Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 9 February 2015 23 August 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Satisfactory 3 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The childminder maintains effective assessment routines for children and closely monitors their learning, development and interests. She organises regular educational activities, such as playgroups, reading and drawing sessions to teach them the skills they will need for school.  Teaching is effective because the childminder has great knowledge of children's next steps in learning. She plans purposeful activities and successfully teaches them skills through play. Consequently, children are eager learners and develop their skills well.  The childminder provides children with a welcoming environment and forms strong bonds with them. She has a secure understanding of children's individual needs and skilfully tailors practice to meet them. Therefore, children are comfortable and settle quickly.  The childminder fully understands her responsibilities under the safeguarding and welfare requirements. She maintains a well-documented practice and takes all the

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This provision is good

necessary steps to protect children at all times.  The childminder effectively evaluates and reflects on her practice. She regularly participates in training, consistently consults parents and continuously implements new ideas to enhance children's experiences and promote their outcomes.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Children do not fully benefit from opportunities to freely play and enjoy fresh air and exercise outside as the outdoor learning tends to be more adult-planned rather than spontaneous.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 extend the daily opportunities for children to play, exercise and enjoy fresh air outdoors more spontaneously, to maximise their overall learning and development at all times.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children at play and interacted with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector observed, discussed and evaluated an activity with the childminder.  The inspector viewed the areas of the premises used for childminding.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation, evidence of the childminder's suitability, and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy.  The inspector took account of the views of parents, as recorded in reference letters.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's hardcopy self-evaluation form as provided to the inspector during the inspection.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder is knowledgeable about the learning and development requirements. She effectively teaches children skills across all areas of learning and thoughtfully promotes their interests. For example, children are interested in cars and participate in reading related books, sorting cars by types and searching for vehicles on outings. The childminder uses approved development guidance to monitor children's achievements and skilfully plans experiences that expand their skills. For example, children play an age-appropriate darts game and are critically involved in counting, aiming and focusing to achieve their targets. The childminder effectively completes assessments of children's development. For example, she accurately identifies their starting points and next steps in learning. In addition, she completes the progress check for children between the ages of two and three years in partnership with parents. The childminder works well with parents, and

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who attend. This is good

children benefit from continuity of learning between home and the provision. She effectively supports children who speak English as an additional language, teaching them English and incorporating their home language and culture in practice.

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good

The childminder supports children's emotional development through strong partnerships with parents from the early days. She obtains ongoing information about children's care and routines to meet their needs at all times. The childminder organises regular group play for children to develop their social skills through interactions with other children. She skilfully manages children's behaviour and praises them to boost their confidence and self- esteem. Children learn to manage their own needs and independently use the toilet, wash their hands and feed themselves. The childminder promotes healthy living and provides children with nutritious food, drinking water and appropriate hygiene practices. However, children do not always have freely-chosen opportunities to play, enjoy fresh air and exercise spontaneously outside. Consequently, their outdoor learning is not maximised. Children learn about personal safety, table manners and how to be kind to others. The

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good

childminder is a good role model and children are attentive to her guidance. She has links with schools and effectively prepares children to move on to school with confidence.

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provision is good

The childminder provides children with an enabling environment where they can securely play, learn and explore. She conducts daily risk assessments of her house and on outings, and practises regular fire drills with children to ensure their safety. The childminder has a secure understanding of local services and maintains links with local authorities and children's centres to support children's well-being and welfare. The childminder securely implements policies and procedures in practice and monitors the quality of children's learning. She shares all aspects of practice with parents to ensure the smooth management of her services. Children are safeguarded and fully benefit from her skilful care and teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY422832 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 997847 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 23 August 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2011 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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