Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 14/11/2012 24/01/2011

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early years provision

This inspection: 3 Previous inspection: 3 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 3 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 3

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This provision is satisfactory

 The childminder effectively supports children's independence, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem.  The childminder has a sound understanding of promoting health and safety, and therefore, children understand how to play and explore in safety.  Children are settled and have formed secure bonds and attachments with the childminder, this supports their well-being and welfare.

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It is not yet good because

 The childminder has not maintained a valid first aid certificate, and therefore potentially, children may not receive appropriate or swift treatment.  Children's progress is not strong because it is not accurately measured and the information gained from observation is not used to effectively plan for their next steps.  Children do not have a wide range of experiences across all of the areas of learning because the childminder's knowledge of how to implement the educational programmes is variable.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in all the ground floor areas.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at a selection of documentation.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder whilst children were playing with construction bricks.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband, who is also a childminder, and one adult child in Watford, Hertfordshire close to local parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outside play. She visits the local shops and park on a regular basis and collects children from local schools. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There is currently one child on roll, who is in the early years age group, who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder provides care on each weekday during term-time and school holidays.

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must:

 develop the educational programmes to provide a wide range of activities and experiences that have depth, breadth and are informed by the effective assessment of children's progress  develop the ongoing assessment of children's progress, using observation to effectively support children's next steps for learning; use supportive materiel, where appropriate, such as the 'Development Matters' guidance documents  maintain a current paediatric first aid certificate at all times.

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who attend

The childminder has a suitable understanding of the seven areas of learning. She provides an adequate range of appropriate, planned activities to enable children to have opportunities to develop through organised and purposeful play. However, the childminder does not effectively implement a wide range of activities that she knows has breadth and depth across the educational programmes. Nevertheless, children enjoy their time and make satisfactory progress in line with their age. The childminder observes children and is generally able to identify what the children in her care are able to do. However, she is not always effectively using the information gained from observing children to identify and accurately target their next steps, potentially hindering their progress.

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who attend

The childminder has an effective relationship with parents and she regularly shares information about the children's routines and the activities they take part in through daily discussions. The childminder asks parents to share all that they know about their children and they are regularly informed about the achievements their children make. For example, the childminder discusses plans for toilet training. This shared knowledge provides consistency for children's development.

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who attend

The childminder generally provides a suitable range of activities that appeal to children's interests and gain their attention. For example, children enjoy sharing an electronic story book and participate in a selection of action and number rhymes. She is developing an understanding of children's individual likes, dislikes, needs and interests. For example, children access a range of developmentally appropriate toys, resources and activities and the childminder mentally notes those that are favourites. Children's communication and language development is generally fostered through regular conversations encouraged throughout their time with the childminder. New words are introduced and children's vocabulary is extended. Children's understanding and following of verbal directions is enhanced by the childminder's careful use of age-appropriate language.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children feel safe with the childminder because she has formed appropriate bonds with them and positive relationships with their parents. She ensures that she obtains information on their needs and interests to make sure that they settle quickly and are happy in the environment. Children respond well to the childminder and clear attachments are evident between the childminder and the children. Young children are comfortable cuddling up to the childminder and falling asleep in her arms. Children's personal, social and emotional development is suitably promoted as the childminder supports their self- confidence and awareness through including children in simple tasks, such as tidying away toys and fetching their choice of drink. She ensures that all children are given equal access to an adequate selection of resources and equal opportunities to participate in all activities.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Good behaviour is promoted as the childminder encourages children to respect the toys and equipment. The children are encouraged by the childminder to develop increasing independence with their self-care skills. For example, she is aware of children's individual signs or actions when they need a nappy change. Children are encouraged to develop healthy lifestyles with some opportunities to enjoy and take part in outside activities. They have access to resources, such as bats and balls, which promote coordination and physical exercise. Children take part in regular outings to the local shops, parks and play areas. These outings are assessed for safety to ensure that children develop confidence and independence in situations away from their main care setting. Children mix regularly with other childminders and the children they care for. This enhances their social skills in preparation for the next big step in their life which will be starting at the local pre-school.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates an effective knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding and welfare requirements. She is able to protect children in her care because she has a clear understanding of her role, responsibility and procedures to be followed in order to safeguard children. For example, she has attended safeguarding training and regularly assesses the environment to ensure the children can freely explore in safety. The childminder is not yet completely secure in her understanding and the implementation of the learning and development requirements. This area continues to evolve and generally support children's individual progress across the prime and specific areas of learning. The childminder has not maintained her paediatric first aid certificate. She has an adequate understanding of first aid from previous training and whilst there is the potential that appropriate treatment may not be given, the childminder's existing knowledge means

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provision

that there is minimal risk to children's welfare. Her documentation and her organisational systems are still developing, and as a result, there is not a written procedure for dealing with complaints, or a written safeguarding policy. While the childminder understands the appropriate processes to follow, written procedures are a requirement of the Childcare Register.

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provision

The childminder has verbally sought the views of parents as part of her self-evaluation and quality assurance process. She is aware of the areas for improvement and is taking positive action to improve them, for example, by booking an approved childminder first aid course. This demonstrates a commitment to expand her knowledge and understanding, therefore, promoting improvement and benefitting children's welfare and learning. The childminder has positive relationships with parents and regularly shares information with them about the children's routines and the activities they take part in. Children do not currently attend any other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, the childminder is fully aware of the importance of partnership working in order to promote continuity in children's care.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are

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actions)

The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are

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To meet the requirements of the Childcare Register the provider must:

 maintain a valid first aid certificate (Welfare of the children being cared for)(both parts of the Childcare Register)  provide a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children (Arrangements for safeguarding children) (both parts of the Childcare Register)  provide a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (both parts of the Childcare Register)  take action as specified above (Welfare of the children being cared for, Arrangements for safeguarding children and Procedures for dealing with complaints).

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 130407 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 817892 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 1

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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