Childminder in Luton

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 14 April 2015 13 May 2011

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Outstanding 1 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is outstanding

 This highly qualified childminder demonstrates an impressive commitment to her ongoing professional development. She obtains formal qualifications, including a degree in early years and continues to attend extensive ongoing training. Her relentless drive for improvement means that children are given the best possible start to their education.  The childminder provides a print-rich environment and a wealth of activities that promote the beginnings of literacy. For example, she has made sets of props and resources to accompany familiar stories. This is a highly effective way to encourage the development of children's imaginations and creativity, as well as their language and communication skills.  The excellent range of accessible resources offers a highly stimulating and rich environment for the children. Consequently, children are well motivated as they investigate, explore and lead their own learning. The development of these positive

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This provision is outstanding

attitudes towards learning is an excellent preparation for pre-school and school.  The childminder teaches children about the natural world around them as they grow herbs and vegetables in the garden and in the childminder's allotment. She then teaches the children to count, weigh and measure as they cook their home-grown vegetables and when they take part in baking activities. This effectively promotes their mathematical development in fun, practical ways.  The childminder comprehensively identifies and successfully minimises potential risks. Her knowledge of the signs of abuse and awareness of her responsibilities to protect children from harm ensures that children in her care are fully safeguarded.  Partnership working with parents is exceptional. All aspects of information sharing are excellent. In particular, the childminder effectively engages parents to contribute information about children's learning at home so that the childminder can support

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This provision is outstanding

children to make the best possible progress.

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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 very good provision of outdoor play activities by including even more opportunities for children to play imaginatively.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the childminder's home and reviewed them with the childminder.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector took account of the views of parents as provided through written questionnaires and feedback.  The inspector looked at children's records, planning documentation, and a range of other documentation, including policies and procedures.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation form.

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who attend. This is outstanding

The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of how young children learn and develop. Teaching is outstanding because the childminder consistently encourages children to think for themselves, solve practical problems and make links with previous learning. For example, before she cuts up a melon for snacktime, the childminder asks the children to predict what might be inside and whether it will be similar to the pumpkin they cut up recently. She also asks them to count how many pieces of melon she has cut and to calculate how many there will be if she cuts each one in half. Children's all-round development is promoted exceptionally well in the childminder's well-equipped garden. Children grow herbs and vegetables, observe frog spawn as it develops and use a wide range of equipment, such as, trampolines, see-saws and wheeled toys. However, there is scope to extend this very good provision even further by including more opportunities for

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who attend. This is outstanding

children to engage in imaginative play outdoors. The childminder keeps meticulous records of children's development across the seven areas of learning. She uses this information to plan precise next steps in learning for each child. As a result, children make rapid progress towards the early learning goals.

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outstanding

When children start attending the childminder's setting, parents receive a comprehensive pack that tells them about the Early Years Foundation Stage. This includes photographs of activities, so that children and parents are fully aware of what to expect. This effectively promotes children's and parents' confidence at a time of change. The childminder consistently teaches children to manage their own risks both within her home and when outdoors. For example, children remind each other not to stand at the bottom of the slide when someone is about to come down, in case they get hurt. They also remember to put on their sunhats and apply suncream when the weather is hot, so that their skin does not burn. This promotes children's understanding of safety exceptionally well. The childminder places a high priority on children's good manners and good behaviour. As a result, children are extremely respectful and caring towards her and each other and they play

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provision is outstanding

The childminder's self-evaluation and monitoring of children's learning is extensive. She invites parents to give regular feedback through a wide-ranging questionnaire. She also seeks and welcomes children's views as part of her self-evaluation. Older children are invited to provide written feedback, while the youngest children are supported to give their opinions verbally and through the use of pictures and images. All opinions are valued and acted upon. Parents say they fully appreciate the childminder and her service. They hold her in high regard because she is dedicated to providing the best quality childcare for all children. This results in highly effective practice, which is worthy of dissemination to other childminders.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY265843 Local authority Luton Inspection number 848491 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2003 and lives in Luton. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds Early Years Professional status and an honours degree in early years.

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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

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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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