Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22/04/2013 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable 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 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children settle extremely well into the care of the childminder and form firm relationships. This is because she sensitively introduces them into her home supporting transition.  Children are safeguarded in the care of the childminder because she demonstrates a high level of awareness regarding her responsibility to protect children.  Children are encouraged to make good progress in learning. This is because the childminder has appropriately high expectations based on her consistent observation and assessment of their abilities.  Children develop firm attachments with the childminder because she values them as individuals, supporting their continued well-being.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Information provided to parents about their child's future learning does not consistently include details about how they can further support them at home.  There is scope to further improve children's opportunities to develop their understanding of mathematical language through games and activities.

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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

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged 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 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  scheduled 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 children taking part in activities on the ground floor of the childminders home.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked through a range of documentation including the childminders policies, procedures, children's development records, planning and self-evaluation.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector held a wide range of discussions with the childminder and interacted with minded children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of parents through information provided by the childminder.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2012 and is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and two children age eight and five years in a house in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor, one bedroom and a toilet on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. The childminder uses local parks for regular outdoor play opportunities. The family has pet fish.

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Information about the setting

The childminder attends toddler group activities at the local children's centre. She visits the shops and parks on a regular basis. She collects children from local schools.

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Information about the setting

There are currently six children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. She is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 extend information provided to all parents about children's learning for example, by including specific information about how they can continue learning at home

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 create opportunities for children to learn about mathematical language, for example, by organising games which encourage children to position themselves inside, behind and on top of objects.

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who attend

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding about the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. She regularly undertakes thorough observations and assessments of children at play, which ensures appropriately high expectations of children in her care. As a consequence, they make good progress in learning, engaging in a wide range of stimulating activities which interest them. Before each child starts to attend they are invited along with their parents to spend time in the childminder's home. This effectively provides children with opportunity to familiarise themselves with the environment and the childminder's family. Parents are encouraged to pass on valuable information about their child's personal needs, likes and dislikes. Consequently, children's transition is extremely well supported. Children show that they feel secure in the care of the childminder, and their interactions clearly demonstrate the strong bonds they have formed. Teaching

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who attend

methods employed by the childminder are effective, supporting children's good progress towards the early learning goals. As a result, all children are well prepared for their next stage in learning. Good communication with parents means consistent information is shared about their child's welfare, and some of their achievements. However, there is scope to improve partnership working through the provision of specific information, which helps all parents support learning and development at home.

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who attend

The childminder supports and extends learning well, for example, joining in sensitively, fitting in with children's ideas. This effectively promotes children's engagement, encouraging them to represent their own ideas and experiences through play. Children are supported well to develop critical thinking, for example, the childminder asks open-ended questions, which prompts them to think about how to remove their doll's clothes, so that it is the same as their other doll. Children are encouraged to use number language during play, for example, counting how many dolls or items of clothing they have. However, there is scope to improve opportunities for children to develop their understanding of positional language, such as 'inside', 'behind' and 'on top of'. The environment is well organised, supporting and encouraging independent play and learning. For example, children help themselves to musical instruments, moving their bodies rhythmically as they

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who attend

play along with familiar songs and rhymes. They enjoy vigorous physical play, demonstrating controlled movements and enthusiastically joining in with action songs, successfully touching their 'head, shoulders, knees and toes'. The childminder's use of open-ended questions successfully encourages children to use more complex sentences, promoting language development.

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who attend

Children enjoy the consistent praise and encouragement provided by the childminder, building self-esteem and confidence. Regular trips to local toddler groups supports children's developing social skills and helps them to learn about similarities and differences. Children are encouraged to think about managing their emotions through discussion. For example, they recognise that sometimes they 'get grumpy'. Children enjoy time spent in the fresh air and using large play equipment. For example, during daily visits to local parks. This helps them to practise physical skills such as climbing, running and jumping.

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

The environment created by the childminder is friendly and welcoming. Children develop firm attachments with the childminder who values them as individuals, which supports well-being. The wide range of stimulating toys and resources on offer are organised well, which means that children can access them with ease and in safety. As a result, they happily and confidently initiate their own play and learning. Good communication with parents makes sure that the childminder is fully aware of children's ongoing care needs and some of their achievements outside of the setting. Children behave well, responding positively to sensitive guidance provided by the childminder. This helps them to develop their growing understanding about what is acceptable behaviour. The childminder consistently supports children to build good levels of self-esteem, which helps them prepare for future transitions.

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

Children's good health is fostered well by the childminder, for example, she provides them with a range of healthy snacks, including fresh fruit. Hygiene requirements are effectively met, for example, the childminder has registered with her local Environmental Health department and maintains her home to a very good standard. Young children are given gentle reminders to take a drink, which helps to ensure that they do not get thirsty, further promoting good health. Children take part in physical play indoors and have access to outdoor play opportunities through regular visits to local parks. Supported by discussion, they begin to learn about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The childminder consistently supports children's understanding about how to keep themselves safe, for instance, learning about road safety on school runs and trips out.

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provision

The childminder shows a high level of awareness regarding her responsibility to protect the children she cares for. For example, she has increased her awareness of child protection by completing relevant safeguarding training. She clearly records children's time of arrival and departure, which confirms that she effectively meets the required ratio's at all times. The childminder has effectively identified and minimised risks to children by undertaking thorough risk assessments. For example, the use of safety gates means that children are prevented from accessing the stairs and kitchen unsupervised. The childminder also supports children to understand how to keep themselves safe, such as how to avoid accidents when crossing the road.

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provision

The childminder has worked hard to build positive relationships with parents. Open communication ensures that they are provided with consistent information about their child's care. Parent questionnaires and feedback report that the childminder shows 'empathy and care for children' and that the environment is 'welcoming and homely'. Parents also report that they are 'thoroughly happy with the level of care' and 'appreciate the fantastic job she has done'. There are no children currently attending other settings in parallel. However, the childminder shows a good understanding of the importance of partnership working with other providers to promote continuity of care and learning.

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provision

The childminder undertakes thorough self-evaluation of her practice, taking into account the views of parents and children. She demonstrates her drive for improvement through her commitment to further develop her knowledge and practice. For example, she has undertaken a wide range of relevant training since registration. This clearly shows her desire to constantly improve the good service she provides for children and families.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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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 action. 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 EY441932 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 909584 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 6

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: 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, which are usually the childminder’s 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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