Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY345390 Inspection date 31/05/2012 Inspector Samantha Smith

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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, brother-in-law, two young children and mother-in-law who is also a registered childminder. The family live in a house near Turnpike Lane Station in the London Borough of Haringey. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes and there is a large garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age range. When working with another childminder they may care for nine children under eight years, of whom four may be in the early years age group. There are currently two children on roll in the early years age range. The childminder also cares for older children before and after school. She works from Monday to Friday 8am intill 6pm, all year round.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are appropriately supported by the childminder overall and outcomes for children are satisfactory. They are developing close relationships with the childminder and her family and they benefit from suitable partnerships with parents. The childminder is beginning to develop working relationships with other professionals, although these are not yet effective to have an impact on children. Observational assessment systems are in place, although not fully effective and do not include contributions from parents. Systems to promote inclusion do not fully include the backgrounds of all children. The childminder understands the benefits of self-evaluation and systems to identify her priorities for improvement are developing. The childminder's capacity to improve is satisfactory.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities for play and learning that acknowledge children's particular religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds and help children learn to value aspects of their own lives  develop observation and assessments systems further to identify clear learning intentions and next steps in order to move children on in their learning  encourage parents to contribute to the assessment of their child's learning to build a closer working partnership in supporting children's progress  develop effective partnerships with other provisions that children attend to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provide continuity in their care and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and arrangements for safeguarding children are satisfactory. The childminder understands the procedures to follow if she has concerns for a child in her care. Relevant documentation is in place to support the smooth running of the setting. The childminder maintains an accurate record of children's attendance and accidents. She demonstrates sound procedures for administering medication to children and she holds a valid first aid qualification. The childminder takes suitable steps to promote children's safety by minimising potential hazards in the home and on outings. She maintains a record of her risk assessment.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is suitably organised, providing sufficient space and a satisfactory range of resources. She stores toys sensibly to enable children to access them independently. The childminder makes regular use of local facilities, including local playgroups and the library. In discussion, she demonstrates a sound understanding of equality and diversity issues and generally promotes these appropriately. She provides a range of toys and resources that are suitable for children's differing stages of development. This includes a selection of resources that reflect diversity and the wider society. She also teaches children about her own background through activities, festivals and food. However, there are limited opportunities for children to learn about their family backgrounds.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established positive partnerships with parents. Written contracts and agreements are in place, policies and procedures are shared and there is a regular exchange of information. However, there are no systems in place to encourage parents to contribute towards the assessment of their children's learning. The childminder demonstrates that she is attempting to form relationships with other settings that children attend. However, this is still in the early stages and has yet to have an impact on children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has taken positive steps to address previous recommendations. This demonstrates her positive attitude to making steady improvement. She is beginning to reflect on her practice through developing suitable systems of self- evaluation.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and well settled in a safe and secure environment. They benefit from and enjoy the positive relationships that they are developing with the childminder. The childminder generally offers appropriate support for children to develop sound skills for their future learning. Toys and resources cover most aspects of learning and offer appropriate levels of challenge, although not This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 specifically tailored to meet each child's individual learning needs. Children are encouraged to satisfy their natural curiosity by investigating the resources available. They show pleasure as they explore and discover the range of different toys and learning tools available. Books are readily available and children show an interest in looking at these. They enjoy regular opportunities to engage in physical activities both indoors and outside. They regularly access the garden, where they

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and outcomes for children

use the variety of equipment available. They enjoy regular visits to the park, where they use the large apparatus to support their physical development. Behaviour is good and children are supported in developing social skills through their attendance at various activity groups where they enjoy opportunities to mix and play with other children. Older children are beginning to show a genuine care and concern for younger children as they offer them hugs and cuddles of reassurance.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of her role in supporting children's learning and development. She has developed suitable observation and assessment systems. She carries out regular observations and identifies the next steps of learning, which generally focus on supporting children in making progress. However, it is not always clear if the next steps are followed through in future plans or whether they have been achieved. Furthermore, there are no effective systems to encourage parents to become involved in their child's learning. There are suitable procedures in place to promote the health, safety and well-being of children and the childminder supports them in developing an understanding of these. Daily routines help children to develop basic hygiene practices. Children are becoming familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures as they take part in regular practices. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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