well organised activities and freedom to make choices about their play. Children are learning skills that ensure they cope with new experiences and to extend and develop skills for their future learning. 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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