Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 14 April 2015 9 March 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 is tuned into children's interests and learning styles, and is able to plan activities and resources that reflect these. As a result, children's attention is captured and they are engaged in their learning. This prepares them well for school and their future learning.  The quality of teaching is good. The childminder provides fun, high-quality learning experiences for children, both inside and outdoors. As a result, children are highly motivated and eager to explore and make good progress in their learning.  The childminder supports children well in understanding the reasons for following good hygiene procedures and builds on their awareness of leading a healthy lifestyle.  The childminder maintains good partnerships with parents. She successfully supports them in extending their children's learning, both at home and within the setting.  The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of how to protect and safeguard

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This provision is good

children. Through the implementation of good policies and procedures, she actively promotes children's safety and welfare.  The childminder is enthusiastic and continues to develop her childcare practice. She researches information, regularly meets with a network of childminders and completes additional training. This has a positive effect on children as she ensures that her daily practice supports her in promoting their safety, welfare and development.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always extend younger children's knowledge of how to operate a range of information, communication and technology equipment and resources.  The childminder does not always take account of the views of parents and children when deciding what could be improved at the setting.

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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 younger children's opportunities to use a wider range of information, communication and technology resources, for example, by enabling them to operate simple equipment, such as a compact-disc player or programmable toys  build upon the system for evaluating practice by including more opportunities to review, and act upon, the suggestions and ideas of parents and children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed general play, snack and lunch time routines in the main room. She spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of members of the household and a range of other documentation. First-aid and safeguarding training certificates were viewed.  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 document.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder observes children as they play and carefully assesses this information. This helps her to support their individual needs. The childminder builds on children's interests to extend their learning. For example, she introduces a doctor's kit to children as they play with their dolls. The childminder plays alongside the children as they take turns being the doctor and the mummy. This enables them to play out familiar experiences. Children copy the childminder as they write their prescriptions. They investigate the outdoors, searching for insects in the 'bug hotel'. They show amazement and excitedly tell the childminder that her hand has got bigger as they look through magnifying glasses. Although younger children use toy computers, there is less opportunity for them to learn how to operate simple technological equipment, such as compact-disc players and programmable toys.

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good

Children settle quickly with the childminder because she gathers detailed information from parents when they start. She promotes their confidence and supports them well in developing good social and communication skills. For example, they attend toddler groups and interact with children of different ages. The childminder offers sensitive support, so that children feel able to contribute to discussions and to express their views. These thoughtful interactions support children in developing a positive outlook and they are emotionally prepared for school and learning. Children develop good independence skills, for example, as they help the childminder to clean the table and cut up their fruit and vegetables for snack. The childminder is a good role model and demonstrates great care and respect for all. As a result, children behave well and are keen to follow the house rules. Her gentle reminders and careful explanations support children's understanding of

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good

how to keep safe. For example, children understand why they need to make sure the stair gate is shut.

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provision is good

The childminder demonstrates her clear understanding of the learning and development requirements and closely monitors how children are progressing in each area of learning. She has close links with the children's centre and updates her knowledge by reading articles on childcare websites. The childminder is able to access training that she feels will benefit children she cares for. For example, she attended a 'fingertips' workshop and has implemented the ideas for developing children's physical development, so that they are competent in using tools and pencil control, in preparation for starting nursery and school. The childminder has secure links with other settings that children attend and shares information with them on a regular basis. Since her last inspection, she has made improvements to her practice. Systems for evaluating what is working and what needs to be improved are developing well. Although the childminder seeks the views of parents,

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provision is good

she does not always use these to contribute to her own evaluation.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149268 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 874952 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 9 March 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1990 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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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