Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 27 August 2015 9 October 2008

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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 continues to develop her practice. She has attained a childcare qualification and uses her knowledge from this and other further training to benefit children. For example, she is now more confident in assessing children's speech and language skills and in supporting them to extend these.  The childminder uses purposeful teaching methods. She offers children play opportunities that engage their interest and support them in making good progress. Children are positive about their play and develop the skills that support them in learning, thereby, preparing them well for school.  The childminder frequently reviews children's progress and takes prompt action to address any weaker areas. For example, she now offers children additional resources and activities that support them in recognising colours and shapes. This is having a positive effect on their achievements in these areas.  Children develop a good awareness of how to keep themselves healthy. For example,

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This provision is good

they set out a large mat to practise their dance, exercise and gymnastics. They go on to talk about how this benefits them and helps develop their balance and control.  The childminder communicates well with parents and regularly shares her assessments of children's progress with them. She provides practical information about how children learn and offers ideas for activities. In this way, she supports parents in extending their children's learning at home.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make the most of all opportunities to support children in fully developing their skills in creativity and critical thinking.  The childminder sometimes carries out tasks for children, so she does not always promote their independence to the very best extent.

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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 develop their creative skills and think critically during activities and discussions  extend the daily opportunities that support children in developing their independence.

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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 the children present and 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 plans the environment well, in order to promote children's learning. For example, she creatively displays words of their favourite songs. Children enjoy referring to these as they play, helping them to start to recognise letters and words. The childminder's good interaction with children aids them in developing their communication skills. She talks clearly and explains any new words, so that children confidently add these to their growing vocabulary. The childminder offers children many opportunities that encourage their early writing skills. For example, older children practise writing their names and younger children enjoy making chalk patterns on the path. However, children are less confident in developing their creative and critical-thinking skills. The childminder offers them fewer opportunities to express their creativity or solve problems as part of their daily play and discussions. The childminder offers children a wide range of play materials that

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who attend. This is good

support their learning. She makes good use of the toy library to offer additional resources that help extend their interests. For example, children build on their mathematical skills as they play number games and sort the toy dinosaurs according to size.

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good

The childminder fully understands children's needs as she gathers clear information from parents. She pays attention to children's preferences and closely mirrors their home routines, thereby, helping them to feel settled and welcome. Children develop secure bonds with the childminder. They show their enjoyment of her company as they laugh and chatter with her. The childminder helps children to understand and feel part of their community. They attend toddler groups and use local facilities, such as parks and shops. She encourages children to respect each other and helps them understand how to manage their behaviour. The childminder encourages children to persevere at tasks and celebrates their efforts and achievements with them. This helps to build their self-esteem and they are emotionally secure in readiness for school. Children learn to use tools, such as cutlery and pencils, safely and efficiently. However, the childminder does not always make the

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good

most of all opportunities to fully promote children's independence during daily routines.

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provision is good

The childminder has a good knowledge of the learning and development requirements and how to keep children safe. She has improved her safety checks and has clear procedures to check the suitability of adults who have regular contact with children. She also regularly refreshes her knowledge of child protection issues and safeguarding. This means she fully understands the process to report any concerns about children, so she promotes their safety and welfare. The childminder works well with other childcare settings that children attend. She meets with them to exchange information, so that children's care is consistent and their development is promoted. The childminder evaluates her practice well and implements relevant changes. For example, improved storage means that resources are now more accessible to children, enabling them to make further choices.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY292375 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 856374 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 9 October 2008

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2003 and lives in Borehamwood. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except 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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