Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 13 July 2015 28 February 2011

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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 uses purposeful teaching methods. She offers children a wide range of activities that reflect their interests. As a result, children are positive and enthusiastic about their play. They develop the skills that support their learning when they move on to nursery or school.  The childminder supports parents well in extending their children's learning. She offers practical ideas for activities for each child and lends resources that support parents in trying these at home.  The childminder maintains a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues. She frequently reviews this area and consistently promotes children's welfare.  The childminder is committed to developing her practice. She has gained a childcare qualification and uses any knowledge from training to good effect. For example, she now has a better understanding of the individual ways in which children learn, so more

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This provision is good

clearly focuses activities to promote their development.  Children gain a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They participate in physical activities and talk about how these strengthen their bodies and keep them healthy.  The childminder's thorough monitoring of children's progress enables her to quickly address any gaps in their learning. For example, additional activities now support children in developing their skills in counting and recognising numbers.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make the most of all daily opportunities to encourage children to fully develop their skills in critical thinking.  The childminder does not always fully support children's independent learning outdoors.

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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 opportunities for children to think critically during daily activities and discussions  extend opportunities for children to make independent choices and develop their own play when using the outdoor area.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the childminder's house and viewed areas of the home used for childminding.  The inspector talked with the childminder and children. She reviewed an activity with the childminder.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation and evidence of the suitability of household members. She viewed the childminder's self- evaluation information and a range of other documentation, including the safeguarding procedures.  The inspector took account of the views of parents, as given in their written feedback to the childminder.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder has improved her procedures. She now uses assessments more effectively to plan pertinent activities that support children in making good progress in all areas of learning. Her well-planned activities enable children to build on their learning. For example, they plant flower seeds and watch as these grow. They then plant cress seeds and compare the growing conditions needed and the speed at which the seeds germinate. In most situations, the childminder encourages children's critical thinking. For example, when children look at a book, the childminder encourages them to think about how the characters differ. Occasionally, she does not optimise these opportunities. For example, she tells children what shape the play dough will be when they push it through different tubes, rather than encouraging them to work this out. The childminder introduces new activities that make children's learning fun. Young children learn to match colours and take

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who attend. This is good

turns as they eagerly participate in a new game. The childminder offers children additional resources that promote their learning. For example, they gain an understanding of living things as they watch caterpillars develop into butterflies. They look at associated books to reinforce their new knowledge.

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good

The childminder's confident, caring approach supports children in settling and they quickly build secure relationships with her. She works well with parents, so that she fully understands each child and sensitively meets their needs. The childminder supports children's interactions and helps them to understand each other and work together. She builds their confidence as she praises their efforts and encourages them to persevere when things do not go to plan. As a result, children approach new tasks and challenges with a confident, positive attitude. They develop the emotional stability that supports them as they move on to school. The childminder organises the indoor environment well, so that resources are accessible, enabling children to make independent choices. Children are not always able to make as many choices and extend their play to the optimum in the outdoor area as resources are not as freely accessible.

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provision is good

The childminder is experienced and remains committed to developing her childcare practice. She regularly reviews her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and checks that her policies support her in meeting all requirements and protecting children. The childminder's thorough evaluation of her daily work enables her to note weaker areas and make relevant improvements. Changes to the layout of the home means that children are able to undertake more tasks themselves, such as using the bathroom. This promotes their independence. The childminder works well with other childcare providers, so that children receive consistent care and their learning is extended. She meets with staff at the local pre-school, in order to share assessment information. She also offers children activities that enable them to build on what they have been doing at pre-school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY284947 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 861200 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 28 February 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2004 and lives in Hitchin. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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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