Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22 April 2015 13 October 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 provides a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences that engage and interest children and promote all areas of learning. These promote the skills children need to be ready for the move to nursery and school.  The quality of teaching is good. The childminder asks skilful questions to encourage children's critical thinking. They are making good progress towards the early learning goals.  The childminder fosters children's independence well. For example, they peel their own fruit at mealtimes and are able to get themselves ready to go outside.  Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder encourages them to share what they know about their child's learning and development at home. She gives them ideas for activities to do at home, which helps to promote children's skills and learning.  The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practices

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This provision is good

and fully understands her role in keeping children safe. This protects children's welfare.  The childminder is committed to improving her practice. She continually updates her knowledge through training courses and the childminding network group, and then uses this to enhance her practice.  The childminder has warm attachments with the children she cares for. They have their own special comfort toy at the childminder's, which they choose when they start. Consequently, children settle quickly and feel secure.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder is not fully proactive in establishing effective partnerships with all other providers where children attend, to share information about their learning.  The childminder does not maximise opportunities for children to further increase their understanding of healthy lifestyle practices.

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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

 enhance the information sharing procedures with all other settings where children attend, by taking a more proactive approach to providing information when children first start with other providers  extend the opportunities for children to increase their awareness of the relevance of healthy practices, with particular reference to hygiene procedures.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed general play, snack and lunch time routines in two rooms and the garden. She talked with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of household members 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 demonstrates a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements and plans challenging and enjoyable activities for children. She reads them stories, encouraging young children to repeat familiar phrases and introduces puppets for children to act out the story. As a result, children are engaged and motivated in their learning. Children dance to music, following simple instructions to wave the ribbons. The childminder uses probing questions to support children's speech and language, and children confidently express their ideas. The childminder provides additional tools to support children's play. For example, she provides photographs of vegetables for them to match the vegetables they find hidden in the soil. The childminder uses everyday opportunities to encourage children's recognition of colour, numbers and letters, which supports them in being ready for school. She completes regular observations and accurate

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good

The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour. She involves the children in setting house rules and carefully explains to them why their behaviour is unacceptable. She praises children for being kind and helpful. This helps children learn to respect and show care and concern for one another and their environment. Although the childminder practises good hygiene procedures, she does not always follow this up by teaching children why they need to wash their hands or wash the vegetables before eating them. Children have daily access to play outdoors in the garden, park or woodlands. They develop confidence and learn to socialise and interact with children of differing ages as they attend various groups with the childminder. She gives a high priority to communication with parents. She completes a written diary for younger children and gives verbal feedback to all parents regarding their children's activities and care. Consequently,

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good

children's emotional well-being is fostered well.

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provision is good

The childminder has effective systems in place to monitor children's progress. She is able to track and identify children's stages of development. As a result, activities are extremely well-matched to children's learning and development needs and they make good progress. The childminder gains feedback from the children and parents, which she uses to help her in identifying priorities for development and setting targeted plans. She displays a high level of enthusiasm and energy for her work. The childminder effectively monitors the work of her assistant to ensure children receive a consistent, professional approach from all the adults in the setting. The childminder has established links with the local nursery and school, regularly sharing information with the staff when she collects the children. However, she has not formed these partnerships with all other settings that the children attend. Therefore, there is a lack of continuity of learning for these children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY332073 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 857005 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 12 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 13

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 13 October 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2006 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant.

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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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