Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 29/09/2014 04/11/2008

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 1 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 1 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of how children learn. She provides a high-quality play-based environment, with rich opportunities for children to investigate across the prime and specific areas of learning. As a result, they make good progress in their learning.  Partnerships with parents are good and ensure children's individual needs are identified from the beginning and well supported throughout their time at the setting.  Children are kept safe in an environment, which is secure and stimulating. The childminder demonstrates an excellent knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and all other aspects of safety.  Children are very happy, self-assured and confident. They benefit from a highly motivated childminder, who knows them well and provides excellent care and education.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 The childminder does not encourage all parents to contribute what they know about their children's learning to ensure an even more collaborative and consistent approach to their development.

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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 the childminder engaging in activities with the children and discussed with her, the learning that was taking place.  The inspector viewed the areas of the premises and garden used for childminding.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation, evidence of suitability of household members and assistants and a range of other documentation.  The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2008 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children aged four, seven and 10 years in a house in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. Her husband is also a registered childminder and co-childminds with her on a part-time basis. The childminder employs an assistant on a part-time basis. The whole of the house and the rear garden are used for childminding. The childminder attends toddler groups and childminders' groups. She visits the shops, parks and a local farm on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. There are currently 15 children on roll, eight 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 6.15pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays and family holidays. She is a member of Professional Association for Childcare

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

 enhance opportunities for parents to contribute to children's learning and progress by developing even more effective ways to share information on their development.

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who attend

The childminder has a good knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She supports children's learning and development well through quality play-based learning opportunities, both inside and outdoors. For example, as she plays picture dominoes with children, she encourages them to look carefully at the pictures. The young children show a high level of concentration and match pictures very well. The childminder encourages children's mathematical development as she talks about two pictures being the same and asks them to look for differences. Therefore, children's mathematical development is good, as they engage in activities, which effectively challenge them. Children are developing their understanding of the world as the childminder provides magnifying glasses for them to look at autumn leaves and conkers. Opportunities like this encourage children to maintain interest and feeds their inquisitive

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who attend

natures, supporting their readiness for school.

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who attend

The childminder's use of effective questions enables children to engage in sustained conversations. For example, as they chat together, the childminder gives children her full attention and listens to them. This encourages children to talk about what they are doing and many of the young children demonstrate a high level of language and communication skills. As parents arrive to pick up their children, the childminder encourages the children to tell them what they have been doing. Children enjoy this opportunity as the childminder prompts them to share information about the activities they have taken part in during the day. Consequently, children are given respect, as they are encouraged to have a voice about things concerning them and this further develops their self-esteem.

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who attend

The childminder undertakes effective observations of children's learning. This means that she is able to closely monitor every child's ongoing development. As the childminder has been caring for older children until recently, she is yet to carry out the mandatory progress check for children aged between two and three years. She is aware of the requirement and has plans in place to complete the checks for the young children she is now caring for. The childminder identifies next steps in children's learning and is aware of each child's stage of development. The childminder shares her observations with parents and encourages them to continue their child's learning at home. However, she does not provide many opportunities for parents to share what they have then seen their children achieve. This means that parents are not consistently encouraged to share the learning from home to inform the childminder's understanding of what their child can do.

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who attend

Therefore, a collaborative and consistent approach to children's learning and development is not fully promoted.

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

Children are extremely happy and enjoy their time with the childminder. The personal, social and emotional development of children takes priority. Expectations of behaviour are high and consistent. As a result, children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder is an excellent role model, showing respect for the children and supporting them very well. Children enjoy the security of routines and the flexibility to choose where and with what they want to play. The childminder warmly chats to children through caring routines, such as when changing nappies and when taking them upstairs to sleep. This enables the young children to feel calm and secure. Consequently, they settle to sleep very well. All important information on children's care is shared very well between parents and the childminder. This aids the childminder in understanding each child's individual care needs. As a result, children demonstrate an exceedingly strong attachment to the childminder and

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

a positive sense of security in her home.

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

The childminder promotes children's healthy lifestyles exceedingly well. Children are highly independent with their own personal care routines. They know that they must wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. The childminder provides individual face cloths and towels for the younger children and paper towels for the older children. Consequently, children are learning how to keep themselves healthy by dealing with their own hygiene needs in a way that reduces the possibility of cross-contamination. Children enjoy an excellent range of healthy options at snack and mealtimes. They have access to drinking water throughout the day and this makes sure that they are never thirsty. The childminder provides a range of healthy, home-cooked meals in the evening and most children bring a healthy packed lunch. This provides children with a well-balanced, nutritional diet that meets their individual needs, helping them to grow and thrive.

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

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as the childminder actively uses the outdoors to enhance their enjoyment of the natural environment. They enjoy regular opportunities to take part in planned activities in the extensive garden and on walks round the local community. These opportunities enable children to develop their physical skills and to understand about taking risks while playing in a well-organised and safe environment. The childminder's garden is safe and secure at all times, allowing children to move around freely and explore. An excellent range of resources promotes their all-round physical development, such as a climbing frame, swing, balls and bicycles.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage safeguarding and welfare requirements. There are effective procedures and clear processes in place, which underpin the safe, efficient operation of her service and help to ensure the well-being of children. The childminder shares these with parents, so that they fully understand her responsibilities. She has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and is aware of procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child. The childminder has a current paediatric first-aid qualification, so she is able to give suitable treatment in a medical emergency. Risk assessments undertaken of the home, garden and any outings off site means that children are always protected from potential hazards. The well-being and welfare of children remains paramount in the day-to-day management of the childminder's setting. Since the last inspection, the childminder has developed

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provision

children's understanding of what steps to take in the event of a fire. The childminder regularly carries out fire evacuation drills, consequently, children are developing skills in knowing how to keep themselves safe.

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provision

The childminder's observations and assessments of children clearly cover all seven areas of learning. She regularly reviews the impact of her teaching on children's ability to learn. This aids her in establishing activities and learning environments, which work best to support children's interests, increasing abilities and skills. The childminder is proactive in continuing her professional development and attends relevant training courses and conferences. As a result, she continues to inform and extend her existing skills, providing productive learning opportunities and experiences for the children in her care. The childminder is realistic when reflecting on her practice and accurately identifies strengths and areas for forthcoming improvement. She regularly seeks feedback from parents about the service she provides and treats their suggestions with respect. The childminder uses any information from children and parents to help her enhance and adapt her service to

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provision

The childminder encourages positive partnerships with parents and other early years providers. This two-way flow of information is organised well and generally, keeps everyone regularly updated about the child's progress, development and changing needs. Parents are full of praise for the care and opportunities their children enjoy with the childminder. They speak positively about how the childminder cares for their children. Parents feel that they are given excellent support as she works with them to develop their children's skills, such as when they are potty training. The childminder is not currently caring for any children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, she is aware of the importance of working with parents and other professionals to make sure the needs of such children are met appropriately.

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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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We re-inspect nurseries and pre-schools judged as requires improvement within 12 months of the date of inspection. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. 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 EY371402 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 849729 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 15

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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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