Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 16 July 2015 21 June 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 is well qualified and demonstrates a very high standard of teaching. This helps children to make very good progress in their learning and development.  Children use good levels of communication and language. They learn new words with ease and follow instructions well. Children enjoy talking about their home experiences and listening to the contributions of others.  The childminder uses good systems to support children's well-being and help them to experience a smooth move into her home. Children quickly show confidence as they explore their surroundings and embrace the regular praise that they receive.  The childminder works closely with the other settings that children attend. She actively gains information on their progress to inform her planning.  The childminder understands her responsibility to protect the children in her care. She is aware of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns. The childminder

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This provision is good

regularly completes safeguarding training and maintains a valid first-aid qualification to ensure her knowledge remains up to date.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always provide parents with detailed information on how to precisely support children's learning at home, so that they make maximum progress.  On occasions, the childminder steps in too readily during children's activities to redirect their learning without allowing them sufficient time to work things out by themselves.

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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

 focus more precisely on ways to include parents in extending children's learning at home between the days that they attend, in order to enable them to make the best possible progress  review the level of support provided to children during planned and chosen activities, in order to maximise timely opportunities for them to persevere and learn independently.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children's activities indoors, outside and during the snack and lunch time routines. She talked to the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector observed adult-led activities and jointly discussed the intentions and learning outcomes with the childminder.  The inspector sampled the childminder's documentation, including policies, a self- evaluation form, training certificates and children's learning journals.  The inspector took account of the views of parents through discussions on the day of the inspection and recently completed questionnaires.  The inspector saw evidence of the suitability of all persons living on the premises and other documentation in relation to the safeguarding and welfare requirements.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has high expectations of children and provides a vast range of interesting and challenging activities to help them develop. Furthermore, she notes children's current interests and home experiences to introduce a narrative into their play. Children enjoy dressing up and develop their imaginations as they engage in role play with their friends. They learn how to use books as they listen to and share favourite stories. Children are developing good mathematical skills; they complete simple calculations and name recognisable shapes. This demonstrates how they are beginning to acquire the skills that they need in readiness for school. The childminder completes regular observations on children. She uses these to identify their next steps in learning and inform her planning. However, she does not always fully involve parents in this process to promote children's

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who attend. This is good

optimum achievement. Nonetheless, the childminder follows approved guidance to make precise assessments of children and promote their good all-round progress.

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good

Children develop affectionate attachments to the childminder and relish the time that they spend with her. They behave well and show awareness of her expectations as she is a very good role model. Children take turns and learn to share with their friends, supporting their relationships with others. The childminder makes effective use of all areas in the home. This helps children to freely make choices in their play both indoors and outside. However, at times, the childminder is overly keen to join in and extend their activities. Therefore, occasionally, children's opportunities for independent learning are not fully maximised. Children learn to adopt a healthy lifestyle as they show awareness of the food that is good for them. They pick and prepare a range of fruit to complement their balanced diet. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise and unlimited opportunities to practise their physical agility. This contributes towards their good health.

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provision is good

The enthusiastic childminder strives to achieve the highest outcomes for children and eagerly welcomes feedback to support her reflective practice. She uses self-evaluation effectively to focus on areas she would like to develop further and has successfully addressed both of her previous recommendations. This demonstrates her capacity to support continuous improvement. Future plans include completing additional training on ways to use resources within the environment, with the aim of enhancing the activities that she provides. The childminder uses her experience of working in another childcare setting very well. She ensures her knowledge is constantly updated and that she maintains the high standard of teaching which she has achieved. In addition, the childminder attends weekly groups and visits the children's centre to identify and share best practice with other professionals.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY414478 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 851525 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 12 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 21 June 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2010 and lives in Wheathampstead. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds Qualified Teacher Status.

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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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