Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY248379 Inspection date 15/11/2011 Inspector Lynne Talbot

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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 was registered in May 2003. She lives with her husband and four children aged 13, 11, eight and three years in a village close to Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a rabbit and five chickens.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to provide care on each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. 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

The childminder demonstrates through discussion and documentation a firm understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She implements a procedure for identifying children's starting points by using a questionnaire for parents at the point of new contracts. This, together with settling-in periods at the pace dictated by children's needs, addresses areas of welfare as well as learning and development. Consequently, she is able to support children in making progress towards the early learning goals. Through observation and assessment procedures the childminder is able to monitor and plan for the individual needs of children attending. This process includes a tracking system to monitor progress against the six areas of learning. Thorough planning of activities, indoors and outside, means that children take part in play that fosters steady progress and development.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates through discussion a robust understanding of what to do if she has any safeguarding concerns regarding a child in her care. A procedure and policy for safeguarding is shared with parents and includes the action to take, telephone numbers of whom to contact and the system for recording any action taken. The premises are safe and secure, with risk assessments in place undertaken daily and monthly. Assessments of risk for outings undertaken are in place and reviewed regularly. All required policies, together with several others to support clear sharing of information and to meet the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are in place.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Partnerships with parents, carers and other agencies are built through the sharing of information to meet children's individual needs. A daily diary is used with babies and younger children to effect two-way information sharing. The childminder shares recorded observation files with parents developing next steps for planned, individual learning. Processes for managing children's behaviour are in place and a policy shows how the childminder promotes a culture of social behaviour. House rules shared with children promote their self-awareness. Policies and procedures, including those for equality of opportunity, ensure a fully inclusive environment is promoted. The childminder is able to draw on her experience within the childcare This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 field to work with children and families where specific needs have been identified. The childminder can provide nutritious meals for children using sample menus

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Quality improvement processes include an evaluation of activities, a regular review of written policies and action plans demonstrating aspects of care that have been changed and the reasons why they have been changed. The childminder seeks information relating to her role and updates her practice accordingly. This shows a good attitude towards further development. The childminder regularly uses questionnaires to seek parental views. This helps her to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the setting in order to implement relevant action plans to improve the service provided.

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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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