Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY424935 Inspection date 17/10/2011 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 2011. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and 18 months in Abbots Langley, on the outskirts of Watford, in Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children do not generally access upstairs other than 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. The family has a pet cat.

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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 two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years.

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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 are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. She is beginning to use observations and assessments to show children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. 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 are well established. The records for risk assessments continue to be developed. The childminder evaluates her practice and is committed to improving and developing the service that she provides.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure risk assessments are relevant to the areas of the home where minded children are cared for  ensure observations and planning are consistently linked to the areas of learning and 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 as the childminder is clear about her responsibilities to provide a safe environment. She receives regular updates from the Local Safeguarding Children Board via email and polices and procedures are readily accessible in the parent handbook. Appropriate background checks have been taken out on all adults in the home and the visitors' book ensures she is aware of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 other adults that come to her home. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Risk assessments are in place but at this time are not fully effective in ensuring all areas used by the children are monitored. She is carrying out checks that are not necessary or specific to the areas of her home where children are cared for. Risk assessments for outings are effective in identifying and minimising risk to children. The childminder has separate play space for the young, non-

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the early years provision

mobile children cared for and the older children in the household. This ensures that toys and resources are age appropriate and suitable. Resources are well organised, children have easy access to toys and games to extend their play ideas.

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the early years provision

The childminder shares information with parents on a daily basis about their children's personal care and aspects of the day they have enjoyed. This is a two- way process and parents keep the childminder informed about events from home. A recent questionnaire shows that parents are very happy with the care their children receive and also shows that the communication with the childminder is working well. The childminder is developing the links with other early years support agencies, such as the children's centre. None of the children currently cared for attend other early years settings. 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 uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form to monitor her

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the early years provision

practice and identify areas to be developed. She uses the internet to access childminder forums, document downloads and ideas for play and craft. She is aware of the training provided in the county and has been accepted on the Early Years Learning and Development course at Level 2. This shows a strong commitment to extending her service to parents and improving outcomes for all children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides an interesting range of resources, activities and outings throughout the week for the full-time arrangements currently in place. Photographs show children enjoy a variety of experiences both in the home and out in the community. The childminder has established learning journeys for the children. The 'all about me' information obtained from parents provides a good starting point to build on the children's interests and previous experiences. Detailed observations are shared with parents to show the many different experiences that the children enjoy during the week. These show that children are making good progress in all areas of learning. Flexible daily and weekly plans are adapted to follow the young children's interests. The childminder has started to look at how children are progressing. She is beginning to plan activities on basic themes that are suitable for the young children in her care. However, the planning

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and outcomes for children

and observations are not fully developed. This means that planning is not fully effective in identifying the next steps in the children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children show great confidence in their childminder. They are beginning to find a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 voice and are competent communicators for their ages. Children understand the simple rules that are in place to teach them to share and take turns. The childminder is a good role model; she talks to the children and uses praise to promote good behaviour. Children are considerate and play alongside each other well. They are beginning to understand the impact their actions have on other children playing nearby. This has developed a strong sense of belonging as children know what is expected of them and thrive in this well managed setting. They are very familiar with the lunch time routines, they sit and wait patiently as the childminder chats and reassures them at all times. Their sense of belonging and self-esteem is enhanced to a good level with this close interaction. Equality

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and outcomes for children

and diversity is promoted through a range of resources and events planned throughout the year. The self-evaluation process shows that resources are being sought to reflect different cultures and family settings. The childminder knows the children well. She provides toys and resources that they are interested in and enjoy. Non-mobile children's are encouraged to explore the available play space and are encouraged to reach and crawl to develop their physical development in a safe environment. Outings are an important aspect of the weeks plans. Trips to the local park develop the children's physical skills. Toddler groups and stay and play sessions build children's confidence and social skills. They have many opportunities to enjoy new experiences in a safe environment and 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. When parents provide food for young children their diets are supplemented by the childminder who takes account 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 childminder. 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. 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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 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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