Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 2 February 2016 21 September 2010

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

 Children are independent and confident to explore the safe and welcoming environment. A varied range of resources is available to children. They keenly select what they want to play with, developing their independence.  The childminder's teaching is strong and children make good progress. She makes good use of spontaneous events to promote children's learning, for example, counting and extending their vocabulary as they watch a squirrel in the garden.  The childminder gathers meaningful information from parents about what children can do when they start in her setting. She ensures her settling-in arrangements are flexible to meet children's individual needs.  The childminder uses mealtimes as social occasions. Older children talk about their beliefs and family traditions. The childminder encourages them to listen to each other, which helps children to learn about the diverse world in which they live.

p.1

This provision is good

 The childminder uses self-evaluation to reflect on her practice. She takes into account the views of parents and children, which she gains from her regular discussions with them.

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 teaching to the highest possible 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 in order to broaden and expand knowledge of how to promote children's learning and development to the highest possible level.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder engaging in activities with the 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 and planning documentation. Evidence of the suitability of household members and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy, were also seen.  The inspector took account of the childminder's self-evaluation form and the views of parents.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder is confident about following child protection procedures, which helps to protect children's welfare. She uses effective systems to review the children's progress. This ensures that any gaps in learning are quickly identified and strategies are put in place to narrow them. The childminder networks with other childminders and undertakes some training to develop her knowledge and skills. For example, she has recently updated her knowledge on safeguarding children. However, her overall programme of professional development is not always targeted towards ensuring her continued knowledge of changing teaching and learning techniques. The childminder has established strong partnerships with parents to enable the two-way flow of information about meeting children's needs. Parents express their very high levels of satisfaction with the care and education that the childminder provides.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder knows the children well. She develops interesting and fun activities to challenge children's learning and development, taking into account their individual interests. Children particularly enjoy early technology toys. They look with interest at what happens when they press buttons. Considering their age, children sit enthralled with these activities for prolonged periods of time. The childminder is aware of children's next steps in learning. She is able to ensure that the activities they experience continue to interest and motivate them. Parents regularly send photographs and texts to help the childminder share and learn about the children's ongoing achievements at home. She has forged very good links with the local nursery school and shares information with the child's key person when they are attending. These partnerships help to promote continuity in children's learning and development.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form strong, emotional attachments with the childminder and are relaxed in her welcoming home. They seek her out for cuddles and reassurance and benefit from her warm interaction. The childminder teaches children about expected behaviour through the use of consistent messages. For example, she talks to them about the need to share toys. Children are supported well in developing the skills that they need to adopt a healthy lifestyle. They are provided with nutritious snacks and meals each day. The childminder talks to children about eating all their breakfast to give them energy for the day. She helps children to understand how to look after wild animals and birds by talking about providing suitable food for them. She also uses her garden and walks in local woodlands to promote fun and learning outside. These experiences provide wonderful opportunities for children to use their physical skills. They show their developing independence as they collect up

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

cups and give them to the childminder after snack. They also help to put equipment away when they have finished playing.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress from their starting points. They are eager to learn and are developing key skills, preparing them well for their future learning at school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY404853 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 850604 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 7 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

p.4

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 21 September 2010

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2010 and lives in Welwyn. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday, during school term time.

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