Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 25 March 2015 26 January 2009

p.1

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

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

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

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

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

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

p.1

This provision is good

 The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding procedures to be followed in the event of a child protection concern. Additionally, she completes regular risk assessments to minimise hazards and further ensure that children are safe. As a result, she promotes their safety and welfare.  The childminder has a good relationship with parents. She ensures that they are fully informed of the progress their children are making and she encourages them to extend their children's learning at home. As a result, children are supported in acquiring most of the skills they need for school.  Children's physical development is strongly promoted because the childminder provides opportunities for them to access fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. Children enjoy planned activities, such as regular visits to the local woodland area, where they learn about nature and their local community.

p.1

This provision is good

 The childminder promotes children's emotional well-being and provides a warm and welcoming environment. Settling-in procedures are organised effectively to suit each individual family. As a result, the childminder supports children in developing effective bonds and attachments.  Teaching is good. The childminder uses opportunities during play to extend children's learning. For example, when young children are rolling and kicking a ball, the childminder encourages them further by encouraging them to also practise their catching skills.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always maximise opportunities for children to practise their basic counting skills during activities.  Partnerships with other adults involved in the care of children are not consistently promoted.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 extend opportunities to increase children's mathematical development, for example, by encouraging them to use simple calculations during their play  enhance partnerships with others to include the sharing of information with other adults involved in the daily care of minded children.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed general play in the childminder's home. She talked with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of the childminder and a range of other documentation, including her first-aid certificate.  The inspector held joint discussions with the childminder in relation to observations of the children's play, learning and progress.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation. She also took into account the views of some parents through written references read during the inspection.

p.2

who attend. This is good

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She uses observations and assessments, alongside her childcare qualification and experience, to plan challenging activities that encourage children's learning and development. For example, the childminder introduces a range of age appropriate story books to encourage young children's speech and language. She reads these clearly and slowly, repeating new words and congratulating children as they copy her. Consequently, children's communication and language skills are developing well. The childminder takes account of the children's ages and stages of development and extends their learning where possible. For example, as children take an interest in the local wildlife, she provides binoculars for them to watch the birds in her garden. Older children use resource books and the internet to find out more about the individual birds they see. As a result, children

p.3

who attend. This is good

engage in activities that are fun, educational and enjoyable. However, the childminder misses some opportunities to extend children's mathematical development, as they thread and discuss different coloured reels. This means that on occasions, children are not encouraged to count or talk about the shapes they make.

p.3

good

Children are safe and well cared for and they build effective bonds with the childminder and their peers. Strong attachments are observed and children are clearly settled. For example, as the childminder makes the game of threading more fun, children laugh and giggle happily. The childminder promotes children's personal, social and emotional development. She uses regular praise and encouragement to promote their confidence and self-esteem. Children behave well and are independent as they make choices about their play. The childminder promotes their physical development and supports their understanding of healthy lifestyles. She provides a range of nutritious meals and snacks and children learn to understand good hygiene routines. In addition to this, children design their own posters for the bathroom to remind them about washing their hands.

p.3

provision is good

The childminder provides a clear safeguarding policy, which includes the exclusion of mobile phones and cameras in her home. She talks to children about their personal safety and supports their understanding of dangers through discussion. As a result, children's safety, and their understanding of protecting themselves, is effective. The childminder monitors the progress children are making on a regular basis. She reflects on activities and since her last inspection she has made positive changes to the way in which she evaluates. Consequently, she is able to promote a continually improving setting. The childminder shares planning information with local pre-schools that children attend, and she communicates well with parents. However, she has not explored further ways to strengthen partnership working to include all adults involved in the care of minded children, promoting consistency in their care and learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY310484 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 862034 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

p.4

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 26 January 2009

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Ware. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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’.

p.5

Telephone number

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

p.5