Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY218291 Inspection date 23/05/2012 Inspector Alison Reeves

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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 2002. She lives with her adult child in Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to a local school and pre-school to take and collect children. She takes children to the park, toddler groups, soft play areas and educational facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for eight children in this age group on a part-time basis. The childminder has three assistants registered to work with her on an occasional basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 in the Early Years Foundation Stage make good progress in their learning and development. Priority is given to their safety and well-being and there are systems in place to support this. Children are included well, their individual needs are met and they are beginning to lean about the wider world. Most aspects of monitoring children's achievements are successful. The childminder has established highly successful partnerships with parents and other providers. She has a system to evaluate practice and this enables her to secure further improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the use of assessment to plan the next steps in children's developmental progress  develop opportunities to help children become aware of differences in religion, culture, special educational needs and disabilities.

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the early years provision

Safeguarding children and ensuring their safety and well-being is given priority. The childminder has all of the information on making a child protection referral should she have any concerns. All adults in the household are vetted and can support the childminder by working as assistants should the need arise. As a result, children are well protected. A safe environment is maintained and the childminder uses risk assessments to check for hazards and take steps to remove or minimise them. Consequently, children enjoy exploring in a safe environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has an excellent range accessible of resources that support children in learning through play. She has a good knowledge of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage, which she uses effectively to support children. She provides a well-organised environment in which the children can

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the early years provision

have fun. The childminder has developed a system for evaluating her practice and identifying her strengths. She is beginning to set herself challenging targets to improve outcomes for children. Since the last inspection the childminder has taken action to better monitor and record risk assessments, ensuring the environment is always safe.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are exceptionally well established and contribute significantly towards providing good quality experiences for children. The childminder gains plenty of information about children's starting points and routines. This enables her to cater for individual needs effectively. The childminder actively seeks parents' views through questionnaires and these, along with letters, reflect their satisfaction with the service and their very high regard for the childminder. Equally effective relationships with other providers ensure continuity of care for children and contribute considerably to supporting their welfare and learning. The childminder ensures all children are included in the day-to-day life of the setting. She provides good levels of individual support for children. An excellent range of resources are used well to help children participate at their own level. The childminder's policy on equality and diversity ensures each child is

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the early years provision

valued and they have some opportunities to learn about the wider world.

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and outcomes for children

Children have strong relationships with the childminder and this means they feel very safe and secure. As a result, they are extremely confident and self-assured, enabling them to talk to other unfamiliar adults with confidence in her presence. Children learn about keeping themselves safe and this is included superbly in everyday activities. Consequently, they behave in ways that are safe. For example, while walking along the tow path, children are alert to the danger of cyclists and the water and are quick to step aside, away from the water, to allow cyclists to pass. Children's health is promoted through active play, balanced diets and robust hygiene routines. They love playing in the open air and the childminder ensures they have lots of opportunities for outdoor experiences, making good use of the local countryside. As a result, children lead active lives and understand how to keep themselves healthy.

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and outcomes for children

Children are gaining independence skills because the childminder provides good levels of support to all children. They show their understanding of looking after themselves and others as they play with the dolls, feeding them and putting them to bed. Communication is supported well with plenty of chatter as they play. The childminder introduces new words to the children and their vocabulary is therefore developing well. They enjoy stories, and superb use of books promotes their interest effectively. Children are familiar with number sequences and can apply their knowledge to count a small number of objects. The childminder supports this This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 by counting the resources as they get them out of the box. Children understand positional language. When looking for a small bowl, the childminder suggests in may be under the blanket and the child promptly lifts the doll's blanket from the

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and outcomes for children

floor. By including this in everyday play, children have a secure grasp of maths and problem solving. They use cause and effect toys and simple technology, such as music players, which develops their understanding. Children enjoy outdoor play, particularly walking by the river where they can see the ducks and swans. They visit lakes and have picnics in the park. This means children have a good understanding of seasons and notice changes in the natural environment.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder frequently observes children as they play and this enables her to monitor their progress. She is beginning to use what she sees to plan. However, next steps are not routinely identified and the links to planning are limited. Nevertheless, children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. The childminder makes appropriate use of resources to promote positive images of race; however, opportunities to learn about other cultures and beliefs are more limited. Consequently, children's understanding of the wider world is less well developed. Children have respect for themselves and others in the setting. They are very well behaved and the childminder is skilled in communicating boundaries and house rules clearly and pleasantly. 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 1 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 1 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 1 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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