Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 16 March 2015 6 May 2009

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 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 starts and maintains excellent assessments of children's skills. She involves parents and, from the early days, children benefit from continuous support between her provision and home. Furthermore, she effectively completes the progress check for children between the ages of two and three years and shares it with parents accordingly.  Teaching is good because the childminder incorporates all areas of learning into play opportunities for children. For example, they push cars down a ramp and move the ramp up and down to control the speed of the cars. The childminder skilfully engages children in thinking and problem solving during interesting activities. Therefore, they learn effectively.  The childminder is welcoming and forms strong bonds with children, who are comfortable, happy and eager to play with her. Care practice is effective because she works with parents to tailor routines, meals and activities to the needs of children.

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This provision is good

 The childminder reflects on her services and skilfully involves parents in continuously enhancing her practice. For example, she completes the Ofsted self-evaluation form and conducts audits with the support of local authority advisors. This helps her to monitor the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage.  Child protection procedures are robust. The childminder participates in regular safeguarding training, has links with safeguarding services and knows the steps to take should she become concerned about children's welfare.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Links with other settings children attend are not fully developed as the childminder exchanges limited information about children's learning with them. Consequently, those children's learning opportunities are not maximised.

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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

 enhance the links with other settings children attend to ensure they consistently benefit from continuous support to maximise their learning and development.

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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 and evaluated an activity with the childminder.  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 self-evaluation procedures and discussed how she monitors her services for children.

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who attend. This is good

Children learn through play and are provided with creative and stimulating resources and play areas. For example, they build structures using plastic containers and cardboard boxes and use them as dens. The childminder effectively enriches children's imaginative learning and gives them plenty of time to play. For example, they explore ways to direct an electronic mouse into empty tubs on the floor. This engages children's interest, and they persevere until they achieve their objectives. The childminder effectively observes and promotes children's next steps in learning, and those who need more help have prompt support. For example, she uses mirrors during reading and singing sessions so children can see the movements of their mouths as they speak. Some children attend other settings, however, they do not fully benefit from continuous support to their learning. This is because links with these settings are not fully developed. Children are

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who attend. This is good

effectively challenged and develop well. The childminder understands the early learning goals and effectively prepares children for school.

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good

The childminder introduces children to healthy lifestyles as she provides them with nutritious meals, plenty of exercise, outings and outdoor play. She organises good opportunities for children to socially interact and play with others, such as playgroups and play dates with other childminders. Consequently, they learn social skills, such as sharing and respecting the feelings of others. The childminder works with parents to support children's emotional development. She uses praise to promote positive behaviour and boost their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder encourages children to manage their own needs. For example, they learn to wipe their noses, wash their hands and eat independently. The childminder teaches children to listen and to keep safe. For example, they learn to sit properly during snack to avoid accidents. She talks to children about their future experience at school. Therefore, they are emotionally ready and excited for the

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provision is good

The childminder has a secure understanding of the safeguarding and welfare requirements. She maintains well-documented practice and has comprehensive procedures to ensure children's safety. For example, she regularly conducts risk assessment checks of her house and outings. The childminder shares her policies and procedures with parents to ensure the effective management of her provision. She works closely with her local children's centre and knows where to find support for children as needed. The childminder participates in a wide range of training to enrich children's learning opportunities and continuously implement new ideas for their benefit. For example, she is learning sign language to support children's communication skills. The childminder is highly qualified and has good knowledge of children's needs. She provides them with good standards of care and education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 130409 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 874883 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

The childminder was registered in 2000 and lives in Watford. She operates all year round, Monday to Friday from 7.45am to 6.15pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds a degree in primary education.

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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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