Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 10/12/2014 27/08/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 1 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 1

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This provision is outstanding

 The relationships between the childminder and the minded children are exceptionally good and she successfully promotes their well-being. The childminder provides a highly stimulating and welcoming environment where she promotes children's independence excellently.  Leadership and management is outstanding. The childminder is inspiring in her drive for continuous improvement and highly effective monitoring enables her to quickly identify and consistently improve her already very good practice.  Children's progress and achievements are excellent, given their starting points and capabilities. Teaching is highly effective with the childminder making excellent use of observations and assessments, enabling her to plan activities that are fun, varied and incorporate children's interests.  The childminder has an excellent relationship with parents, carers and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents speak highly of the childminder and her

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This provision is outstanding

continuing commitment to provide consistency for all children in her care. As a result, children flourish.  The childminder protects children in her care exceptionally well. She has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding and welfare requirements. She consistently teaches children to learn about their personal safety. As a result, she gives high regard to children's safety.

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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 activities in the childminder's house and garden. She talked with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of parents, as recorded in written reference letters and she reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector carried out joint discussions with the childminder in relation to observations of the children's play, learning and progress.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation and evidence of the suitability of household members. She also looked at a range of other documentation, including the safeguarding and complaint procedures.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 1999 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her three children in Hatfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The family has a dog and two cats. The childminder takes children to and collects them from the local schools and pre-schools. There are currently six children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age range. All children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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

 enhance further the already very good procedures for hygiene by implementing a rota for cleaning toys and resources after daily use, with particular reference to the musical toys shared by children.

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who attend

The childminder consistently promotes the characteristics of effective learning to ensure that children make excellent progress. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She carries out an initial assessment, when children first start with her, to find out where their starting points and capabilities are. She immediately identifies their likes and interests and, using approved developmental guidance, she assesses exactly where children are in their learning. The childminder is very clear about planning for children's next steps in learning and she incorporates these into a range of inspiring activities and experiences, which stimulate their interests. She is excellent at extending and enhancing children's already very good communication and language skills. For example, during an activity where children create their own snow the childminder introduces new words, such as 'scratchy' and 'gentle'. The

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who attend

childminder talks with the children about the different textures they feel. She encourages children to think further as she asks a wide range of open-ended questions. As the activity is extended children delight in the feel of ice and this provides extensive opportunities for their vocabulary to be enhanced even further. They quickly learn how the ice thaws as they talk about how their warm hands are melting the frozen water and they learn about different shapes the ice is made into. Children's facial expressions and eager sounds demonstrate their excitement and engagement in this scientific activity. As a result, children are making outstanding progress, in all areas of their learning.

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who attend

The childminder promotes children's physical development exceptionally well. They use a covered area in the garden all year round, which means they enjoy and have access to fresh air in all weathers. They participate in an excellent range of outside activities, including sand and water play and they learn about life cycles of creatures, such as frogs. The childminder is excellent in teaching and promoting opportunities for children to be independent and this supports their school readiness exceptionally well. For example, young children are able to put on and take off their coats and shoes. They use their individually named coat peg well as they put away their own belongings. They blow their noses independently and make excellent choices about their play. The childminder challenges children exceptionally well. As they look at books together, she continually asks them questions and encourages them to talk about what they see. She praises children for

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who attend

their efforts and tells them what a great job they are doing as, for example, they build a train set together independently. Consequently, children's personal, social and emotional development is excellent.

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who attend

The childminder knows children in her care exceptionally well, from their likes and interests to the different ways in which they learn. She has an excellent relationship with parents and treats each child and their family according to their individual needs. She encourages parents to be fully involved in their children's learning. For example, she requests that parents share their suggestions of where their children are in their development when they first start. She ensures that parents are fully aware of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance and encourages them to use this for reference. The childminder completes the required progress check for children between the ages of two and three years comprehensively and shares this with parents, who respond with excellent feedback. All observations and assessments are shared with parents exceptionally well. For example, the childminder emails, completes a daily diary and discusses child

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who attend

development and progress verbally, on a daily basis with different parents, according to what suits each parent best. Additionally, she regularly shares the excellent learning journeys that she completes for each child. The childminder is very passionate about her role and clearly promotes opportunities for children to become deeply involved in a range of stimulating activities. As a result, their development is exceptional and parents are extremely involved in their children's care and learning.

