Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 April 2015 8 November 2011

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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

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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

 The childminder accurately supports children in learning through play. Teaching is outstanding because he observes their skills and astutely plans purposeful opportunities to promote their next steps in development. Consequently, children flourish and develop their skills exceptionally well.  The childminder expertly expands on children's personal interests and talents. For example, they are keen on farm animals, so the childminder visited a farm with them. They observed animals and enjoyed helping to care for them. The childminder is extremely creative and enthusiastic, and provides children with unforgettable experiences. As a result, they acquire skills and knowledge for life.  Children display all the characteristics of effective learning as they explore and play with high levels of interest. They act out their favourite story and creatively develop props for it. For example, they make 'mud' using custard and paint, explore the grassed

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This provision is outstanding

areas outside and play tag with the childminder, who is a 'bear'. Children engage and thrive in their learning.  The childminder keeps children active and provides them with daily exercise, outings and activities, such as dancing, bowling and nature walks. Children benefit from nutritious, home-made meals and learn to manage their personal hygiene. Therefore, the childminder inspirationally teaches them to be healthy and care practices are outstanding.  The childminder demonstrates exceptional practice with regard to protecting children. He participates in regular safeguarding training and knows exceedingly well the steps to take if he becomes concerned about children's welfare. Therefore, children are safe and protected with him.  The childminder works with his co-childminder to maintain excellent, reflective practice. He regularly consults parents and children on their views, and takes full consideration

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This provision is outstanding

of their suggestions and ideas to continuously improve the services he provides.

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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

 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.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children at play and interacted with the childminder, his 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 he monitors his services for children.

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who attend. This is outstanding

The childminder expertly promotes the learning and development requirements. Children's starting points in learning are effectively identified through prompt observations of their skills. However, there is scope to engage parents in sharing more aspects of children's learning and development on entry, to enhance their initial learning even further. The childminder knowledgeably monitors children's progress and skilfully promotes all areas of learning in diverse and inclusive play areas. Assessments are exceptional. For example, the progress check for children aged between two and three years meticulously identifies their stages of development and emerging needs. Partnerships with parents are outstanding due to the ongoing exchange of information and ideas on how to support their needs. Preparing children for school is an asset of the practice as they learn literacy and numeracy skills in innovative, fun and age-appropriate ways. Consequently, they

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who attend. This is outstanding

develop very positive attitudes towards learning.

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outstanding

The childminder invests in quality time with children. He enthusiastically plays and interacts with them. As a result, children form very strong bonds with him. Settling-in sessions are expertly organised to support children's individual aptitudes. Consequently, they settle quickly. Partnerships with parents are excellent and all necessary information about children is shared. The childminder expertly tailors practice to children's needs so they thrive. He attentively talks to children and teaches them about right and wrong. The childminder astutely involves parents in managing children's behaviour and skilfully praises their achievements to boost their confidence and self-esteem. Consequently, children are motivated and resilient. Children have excellent support to develop their social skills. For example, they learn to respect others and the environment as they play together. They learn about personal safety. For example, two children evaluate the safest ways to ride a

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outstanding

bicycle together. The childminder's utmost priority is to provide children with a home- from-home care, in order to ensure they are happy, comfortable and healthy.

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provision is outstanding

The childminder effectively promotes the safeguarding and welfare requirements. He keeps children safe by taking all measures to minimise risks. For example, he conducts daily risks assessments of his provision and all outings. Practice is well documented and policies, including the safeguarding procedures, are effectively implemented and shared with parents. The childminder has established effective links with local authorities, children's centres and other early years settings that children attend. Therefore, they are promptly supported according to their needs. The childminder expertly promotes the ongoing partnerships with parents. Therefore, all children benefit from continuous support between home and the provision. The childminder invests in ongoing training to continuously enhance his practice. As a result, children benefit from an outstanding approach to their learning and personal needs and have the best start in life.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY424887 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 852540 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 8 November 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2011 and lives in Bushey. He operates all year round, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works alongside his wife, who is also a registered childminder.

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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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