Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 8 September 2015 20 January 2010

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder uses effective teaching methods to offer activities that interest children. They are motivated to learn and they ask questions continually about the challenging activities provided. They are well prepared for the next stage in their learning.  The childminder promotes children's well-being, and close bonds are established. Parents are given clear information that helps them to become involved in children's learning at the outset. Observations, made across several sessions, form a firm foundation for learning.  Children thrive in this setting and the childminder enables them to choose resources independently. Children take responsibility for putting their toys away when they have finished with them and care for the materials that they use.  The childminder works very well with other settings to share information and plan for learning and development consistency, in order to enhance children's learning. She

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This provision is good

initiates contact with other settings and shares written reports about children's development.  Children thoroughly enjoy visits, such as to farms and the woods, or going on trips using different forms of transport. The childminder is registered with the Forest Schools initiative so that children have opportunities to experience the natural outdoor environment and understand the world.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Children have few opportunities to independently write and use creative materials.  Children do not always consider and manage risk and fully understand the need for safety when tackling new challenges in the home and 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

 extend the range of opportunities for children to write, draw and use different media to optimise their literacy and creative development  provide more opportunities for children to consider and manage risks and understand the need for safety when tackling new challenges.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector observed activities and talked with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at a range of documentation, including policies, evidence of the suitability of household members, observation and assessment documentation, and the safeguarding procedures.  The inspector observed a planned activity and jointly evaluated this with the childminder.  The inspector took account of the views of parents as provided in documentation.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation records and reflective practice with her.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The well-qualified childminder demonstrates that she understands her responsibilities in meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She evaluates her practice consistently using feedback gained from parents, children and other childcare professionals, to help enhance her practice. The childminder attends training so that she can continue to support children effectively. For example, she has broadened her depth of knowledge to help her review expectations for behaviour and to work closely with parents in the event of developmental concerns about children's learning. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of safeguarding issues and updates this by completing regular training. She considers every aspect of children's welfare and promotes this well.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder understands the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She offers high-quality information about children's learning to parents regularly. The childminder reviews children's progress through her observations and assessments. She completes a comprehensive progress check for children between the ages of two and three years. This helps her to review each child's achievements. The childminder places a good focus on supporting children's language. Children have opportunities to explore mathematics as they sing number songs or consider, for example, if a tent is big enough for the people inside it. They investigate new information, such as discussing how to make a volcano using vinegar or how a map is used to find your way home. Children make choices as they play in this well-resourced home. However, while there are adult-led creative and writing activities, children do not always have a wide

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

range of opportunities to develop their writing and creative exploration.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children respond to the childminder's calm, caring approach. Her sensitive support aids children in developing positive attitudes. This helps them to be emotionally secure in readiness for school. Children learn that good hygiene routines are important in helping to keep them healthy. They wash their hands independently and eagerly help to prepare their meals together. Children develop an awareness of road safety and practise this regularly. They also complete emergency evacuation drills and discuss with the childminder how to be safe in the community. However, they do not always understand how to approach new challenges safely and independently.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress given their starting points. They are interested in what they see and hear, demonstrating an eagerness to learn. Children settle comfortably with the childminder to listen to and retell stories together. They ask questions and link what is being read to experiences they have enjoyed. Children reach conclusions based on information given, showing that they understand right from wrong and extending their understanding of their own and others' behaviour.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY397823 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 859908 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 20 January 2010

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2009 and lives in St. Albans. She operates all year round from 7.45m to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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 reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Telephone number

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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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