Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 149467 Inspection date 29/03/2012 Inspector Debbie Kerry

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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 1991. She lives with her husband and her adult child in a village near Royston, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The property is assessed via a step. The family has fish in an aquarium.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. At the time of the 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 discussions and documentation the childminder is able to demonstrate that she has some understanding of the Early Years Foundation stage. She has documentation on the early learning goals and developmental scales so children's progress can be noted. The childminder has a range of resources available that are suitable for children to support their all round learning in the early years. She is aware of local groups that she can take them to in order to support their social skills and their understanding of the local community. There are appropriate equipment and resources in the garden to further support children's play and learning.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has developed a written policy on safeguarding children so the appropriate procedures can be followed should she have concerns about the welfare of a child in her care. There is a clear and comprehensive risk assessment in place for all areas of the home, garden and equipment that children have access to so that they are protected from any potential hazards.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder discusses all children's needs with parents before minding begins and shares her written policies and procedures to inform them of her practice. She writes a diary for younger children to record the activities they undertake when in her care. The childminder has written procedures for behaviour management which are discussed and agreed with parents. She has clear house rules in place to help children learn about expected codes of behaviour. The childminder ensures that all children are made welcome and she would work with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met. She has menus in place so they can be provided with a range of healthy foods for snacks and meals.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Since the last inspection the childminder has completed first aid training. She has also put in place a range of documentation to ensure that all children's individual needs are known regarding their family, health and care needs, along with a daily routine and parental permission records. She has developed clear written policies and procedures which can be shared with parents. The childminder ensures that children would be supervised at all times and that the correct ratios of minded This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children are maintained in line with her registration. She uses a diary to record the times of arrival and departure each day when children attend.

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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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