Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 September 2015 7 September 2011

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

p.1

This provision is good

 The childminder makes good use of her home as a stimulating learning environment. Toys and resources in the playroom are easily accessible to all children and this helps them to learn independently.  Children enjoy fun activities, such as baking a cake. They learn about weight and measures as they follow the recipe the childminder has provided. Children cooperate and take turns very well.  The childminder takes account of the views of parents. Parents' written comments are positive about the care and activities the childminder provides and the positive impact this has on children's development.  The childminder teaches children how to be safe and healthy. For example, they collect fruit growing in the garden. As they help to prepare vegetables at lunchtime, the childminder shows them how to use the knife safely.  The childminder develops effective relationships with other settings children attend.

p.1

This provision is good

They regularly share information on how children are learning and developing. The childminder takes account of what children are learning at nursery and plans activities to complement this.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder's programme of professional development is not always precisely targeted to help her continually improve her knowledge and practice to the highest level.

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

 extend the programme of professional development to broaden and extend knowledge and skills further.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder engaging in activities with children and, at appropriate times, jointly discussed the learning that was taking place.  The inspector viewed the areas of the premises and garden used for childminding.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation, evidence of the suitability of household members and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy.  The inspector took account of the views of parents and the childminder's self-evaluation form.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to protect and safeguard children. Through the implementation of effective policies and procedures, she actively promotes children's safety and welfare. The childminder shares these with parents when they register with her. This enables parents to understand how she meets all legal requirements. The childminder use her knowledge gained from her qualification to good effect. She reviews children's progress and the activities she provides. This ensures that any gaps in learning are quickly identified and strategies are put in place to narrow them. The childminder attends some training courses and explores online forums to develop her knowledge and understanding. However, the programme of professional development is not always targeted towards ensuring she has a thorough understanding of new strategies.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides activities that interest and challenge children. She uses discussions with parents to find out what children have been doing at home. Children who are interested in shopping are very excited when they see the shop the childminder has set up for them. The childminder uses this activity as an opportunity for children to practise using early writing skills. She provides a notebook for children to write shopping lists. Furthermore, she promotes mathematics by pointing out the price tags on the food items in the shop. The childminder plays imaginatively with children and they take turns to be the customer and the shop assistant. The childminder meets with parents when they register with her. She receives clear information on what children can do at home and bases their learning on her initial observations and assessments. The childminder is aware of children's next steps and is able to ensure that the activities they experience are

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides a caring and nurturing environment, where children are happy and settled. Children have regular access to the garden and nearby parks, where they use equipment to develop their physical skills and have fun in the fresh air. Children have many opportunities to be independent as they choose where and with what they want to play. They like to help the childminder to prepare lunch and wash the dishes. The childminder uses these times to engage in social conversations with children. The childminder shares stories with children before they settle to sleep. They settle well, demonstrating they are secure in their familiar routines.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

The quality of teaching is good. The childminder makes best use of adult-directed activities to promote children's mathematical and literacy development. These activities, along with the quality observations and assessments, help to ensure that children make consistently good progress in preparation for their next stage of learning at school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY408911 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 850954 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4

p.4

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 7 September 2011

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2010 and lives in Welwyn. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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 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 .

p.5

Telephone number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

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