Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY297078 Inspection date 09/11/2011 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 2004. She lives close to Watford town centre with her husband and two school age children. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding but children do not generally access upstairs other than to use the family bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are no pets.

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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 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 one child, part-time, in this age group. She also offers out of school care to children aged over five years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development and has experience in working as a teaching assistant.

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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

Young children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care, their individual needs are met to a very high standard. She uses observations and assessments effectively to show children are making good progress, most of the information is used to plan for children's individual learning needs. Parents are kept well informed 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 well-established. The childminder evaluates her practice and 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 early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 review the assessment process to focus on children's individual learning needs to assist in planning 'what next' to promote their existing talents.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded to a very high level as the childminder is clear about her responsibilities to provide a safe environment. She has continually updated her knowledge of the safeguarding process, as she has attended training on a regular basis throughout her registration. Information and leaflets provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board are readily available and a poster is on display to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure parents and visitors are aware of her commitment to children's welfare. Appropriate background checks have been taken out on all adults in the home. Also the visitors' book ensures that the childminder 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. These are very effective in identifying and minimising risks to children within the home and on outings. A daily check list

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the early years provision

ensures areas and resources used by the children are clean and well-managed. Laminated picture cards are used as a game with the children to develop their understanding and responsibility for their own safety. There is a good range of very good quality resources readily available. They are age 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 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, as parents can keep the childminder informed about events from home as they have regular input into the children's communication books. A questionnaire shows that parents are very happy with the care their children receive. This shows the communication with the childminder is effective. Older children share their views with the childminder, as they also have a questionnaire which enables them to be involved in planning future activities and events. 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 all aspects of their home life and the children's individual needs are respected and valued. The childminder is highly

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the early years provision

committed to working in partnership with other agencies and early years settings where children attend. There are well-established channels of communication with pre-school settings and the school. Themes and topics planned at the childminder drop in group are extended in the childminder's home to support and develop the young children's understanding and skills, so they are confident in the group setting. The childminder has developed a good working partnerships with the local Sure Start Children's Centre. She is aware of the support and training they provide.

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the early years provision

Since registration, the childminder has attended an extensive range of training. This has improved her professional skills and early years knowledge which has enabled her to provide a setting where children are keen to learn and thrive as their personal and social needs are recognised and met to a good standard. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been met in full, improving information for parents and outcomes for children. The comprehensive online Ofsted self-evaluation process is well established. The process is used very effectively to monitor her practice and identify areas to be developed. She has high expectations of herself and the service she provides.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides an interesting range of resources, activities and outings throughout the week for the children in her care. Photographs show children of all ages enjoy a variety of experiences, both in the home and out in the community. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She has a 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 a good starting point to build on the children's interests and previous experiences. The detailed learning journeys show observations are shared with parents and reflect on the many different opportunities that the children enjoy during the week. They show children are making good progress in all areas of learning. The next steps in the children's learning is being planned for but the outcomes are not specific to each individual child's developing skills. Outings are

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and outcomes for children

an important aspect of the week's plans. Trips to the local park develop children's physical skills. Toddler groups and play sessions develop children's confidence and social skills. They are gaining confidence and are beginning to enjoy new experiences in a safe environment and with excellent support from their carer. They show good concentration skills, as they use a very good range of craft materials in creating a birthday card. Children's language is well supported, as the childminder supports their understanding of the different colours and textures. Children are well supported in their imaginative play, as they enjoy playing with the indoor tent, dolls, pushchairs and the tea set. 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. This has developed a strong sense of belonging, as children know what

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and outcomes for children

is expected of them and thrive in this well-managed setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children show great confidence with their childminder. They are beginning to find a voice and are competent communicators for their ages. They are very familiar with the lunchtime routines. They are encouraged to chose what they would like, sit and wait patiently, as the childminder talks and reassures them at all times. Their sense of belonging and self-esteem is enhanced to a very high level with this close interaction. Equality and diversity is promoted through a range of resources and events planned throughout the year. Resources are readily available that reflect different cultures and family settings, these are incorporated in the play with sensitive interaction by the childminder. The childminder knows the children well. She provides toys and resources that they are interested in and enjoy. Children are given time to settle to their self-chosen play with good support from their carer.

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and outcomes for children

Children's personal health is promoted with good cloakroom and nappy change routines. The childminder provides healthy and nutritious meals that are outlined in the sample menu. The childminder takes account of parents requests and dietary requirements. Drinks are available at all times. Children have developed a warm and trusting relationship with the other children and their carers. Their self-esteem is promoted to a good level with the consistent interaction and well-organised activities and freedom to make choices about their play. All 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 2 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 2 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 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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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