Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15 July 2015 18 October 2011

p.1

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

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

p.1

This provision is good

 The childminder uses effective strategies, such as joining in with the children's play, to engage them. Children's progress and achievements are good, given their starting points and capabilities. The childminder encourages them to solve problems independently and she provides a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities that are linked to their next steps in learning.  The childminder promotes children's self-esteem and confidence. For example, children's artwork and achievements are shared on the childminder's 'Wow' table for everyone to see and celebrate. Furthermore, children's personal, social and emotional development is promoted well through regular praise and encouragement.  Children make good progress. The childminder makes effective use of observations and assessments, and she supports children in acquiring the skills they need for school.  Partnerships with parents are effective and parents give positive feedback about the

p.1

This provision is good

care their children receive. Parents are regularly encouraged to extend their children's learning at home. The childminder frequently shares information, about children's progress and achievements, through informative learning profiles.  The childminder promotes children's well-being because she ensures that they are safe, in and out of the home. She completes regular risk assessments and keeps up to date with safeguarding training. As a result, she protects children in her care.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 On occasions, the childminder does not give enough time for children to think about their responses to questions.  Younger children do not have enough opportunities to practise their early mark making.

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

 provide more time for children to respond to questions  provide more opportunities for young children to practise making marks.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector held joint discussions with the childminder in relation to observations of the children's play, learning and progress. She also viewed children's learning profiles.  The inspector discussed how the childminder reviews and evaluates her setting to seek continuous improvement. She also took account of the views of some parents in written feedback provided during the inspection.  The inspector observed inside and outside play, and the snack time routine in the childminder's home. She talked with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of the childminder and her family, and a range of other documentation, including the childminder's qualification, safeguarding and first-aid training certificates.

p.2

who attend. This is good

The childminder uses observations, assessments and planning to support children in making good progress. She knows children well, through effective settling-in visits, and is fully aware of their likes and interests. She plans a range of interesting activities and considers their next steps in learning when organising her setting. For example, a threading activity extends children's learning as the childminder asks a range of probing questions to enhance their mathematical understanding. However, on occasions the childminder moves on to the next question before children have time to answer. As a result, opportunities for them to think and respond are not maximised. The childminder promotes children's communication and language development well. She encourages children to explore a range of books independently. Additionally, she uses snack time to look at books together that children clearly enjoy because they engage happily. Some

p.3

who attend. This is good

planned activities provide opportunities for children to practice their mark making. However, the childminder does not provide young children with the sensory experience of making marks in their everyday play.

p.3

good

Children are happy, settled and develop strong bonds and attachments with the childminder and their friends. The childminder promotes their physical development with daily exercise and fresh air. Children enjoy the childminder's covered trampoline in all weathers. They sing, dance and have fun as they bounce and jump. As the childminder joins in with their play they squeal with delight. They enjoy a range of nursery action rhymes and as each one ends they shout 'Again', demonstrating the fun they are having. The childminder is fully aware of meeting children's dietary needs and provides children with fresh food that is balanced and nutritious. Children talk about healthy lifestyles as they take part in regular handwashing routines and they use individual hand towels. The childminder's home is well organised and children are able to make independent choices about their play from clearly labelled toy boxes that are readily accessible.

p.3

provision is good

The childminder safeguards the children in her care. She completes regular first-aid training, and is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She talks to children about their personal safety and ensures that she has all the required emergency contact details when out of the home. The childminder has a strong knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Since her last inspection she has gained a level 3 qualification that has had a positive impact on her teaching skills. For example, she is more aware of how children learn through play and how she can extend this. The childminder reflects on her setting overall and evaluates the activities and experiences children take part in to make improvements. She monitors the quality of her setting through discussion with parents, carers and other settings, and she regularly tracks children's progress and achievements.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY370954 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 858034 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

p.4

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 18 October 2011

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2008 and lives in Kimpton, Hitchin. She operates all year round from 7.45am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare 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