Childminder in HertfordshireOfsted inspection, 6 Mar 2012

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY348962 Inspection date 06/03/2012 Inspector Jo Rowley

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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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged one, four and seven years in Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire. She lives close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and the children have access to a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has no pets. The childminder is able to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children with English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care on each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of two children in the early years age range and is currently minding one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years and this provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

The childminder provides a happy and welcoming environment where children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. Positive links with parents, carers and others help to build sound relationships, promoting consistent care. The childminder takes effective steps to promote children's welfare through established daily routines and she has a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. She meets the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and promotes an inclusive environment, where every child is treated as an individual. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of the value of reflecting on practice although parents are not always fully involved in the self evaluation process.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the systems for self-evaluation with particular reference to including the views of parent's and children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding procedures in order to protect children in her care. She has devised a well written safeguarding children policy which, for example, includes the procedures to be followed in the event of a lost or uncollected child. The childminder has the required safeguarding documentation and is aware of the relevant professionals to contact if a concern is raised. Risk assessments are thorough and these are completed on a regular basis to promote children's safety in the home. Children are further safeguarded as the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder completes a risk assessment for each type of outing they take part in and carries written emergency contact details on her at all times whilst out of the home, in case an accident or incident occurs. The children are learning about keeping themselves and others safe as they practise the emergency evacuation

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the early years provision

procedure on a regular basis and this reinforces their awareness of safety as they are learning how to leave the premises safely in an emergency.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has developed friendly, professional relationships with parents. She encourages them to share what they know about their children at the beginning of their contract by promoting effective settling in procedures. Communication with parents is encouraged through the use of daily diaries; this helps to keep parents informed of their child's day and promotes further opportunities for interaction. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of partnership working with others and although young children currently cared for do not attend other settings the childminder is fully aware of the importance of these relationships. All children are equally welcomed into the childminder's setting regardless of their background. A written equal opportunities policy is also in place, which is shared with parents, to ensure that no child is discriminated against and to promote inclusion. Each

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the early years provision

child is offered the same opportunities and experiences, with these being adapted to suit each child. Resources are age and stage appropriate and rotated on a regular basis to ensure that children have a variety of experiences available to them.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an understanding of cultural differences and supports children's awareness, through resources and discussions, of the wider society. She also provides equipment, such as books, puppets and small world play to develop children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world. The childminder is developing ways to monitor and evaluate her setting through effective self- evaluation procedures, however, parents and children are not always included in the evaluation procedures and therefore their views are not always used to make improvements.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, settled and clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. They make good progress in their learning because the childminder provides appropriate support for their individual needs. Children are naturally challenged in their play as the childminder extends their learning and encourages them to think further. For example, as the children sit and listen to 'The Gruffalo' story the childminder introduces some finger puppets. They are encouraged to try and make the sounds of the creatures and clearly enjoy the encouragement the childminder provides. The childminder also promotes opportunities for their developing communication and language skills. Children feel valued as the childminder listens to them and supports them in they play. Their individual learning folders show photographic and observational progress and the childminder demonstrates, verbally, how observations and regular planning are organised to promote children's next steps.

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's behaviour shows that they feel safe as they happily go to the childminder for lots of spontaneous cuddles. She ensures that inclusion is fully promoted within her setting by making sure that all children are equally respected and included in all the activities planned, through adapting these when necessary. Children show a genuine kindness for each other as they share resources. For example, together they make sounds on the musical train mat, smiling and laughing collectively as the childminder enthusiastically encourages them.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident and secure in their environment and therefore are involved in their learning. They are developing knowledge and skills through every day opportunities, using electronic and battery operated resources as they develop their skills for their future. Their imaginations are developing as they use the pretend food and play kitchen and enjoy listening to stories read by the childminder. Children's physical development is promoted through regular music and movement opportunities outside the home. They also enjoy visits to the local park where they practise their climbing skills on the static equipment available. Children have regular and independent opportunities to access books as these are clearly displayed for them to choose from. Children have an appropriate awareness of personal hygiene through established daily routines and conversations about removing germs. They also learn about healthy eating as the childminder offers

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and outcomes for children

freshly prepared home made meals and fresh fruit for snack which helps to promote their well-being. 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 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 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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