Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 10 November 2015 25 May 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 makes good use of training opportunities to develop her knowledge and improve the provision for children. She now offers children more practical support in developing their communication skills.  Children participate in a wide variety of activities that reflect their interests and are adapted to meet their individual needs. They are enthusiastic about their play and make good progress in their learning.  The childminder supports parents in extending their children's learning. She talks with parents and uses the daily diaries to explain activities. This enables parents to repeat activities and build on these with their children at home.  The childminder regularly checks children's progress and quickly addresses any weaker areas, in order to close gaps in learning. She now offers children additional activities and resources that support them in counting and recognising written numbers.

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This provision is good

 The childminder plays alongside children. She sensitively supports them so that they grow in confidence and enjoy new challenges. They develop positive attitudes and the key skills that support their ongoing learning and prepare them well for school.  Children use local facilities, such as parks and the children's centre, which help them develop an understanding of their community. In turn, this supports children in developing an interest in the wider world.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make full use of parents' updates to inform her assessments and support her in promoting children's development to the maximum.  Children do not develop their early writing skills as much as possible as the childminder does not always fully extend these opportunities.

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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

 make greater use of updates and information from parents about their child's learning and development at home  extend the opportunities that support children in developing their early writing skills.

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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. She viewed the garden and areas of the home used for childminding.  The inspector talked with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She 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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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The childminder regularly updates her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This supports her in ensuring that she consistently meets all requirements. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good understanding of the process to report any concerns about children's welfare. This area is further supported as she organises all areas of her work well and effectively maintains all appropriate records. Children's development is promoted as the childminder exchanges assessment and planning information with other childcare settings that they attend. The childminder has improved the ongoing evaluation of her work and makes relevant improvements. For example, she provides new toys that support children's individual learning needs.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder plans activities well, using these as an opportunity to encourage children to explore and develop new skills. For example, children develop control of their hand muscles as they use tweezers to pick up conkers and sort them onto trays. The childminder encourages their mathematical skills as the children count the conkers and talk about the sizes. Children understand how they are learning as the childminder helps them to remember methods they have already developed and to apply these to new situations. Children remember how to turn puzzle pieces around, enabling them to complete more-complex puzzles. The childminder uses resources well as a way of maintaining children's interest. Children become engrossed in a story as they use finger puppets to illustrate this, eagerly making the animal sounds and anticipating the next event. The childminder makes good use of children's interests as a way of supporting their

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

learning. For example, children who enjoy physical play participate in a structured session that supports them in developing physical skills and in learning to follow simple directions.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder works well with parents to gather good initial information so that she understands how to meet children's needs. Children quickly build secure bonds with the childminder. They show that they enjoy her company as they share simple jokes with her and naturally include her in their play. The childminder supports children in understanding healthy lifestyles. They enjoy fresh air each day and talk about how exercise affects their bodies. The childminder is a good role model and children mirror her calm, gentle approach. They learn how their actions affect others and how to manage their behaviour appropriately. The childminder encourages children's independence and supports them in learning to work together. This helps children to develop the skills and positive emotional approaches that support them when they start school.

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Outcomes for children are good

The childminder uses purposeful teaching techniques and supports all children so that they make good progress. She sets clear boundaries and involves children in discussions, helping them to develop good social skills that contribute towards their daily interactions and their ability to learn.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149431 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 874960 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 14

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1988 and lives in Letchworth. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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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