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

The childminder promotes children's emotional well-being wonderfully. Children bond extremely well together and demonstrate close attachments to the childminder and their peers. For example, as children work together on fixing some trains they smile happily, as they pass each other the carriages they need. They chat freely during their play and laugh together as they dance confidently to a moving musical toy. The childminder is an exceptional role model for managing children's behaviour. She is very clear when talking to children about suitable ways to behave and she encourages children to talk about issues, as they learn to resolve them. Children demonstrate excellent manners and behave exceptionally well. For example, as they prepare for outside play they very kindly get other children's shoes for them. This extends further as the childminder effectively encourages them to learn about feelings. Children demonstrate such caring behaviour as they say

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

sorry and hug their peers when accidently bumping into them. The childminder takes her role as key person extremely seriously. She laughs with the children, supports them in their play and demonstrates a genuine passion for promoting their overall care and well-being. The childminder ensures that children are exceptionally well prepared for school as she strives to promote their independence in everything they do. The childminder provides a highly stimulating and interesting environment. Children access a wealth of resources, which are age and stage appropriate and stored well to ensure that these are extremely accessible. As a result, children are highly motivated and able to make excellent choices about their play. The childminder fully engages children in purposeful conversations. She uses every opportunity to extend their learning so that they are ready for their move from home to school. Children enjoy regular opportunities to visit

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

the library, where they select books of their choice. As they settle down with the childminder to hear one of the library stories, the childminder extends their learning instantly. She talks to children about what they see, encourages them to join in and uses facial expressions to bring the story alive. Consequently, children demonstrate high levels of concentration and engagement.

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

Children's awareness for their personal safety is exceptional. The childminder ensures that all opportunities are used to explain to children how they can be safe and avoid hazards. For example, as children excitedly run they are reminded of the consequences if they slip over and as they eat their meals they discuss the importance of sitting carefully, so they do not fall. Additionally, during activities the childminder prompts their awareness further. For example, during a story they engage in conversation about how the characters can stay safe. Children regularly take part in an emergency evacuation procedure and they talk about this regularly to prompt consistent discussion around their safety. Older children support younger children's learning of safety, as they encourage them further during general discussions while they play. When outside of the childminder's home, children learn consistently and effectively about how to protect themselves. For example, they

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

each wear a hi-visibility jacket and talk about the importance of road safety on a daily basis. The childminder promotes excellent opportunities for children to extend their physical development through a wide range of well-planned activities, outside of her home. For example, children take part in some local, group activities. They visit and socialise with other children at the park and enjoy an excellent range of outings to local zoos and farms. Opportunities for children to lead a healthy lifestyle are excellent. The childminder provides a range of wonderful home-cooked meals and she consistently takes into account children's dietary needs and requirements. Children have excellent opportunities for learning how food gets to their table as they take responsibility for planting, caring for, growing and then eating the fruit and vegetables they plant. Additionally, each child has an individual hand towel and toothbrush and they learn about

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

the importance of being healthy at every opportunity. The childminder is aware that children will benefit greatly from the implementation of the daily cleaning of resources, such as musical instruments, which younger children put in their mouth.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children. All required Disclosure and Barring Service checks are in place for household members and this protects children's safety and well-being. The childminder has an outstanding awareness of the Early Years Foundation Stage, safeguarding and welfare requirements. She demonstrates an excellent knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows the process to follow if concerns arise. To further support the childminder's excellent understanding she attends regular safeguarding training. This means she is proactive in ensuring that she is fully away of ongoing legislative changes. All required policies and procedures are in place, including information to protect children when using computers, mobile telephones and/or cameras. In addition to this, the childminder has a wide range of accurate and precise risk assessments in

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provision

place, for all outings children take part in. She records all children's attendance and requests that visitors sign in and out of her home. As a result, the childminder promotes the safety of all children in her care extremely well and this protects them successfully.

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provision

The childminder has a motivating approach to promoting children's learning and development. She adds a fun element to all activities and highly encourages children's learning through effective teaching. She attends training on a regular basis and ensures that this impacts positively on her practice. For example, recent training to support children with English as an additional language means that the childminder is equipped with the necessary tools to support these children with their communication and language development. The childminder has a successful programme of professional development and constantly looks at where she can improve her already excellent knowledge, understanding and practice. She consistently reflects on what she does by discussing progress with parents, sharing learning journals and evaluating the activities and experiences children take part in. The childminder's evaluation of her setting is excellent

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provision

because of the consistency in her monitoring. She effectively includes the thoughts of parents, carers and other settings, and feedback is extremely strong in reflection of this.

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provision

Parents are exceptionally happy with the childminder's practice and the childminder promotes excellent relationships with parents. She frequently discusses all aspects of her setting with parents and effectively incorporates their feedback. For example, she considers their thoughts and opinions before making changes, to ensure that everyone has a voice. Additionally, the childminder works very closely with other professionals, such as teachers at the local school. She has excellent links with the local children's centre and is part of a group of childminder's who organise planned activities for other childminder's using the centre. Overall, the childminder's inspiration and passion towards children and parents is excellent and children are making rapid progress.

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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 129175 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 854186 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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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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