Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY427182 Inspection date 24/04/2012 Inspector Tina Kelly

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2011. She lives with her husband and two year old child in Abbots Langley village on the outskirts of Watford in Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children do not generally access upstairs other than to use the family bathroom and for young children to sleep. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, the library, shops and parks. There are no pets. There is a small step to access the home and two steps out to the garden which is on two levels with three steps between the patio and grassed area. Children have free flow access to the gated patio area.

p.4

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 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. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Young children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She uses observations to show children are making good progress towards the early learning goals; information gained through this process is generally used to plan effectively for their future learning. Parents are consistently well informed about the events and activities their children take part in and have enjoyed. The documents required for the well-being of the children and for the smooth running of the setting are well managed. The childminder uses local support services effectively to seek further training and has established a developing evaluation process to review her practice. She is committed to improving and developing her skills to enhance the opportunities she provides for children's care and learning.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 enhance the system for self-evaluation to further identify strengths and areas for development to continue and sustain improvement  review planning for the children's next steps to ensure they are more consistently linked to their interests and existing talents to further enhance challenge. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded as the childminder is clear about her responsibilities to provide a safe environment. She has taken out appropriate background checks on all members of the household. The childminder has attended recent safeguarding training and has the information and leaflets provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board readily available. Risk assessments have been established and take account of all areas that the children have access to. The process is effective in identifying and minimising risks to children in the home, garden and on outings. The childminder provides a range of good quality toys and resources which are readily available. They are age appropriate and linked to the interests of the children being cared for. She is aware of the importance of developing contacts with other early years settings when the children attend. The childminder has not cared for children who have special

p.5

the early years provision

educational needs and/or learning disabilities. However, she has a very clear understanding of the importance of working with parents to ensure all aspects of their home life and the children's individual needs are respected and valued.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has established good relationships with families. There is an effective two-way process in place to share information about children's personal care and aspects of the day they have enjoyed through a daily diary. Comprehensive newsletters inform parents about planned activities and events so they can be involved and support their children's developing interests and skills at home. Parents have regular access to their children's learning journals and use a feedback sheet to share their comments and their delight at the progress their children are making. 'Wow' moments, special events and observations made by parents are a valuable contribution to their learning journals, which enables the childminder to build on the children's experiences at home.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has started to use the Ofsted evaluation process. Effective steps are taken to evaluate the provision for the welfare, learning and development of the children. The process is generally effective in identifying areas to be developed to enable her to begin to plan consistently for future improvement. She is aware of the support provided by the local Sure Start Centre and frequently uses their services and play sessions. She has attended a range of courses since her registration that have improved her overall practice. This shows a commitment to extending the service to parents and improving outcomes for all children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder provides an interesting range of resources, activities and outings for young children who are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder has well-established learning journeys that show children are making good progress in all areas of learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Activities are well planned, based on thorough observations and assessments that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 take into account the children's individual interests and needs. However, the planning for the children's next steps is not always linked to their personal skills and talents in order to promote further challenge and extend children's individual learning. Equality and diversity is promoted through a range of resources and events planned throughout the year. Resources are sought to reflect different cultures and family settings and are incorporated in the play with sensitive interaction by the childminder. Children play well together, good manners are promoted by the childminder who is a positive role model, she gently reminds the children to ask nicely and to say thank you. They show great concentration and good fine motor skills as they dress and undress the dolls. A good selection of

p.5

and outcomes for children

quality toys is readily accessible and suitable for the ages of the children cared for. Children are encouraged to extend their own play ideas with good verbal and practical support by the childminder who adds to the resources as their games develop. The childminder knows the children well as she has good feedback from home. Regular outings to playgroups and toddler sessions extend the children's physical skills and provide new activities and experiences that promote the children's confidence and self-esteem. Photographs show children enjoy trips to children's farms and park land where they have opportunities to find out about the animals and the natural world.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's personal health is promoted through well-managed everyday routines. When children wake from their lunchtime sleep they are given time to wake up and join in the play. They enjoy a healthy afternoon snack and eat nicely. The childminder has a sample menu that is shared with parents and shows she provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for children of all ages. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them to be aware of their own personal safety; they are beginning to understand the impact their actions have on other children playing nearby as they manoeuvre pushchairs around the lounge. The childminder is involved in the children's play and she uses praise to promote good behaviour. Children have developed a warm and trusting relationship with the other children and their carer. Their self-esteem is promoted with the consistent interaction, well-organised activities and freedom to make

p.6

and outcomes for children

choices about their play. Children are learning skills that ensure they cope with new experiences and to extend and develop skills for their future learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8