Childminder in HertfordshireOfsted inspection, 6 Oct 2015

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 6 October 2015 11 June 2012

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1

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This provision is outstanding

 Teaching is exemplary, as the childminder fully understands how young children develop and expertly builds on their enthusiasm for learning. She accurately assesses their development and provides a rich range of interesting experiences that meet children's individual learning needs. They are exceptionally well prepared for school.  The childminder's astute reviews of children's progress enable her to efficiently highlight any weaker areas in their learning. She then acts swiftly to introduce activities and resources that successfully support children's progress and close any gaps.  The childminder develops remarkably strong partnerships with parents. She implements a wealth of ideas to support a shared approach towards children's care. This includes sharing resources with parents to extend children's learning at home.  Children thrive in this stimulating setting, where they are eager to try challenging

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This provision is outstanding

experiences. They freely explore materials and make fully independent decisions from a vast range of resources. They are entirely engaged and lead their own learning from an extremely young age.  The childminder works in an exemplary manner with other settings and all other professionals who support children. She shares exceptionally detailed information and carefully follows guidance to enhance children's learning and well-being. She seeks training and equipment where required, and meticulously follows individual care plans for children.  Leadership is extremely strong and the childminder's commitment to continuous improvement is evident. She completes detailed reflective evaluations to ensure that children continue to benefit from very high-quality care.

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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

 consider exploring further opportunities for children to explore natural materials even more during activities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector observed activities in the childminder's house 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, safeguarding procedures and observation and assessment documentation.  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 record and other evidence of reflective practice.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is outstanding

The childminder demonstrates an astute awareness of her responsibilities in meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She frequently reviews her policies so that they support her in meeting all requirements. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She thoroughly considers every aspect of children's welfare and consistently promotes this. The childminder has completed an extensive training programme that helps to underpin her already excellent practice. She has an extremely proactive approach towards reviewing her observation and assessment of children. The childminder frequently assesses the value of the information that she obtains and shares with parents, ensuring that all children make rapid progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

The well-qualified childminder demonstrates a precise understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She pays meticulous attention to providing resources so that children may explore all areas of learning independently. For example, children draw and write in role-play areas and select books to read independently or to share with the childminder. They have many opportunities to solve problems. For example, children decide to use a long-handled broom to reach a ball that is beneath the sofa. They select items when asked using their early knowledge of mathematics, such as one cup and one bowl for snacks. Children show an excellent aptitude for learning, including carrying out tasks from start to finish. For example, very young children play a key role in making coloured dough, adding colouring and scent, before exploring the texture and investigating it further. They experiment with natural

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

materials in the garden, such as planting herbs and playing with logs and conkers. The childminder has recognised the further potential to offer children enhanced opportunities to explore natural materials even more during activities.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

During settling-in periods, the childminder spends time identifying children's attitude and enthusiasm for learning. She identifies how she may best help them to form close bonds with her and maximise the benefits gained from activities that she plans. As a result, children quickly form trusting relationships with her and are extremely confident and enthusiastic. This helps them to be emotionally secure in readiness for school. Younger children wash their hands independently and talk about how they need to clean germs from their hands. All children play a role in preparing food for snack times. They select fruits and carefully chop them, counting the pieces as they do so.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

All children make rapid progress from their starting points. They are interested in what they see and hear, demonstrating an eagerness to learn. Children settle comfortably with the childminder. They ask questions and reach conclusions based on information they are given. Children show that they know right from wrong and extend their understanding of their own behaviour and of others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY439024 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 853971 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 - 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 11 June 2012

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2011 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, term time only. 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

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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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