Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 7 August 2015 15 November 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 promotes children's communication and language development very well. She models effective listening skills and encourages children to do the same. As a result, children are enthused to practise their language skills as they confidently recall and tell the childminder about recent experiences.  The childminder intuitively knows when to step back and allow children's inquisitive and explorative nature to develop. As a result of her timely teaching, children build upon their imaginative skills, such as using building blocks to create a farm.  The qualified childminder establishes strong, warm relationships with children, who show that they feel secure and confident in her care. She provides them with lots of praise and reassurance and ensures that their favourite toys and activities are always available.  The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to safeguard the children

p.1

This provision is good

in her care. She is aware of the possible indicators of abuse and how to proceed should she be concerned about any child.  The childminder develops strong relationships with parents. They describe the service she offers as fantastic. The childminder ensures that they are fully informed of their children's day and their development. There is an effective two-way flow of information to aid children's care and learning.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The outdoor learning environment does not provide excellent opportunities to maximise learning for those children who prefer to learn outdoors.  The childminder does not consistently encourage children to solve problems for themselves in their play and learning.

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

 enhance the outdoor environment to further promote learning for those children who prefer to learn outdoors  enhance children's thinking skills even further, in order to identify and solve problems for themselves.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed a range of indoor and outdoor play activities and spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times.  The inspector conducted a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, a selection of policies, safety procedures and required documentation.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of the childminder and her husband.  The inspector took account of the written views of parents.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation form.

p.2

who attend. This is good

The childminder's detailed observations and accurate assessments of children's achievements enable her to precisely identify their next steps in learning. Children engage in a wide range of interesting learning experiences which the childminder plans effectively to reflect their interests. Overall, the quality of teaching is good. As a result, they make good progress in readiness for school. Children build on their understanding of mathematical ideas as they sort different-sized toy helicopters into the correct order, from biggest to smallest. Children are highly motivated and persevere at activities that help increase the control and coordination of their hands. They use a water gun to make marks on the wall in the garden. However, on occasions, the childminder does not always provide them with the best opportunities to solve problems for themselves. For example, she does not give them time to discover how to use the pumping mechanism on the water

p.3

who attend. This is good

gun to propel the water. Children have immense fun exploring the sound of musical instruments and thoroughly enjoy sharing their favourite books with the childminder. She successfully works in partnership with other providers that children attend to support their continuity of learning.

p.3

good

Children choose from a wide range of good quality toys and activities, all of which are easily accessible. Children make choices to play either indoors or outdoors in the fresh air. They develop very good independence skills as the childminder encourages them to take their own shoes on and off. However, she has not fully considered how to make the outdoor environment more inviting to fully promote children's individual learning styles. Children enjoy regular visits to local parks, playgroups and outings to farms. This helps them to become more confident in different environments and with larger groups of children. The childminder provides children with a good range of home-cooked, healthy and nutritious meals. Children grow and taste a range of herbs. This helps them to understand where food comes from and introduces them to new tastes. The childminder's gentle reminders help children to understand how to keep themselves safe and take age-

p.3

provision is good

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to meet and implement the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She shares her comprehensive range of written policies and procedures with parents. This means that they are well informed about her service and responsibilities. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continuing to develop her knowledge. She discusses good practice with other childminders and attends training. As a result, the childminder now has an enhanced understanding of how to effectively manage children's food allergies in line with new legislation. The childminder is reflective and continuously evaluates her practice and monitors the learning programmes.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY335275 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 857081 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 13

p.4

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 15 November 2011

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2006 and lives in Baldock. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, 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