Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY442317 Inspection date 22/08/2012 Inspector Ann Cozzi

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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 2012. She lives with husband and adult son in a residential area of Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. The whole of the property is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 three may be in the early years age group. The childminder is currently minding one child in this age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification.

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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

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of children's needs which ensures that their welfare and learning are, mostly, adequately promoted. As a result children's progress is satisfactory, given their age, ability and starting points. Children are, generally, safe and secure and have fun as they learn about the world around them. Whilst partnerships with parents and other providers of care and education are satisfactory, there is a weakness in sharing information with parents about children's learning. Systems of reflective practice are adequate and, on the whole, promote the development of the service provided.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 make sure written parental permission is requested at the time of each child's admission, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and welfare). 05/09/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come into contact  develop further the systems for self-evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children  improve the use observation and assessment, to consistently support the planning and provision of enjoyable and challenging learning and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development experiences, that are appropriate to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals  develop further partnership working with parents, sharing information and involving them in their child's continuous learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of safeguarding procedures. This is supported by relevant guidance and a written safeguarding policy which is accessible to parents. Children are taught about how to stay safe, for example, through discussion and practice implemented by the childminder when out in the local community. The environment is on the whole safe, secure and well cared for, although there is a minor weakness in ensuring that written risk assessments accurately reflect all safety issues. For example, how children are prevented from accessing hazardous products in the downstairs toilet area. In addition, the childminder has failed to ensure that written permission is sought at the time of children's admission, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. This is a requirement of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and is a minor breech; as it has no impact on the

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the early years provision

safety and well-being of the children. All other required documentation is in place and maintained. The childminder has a current paediatric first aid qualification, this ensures that she can provide emergency treatment if required.

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the early years provision

Children are supported and encouraged to develop social skills as they play alongside the childminder and when accessing local toddler groups. There is no bias in the childminder's practice in relation to gender, race or disability. There are a sound range of resources, which are organised by the childminder to promote children's access. This contributes towards supporting children's developing independence skills. Whilst the childminder has undertaken some reflective practice this is, at times, limited, although, it is likely to bring about some improvement to the provision.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed sound relationships with parents. Communication is supported by discussions at both drop off and pick up times. This provides parents with information about their child's care, how they have spent their time with her and some information about their achievements. However, the sharing of information linked to children's continuous learning and development is less frequent. This inhibits parent's opportunity to play a full role in their child's early education. Whilst no children currently attend other settings, the childminder shows an adequate understanding of the importance of partnership working with other providers of care and education to promote continuity of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled and prepared to take part in activities. They clearly show a feeling of security in the care of the childminder. Children are provided with a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 suitable range of resources and can independently access toys which interest them. In the main, mental observations are undertaken on each child, this provides the childminder with information about their progress. However, there is a weakness in cross-referencing information gained, to ensure that planning is always secure. As a result, children's progress towards the early learning goals is adequate.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to make sound progress in communication, literacy, numeracy and skills relating to information and communication technology. For example, they enjoy playing with colourful battery operated toys, exploring and investigating they discover what happens next as they press various buttons. Children have fun as they develop physical skills whilst playing with construction materials. They carefully hold and manoeuvre bricks until they have successfully pushed them together, repeating this process they make a tower. They show pride as they clearly enjoy the praise they receive for their achievement. Children demonstrate their particular characteristics, preferences and interests as they access favourite toys and activities, for example, riding on the rocking horse or using mark-making materials. They are beginning to show a developing control in their use of tools and equipment, for example, drawing lines and circles using

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and outcomes for children

gross motor movements. Demonstrating their interest and developing concentration skills they engage in these activities for periods of time. Children develop independence skills as they make choices and explore their environment, learning skills for the future. They comprehend simple sentences and respond to simple instructions, for example, when the childminder tells them it is time for snacks.

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and outcomes for children

Children begin to gain an appreciation of healthy lifestyles as they access outdoor activities each day. For example, visits to a local park support them in developing coordination and balance. Regular outings, such as, trips to the local Sure Start Centre provide opportunities for children to socialise with their peers and begin to develop their understanding about similarities and differences. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating, through the provision of healthy meals and snacks. 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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