Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 April 2015 20 August 2009

p.1

This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Outstanding 1

p.1

This inspection: Outstanding 1

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

p.1

This inspection: Outstanding 1

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

p.1

This inspection: Outstanding 1

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

p.1

This provision is outstanding

 The childminder expertly assesses children's skills and assertively identifies their next steps in learning. She has highly innovative strategies to exchange ongoing information with parents about children's learning, such as daily reports, newsletters and internet tools. As a result, children benefit from continuous support for their learning.  Teaching is outstanding because the childminder knows children's needs and plans very interesting activities to develop their imaginative play. For example, she reads a book and extends children's learning to the garden, where they act out the story and explore resources related to it. Children are expertly challenged and learn with interest.  The childminder works as a teaching assistant and confidently knows the early learning goals. Children learn literacy, numeracy and science skills during purposeful activities. For example, they mix custard and brown paint to make 'mud' and use the mixture to

p.1

This provision is outstanding

make a picture, then they observe it drying in the sun. The childminder strongly focuses on preparing children for school.  The childminder is welcoming and displays very strong bonds with children. She carefully organises informative and flexible settling-in sessions to support their emotional well-being. As a result, children settle exceptionally well in her care.  The childminder skilfully introduces children to healthy lifestyles. She provides them with nutritious meals, excellent outdoor experiences and exercise. Children learn to manage their needs, such as toileting and personal hygiene. Parents regard her care practice as outstanding and children thrive.  The childminder participates in child protection training and has excellent knowledge of the steps to take to safeguard children. She has links with the local authority and effectively documents practice to ensure children are safe and protected.

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

 encourage parents to share even more information about their children's skills and interests on entry, to maintain the excellent practice with regard to maximising children's learning from the early days.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children at play, interacted with the childminder, her co- childminder and children 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.

p.2

who attend. This is outstanding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the learning and development requirements and expertly implements them in practice. She effectively identifies children's starting points in learning by promptly observing and assessing their skills. However, there is scope to engage parents even more in identifying the stages of children's learning on entry, to enhance their initial experiences with her even further. Play areas are knowledgeably resourced and all areas of learning are immaculately promoted, both indoors and outdoors. Educational programmes include daily singing, reading and group discussion sessions. Furthermore, children participate in playgroups and outings, which fully complement their learning. For example, they learn about planes and visit an aerodrome to observe them. The childminder skilfully promotes children's interests and expertly teaches them about the world they live in. For example, children observed the

p.3

who attend. This is outstanding

total eclipse and illustrated the spectacle with drawings. The childminder has a wealth of knowledge and children flourish in their learning.

p.3

outstanding

The childminder actively engages parents in children's care and exchanges daily information about children's routines and well-being with them. She expertly supports children's emotional development through positive behaviour management and partnerships with parents. The childminder celebrates children's achievements with enthusiastic praise to boost their confidence and self-esteem. Children cooperatively play and behave well. The childminder has high expectations of children and teaches them about boundaries and personal safety. For example, children learn to respect each other's personal space as they play together. The childminder has excellent links with local schools and children are enthusiastic and ready to successfully start school.

p.3

provision is outstanding

The childminder effectively promotes the safeguarding and welfare requirements. She conducts daily risk checks of her house and outings to minimise risks, so children can play safely. The childminder knowledgeably shares policies and procedures with parents to secure the effective management of her provision. She works in partnership with her co- childminder to monitor the quality of teaching and assertiveness of children's learning. Assessments are accurate. For example, the progress check for children aged between two and three years is meticulously completed and shared with parents. There are links with outside professionals, such as the local children's centre, and children's needs are promptly supported. Reflective practice is excellent and parents' views are regularly consulted. The childminder is qualified and participates in regular training. This enables her to expertly implement new ideas to ensure children learn and develop to their full

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY319492 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 856901 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11

p.4

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 20 August 2009

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2005 and lives in Bushey. She operates all year round, Monday to Thursday from 7.30am to 6pm and Friday from 12.30pm to 6pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works alongside her husband who is also a registered childminder. She holds an appropriate early years 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