Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY223074 Inspection date 22/11/2011 Inspector Susan Marriott

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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

There were no children on roll when this inspection took place. The findings in this report are based on evidence gathered from discussions with those who care for the children and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation. Where there are no children on roll, no judgement is made on the quality of the early years provision as there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children. The report states if the provider continues to meet the requirements of registration.

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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 registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 13 years in a house in the Woodhall Farm district of Hemel Hempstead. They are in a short walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. This includes a spacious lounge and dining room, playroom, and cloakroom. There is an enclosed garden for children to play. The family has a pet dog and some goldfish in a covered indoor tank. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to provide care for three children in this age group and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for five children aged under eight years. The childminder currently cares for one child aged 11 years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. At the time of this inspection there were no children on roll in the early years age group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Through discussion and documentation, the childminder demonstrates sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and is ready and able to implement this within her practice with early years children. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect children in her care and is fully up-to-date with practices and procedures to ensure children's safety and well- being. The childminder and her husband hold appropriate vetting checks. The childminding home is safe and secure, with risk assessments in place and undertaken. Appropriate fire safety measures are in place.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder plans a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities which cover the six areas of learning so that children enjoy, achieve and learn through play. An inclusive environment is promoted because children of all ages are supported to enable them to join in with all activities. A discussion with parents prior to the child starting to attend the childminding setting enables the childminder to assess the child's individual capabilities. The childminder describes her system of annotating examples of work and describing children engaged in activities. Observations are linked to the areas of learning, and by linking her observations to the criteria in the Early Years Foundation Stage, she is able to plan for the next steps in children's learning and track their progress towards the early learning goals.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder shows a clear understanding of promoting the good health of children. She holds a current paediatric first aid qualification, takes the necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection and has suitable systems in place to manage sick children. She describes how she manages issues relating to asthmatic children. The childminder takes consideration of parental wishes and shares information with the parents to ensure that children's dietary requirements are met. She does not use a car during childminding hours and walks everywhere in the locality so children benefit from fresh air and exercise.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Partnership's with parents, carers and other agencies are developed because the childminder shares information appropriately to meet children's individual needs. Processes for managing children's behaviour are in place. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 describes in detail how she supplies younger children with appropriate toys and activities. She understands the need to ensure toys and resources are rotated to maintain children's interest and enhance their curiosity for learning. The childminder remains committed to improving her service. At last inspection the childminder was asked to complete two recommendations to improve the quality of care and the outcomes for children. She has ensured that a current first aid certificate is maintained and that accidents and incidents are always recorded and parents sign these. She has also enhanced the written information for parents

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

relating to childcare practice and routines. Since the last inspection a downstairs toilet has been installed so that children do not need to go upstairs at all and the playroom has been re-organised to meet the needs of the older children attending the setting.

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Compliance with registration requirements

The registered person continues 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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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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