Childminder in HertfordshireOfsted inspection, 30 May 2012

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY370601 Inspection date 30/05/2012 Inspector Tina Kelly

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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 2008. She lives with her husband who is also a registered childminder and school age child on the outskirts of Borehamwood, in Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Children do not generally access upstairs other than to use the family bathroom. A fully enclosed garden is available for outside play. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, shops and parks. The family keep a tank of tropical fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with another childminder, she may care for a total of no more than six children under eight years; of these not more than six may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than two may be under one year at any one time. She is currently caring for one child in this age group, on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder 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 are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder uses observations to show children are making good progress towards the early learning goals; information gained from this process is beginning to be shared with parents and used to plan for children's future learning. Parents are kept well informed about their children's personal care routines and the activities they have enjoyed. The documents required to ensure the well-being of the children and for the smooth running of the setting are in place. The childminder has a process in place to review her practice and the service she provides for the children in her care. She is committed to improving and developing her skills.

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further?

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

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further?

 regularly review the planning to ensure it is consistently building on children's existing talents and interests and takes account of the next steps in children's learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded as all adults are clear about their responsibilities to provide a safe environment. Appropriate background checks have been carried out on all members of the household. The childminder has information and leaflets provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board on display, to ensure parents are informed about her commitment to keeping children safe in her care. Risk assessments are well established and reflect the ages of the children cared for and take account of all areas that the children have access to. This 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 stored appropriately, so children can make choices about their play. They are age appropriate and linked to the interests of the children being cared for.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established good relationships with the families of the children she cares for. Some of the children cared for after school have been in her care for over four years. There is an effective process in place to share information about the children's personal care and aspects of the day they have enjoyed. Alongside a questionnaire, parents are also encouraged to use a compliment book to share views about the activities and service provided. Parents are very complimentary and pleased with the care their children receive. The childminder has not cared for children who have special 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.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended a range of training opportunities. She uses these skills to provide a well organised and interesting experience for the children in her care. An effective evaluation process reflects on the strengths of her practice and areas to be developed. She has identified areas of training for the future to enable her to maintain continuous improvement. The recommendations made at a previous inspection have been met, which has improved the service and outcomes for children. The childminder uses several toddler groups provided by a local Sure Start centre. She has developed a good network of local childminders for support and to share experiences and resources. She is keen to improve her practice and continue to promote outcomes for children of all ages.

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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 children cared for after school and occasionally in the school holidays are regularly taken to the local children's farm, RAF museum and special day trips to a castle which is a real favourite. Children of all ages have many opportunities to explore and find out about nature and the wider world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 There is a thorough settling in process for the young children, as the childminder spends time with parents to ensure she is fully aware of the children's individual needs. This information is then used to assist in providing activities based on the children's interest and developing skills. The childminder uses observations and flexible planning to promote and challenge children's learning and she uses

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and outcomes for children

learning journals to record children's progress. She uses most of this information effectively to plan for future activities. However, the planning is not regularly reviewed and monitored to ensure that the childminder is consistently building on children's existing talents and interests across all aspects of their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Activities are well resourced and based on accurate observations, which match the children's developing skills. The garden provides challenging and interesting opportunities for children of all ages to explore and extend their physical skills. Children take part in a wide range of physical activities throughout the week. They have a good understanding about the importance of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. 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. Interesting books, reflecting cultural stories and family events, are popular with all children. Young children show great determination as they manoeuvre dolls and pushchairs around the patio area and into the play shed. Children are encouraged to extend their play ideas with good

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and outcomes for children

verbal and practical support by the childminder. She introduces new words and adds to the resources as the children's games develop.

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and outcomes for children

The school age children also have learning journeys. They add their own very individual and funny comments alongside the photographs of activities and outings, which clearly shows they really enjoy the time they spend with their childminder. They have also completed a questionnaire, which shows they are very happy with the play opportunities, the meals and outings provided for them. Children's views and ideas are sought and are taken into account when planning for their care and future activities and outings.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children well. She takes the young children to toddler groups, activity centres and the farm to introduce new experiences and activities and to meet other children and childminders. Children's personal health is promoted through everyday routines. Children are very familiar with the mid- morning snack, as they sit at the table and talk about their favourite fruit. 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. Outings and garden play promote a healthy lifestyle and give many opportunities for children to develop their physical skills, on a range of age-appropriate toys and resources. Children learn to keep themselves safe, as the childminder reminds them to be aware of their personal safety and to put toys away so they are not trodden on.

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and outcomes for children

Both childminders working at this setting are positive role models. They chat and talk to the children and use praise to promote good behaviour. Children have developed a warm and trusting relationship with their carers. Their self-esteem is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promoted with the consistent interaction, well organised activities and freedom to make 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

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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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