Childminder in Hertfordshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY369815 Inspection date 22/10/2008 Inspector Jo Rowley

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Type of setting Childminder 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. 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 registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and three children aged four, 11 and 12 in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to provide care each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered to care for three children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and there are currently six children attending, all on a part time basis, who are within this age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder also offers care to children aged five to eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Compulsory Childcare Register. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the Early Years age range. There are currently no children on roll in this age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds the NVQ Level 2 qualification and is currently studying for a Level 3. She has created partnership links with the parents.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides satisfactorily for all children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She provides a safe and enjoyable environment whilst supporting children in their play. The children are able to fully participate because the childminder provides suitable activities, although the planning of these activities is not linked to observation and assessment. Children's individual needs are recognised and steps are taken to ensure that children are cared for inclusively. Children's welfare is promoted and the childminder has made links with parents to consistently develop children's care and education. There have been limited steps taken in the form of self-evaluation although the childminder demonstrates an understanding of her strengths and areas for improvement through the parental questionnaires she asks parents to complete.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that all accident entries are correctly dated and countersigned by parents or carers  continue to develop observations and assessments and ensure that these are linked to planning for children's individual needs and their next steps  ensure that links with other settings, providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, are developed. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has some written policies in place, which are currently under review, to ensure that children are well protected at all times. For example, she has a safeguarding children policy and completes a regular risk assessment of her home, ensuring that toys and resources are safe and suitable for the children to use. The childminder regularly discusses the children's welfare and development with parents and uses their feedback from written questionnaires to develop her practice. Information diaries and photographic evidence are used to share information with parents on a daily basis and parents are fully encouraged to share what they know about their children.

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provision

The childminder is beginning to evaluate her practice. Although there is no written evaluation in place she clearly knows where the children are progressing and how she can develop their interests. The childminder has created effective partnerships with parents, although links with pre-schools and other agencies are not yet in place. She has completed the necessary first aid course, the introduction to childcare practice training and is currently studying for an NVQ Level 3 qualification.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are supported by the childminder. She offers a range of outside activities including daily visits to local parent and toddler groups and soft play areas. The childminder provides quality resources in the home which are suitable for children's ages and stages of development and these are stored at the children's level, enabling them to make individual choices. The childminder is aware of where children are in their learning and knows what to offer them in order to promote their development. However, there are limited written observations and assessments completed in order to influence the planning of activities. Therefore, children's individual needs, their next steps and progression towards the early learning goals are not always met effectively.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged by the childminder to use their imaginations as they play. For example, they dress the dolls and take them for walks in their push chairs within the home. The childminder plans some activities for the week ahead, including art and craft activities. For example, the children are currently following an 'Autumn' topic where they have enjoyed an Autumn walk to collect different leaves. The leaves were then used to creatively to make their own Autumn trees in the form of collage. The childminder supports the children in these activities whilst also encouraging them to try things for themselves, therefore, promoting their independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has forged caring relationships with the children, they enjoy their time with her and have built strong friendships with each other. Children are kind to each other, they share toys and resources and together use their imaginations to create activities of their own. The children are respected and are all offered the same opportunities regardless of their background. They are learning about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 different religions and cultures through topics such as the current one 'the world around us'. The childminder is able to provide care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and ensures that she consistently promotes an inclusive environment. She encourages children to use appropriate behaviour and has house rules in place that children are encouraged to follow. She effectively uses praise to encourage children to be kind to each other and make the right

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and welfare are generally promoted as the childminder takes steps to minimise the spread of infection. They are encouraged to regularly wash their hands before meal times and together they talk about how to get rid of germs. The children are cared for in a secure environment because the childminder has a suitable understanding of minimising risks. She carries out a regular risk assessment of her home before children arrive and checks the areas used by the children on outings. When out of the home she carries emergency contact details for each child should they be required and talks to children regularly about road safety. However, when completing accident records information from some entries is missing. The childminder has a clear understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and has the relevant information and contact details for all children. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure that there is a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints. 26/11/2008

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure that there is a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints. 26/11/2008

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