Geers, Stephen Paul

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 April 2016 23 February 2009

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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

 The childminder is extremely skilled in planning activities that are meticulously linked to children's learning needs and interests. For example, children enjoy playing ball games and learn the rules of different sports. They are enthusiastically praised for their efforts and focus and are very eager to learn.  Teaching is exceptional and children make rapid progress. The childminder provides inspirational opportunities for imaginative play. For example, children observe and learn about helicopters. They imitate helicopters while running in the garden. Children develop their physical skills and use sophisticated vocabulary to communicate their ideas.  The childminder plans very interesting and challenging activities to promote children's creativity and hand-to-eye coordination. Children have endless opportunities for colouring, drawing and exploring writing tools that are available to them in all areas of

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This provision is outstanding

the house.  Children's routines, meals and activities are accurately tailored to meet their needs. They settle quickly and form very strong bonds with the childminder and assistants.  Children learn about personal safety through their play. While pretending to be pilots, they help younger children to learn about using seat belts and spotting hazards, particularly on car journeys and when crossing the road. They climb trees and enjoy balancing and splashing games, taking reasonable risks.  There are exceptional procedures for the supervision and coaching of assistants. Training is targeted and assistants have great opportunities for continuous professional development. New ideas are constantly implemented for the benefit of children.

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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

 continue to expand on the opportunities that children have to learn and develop their mathematical skills.

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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 completed joint evaluations of activities with the childminder.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder and the assistants. She looked at relevant documentation, such as, the childminder's self-evaluation, evidence of qualifications and training. The inspector also checked evidence of the suitability of the childminder, assistants and members of the household.  The inspector took account of the views of parents as expressed during discussions and through written feedback.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is outstanding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder and his assistants participate in regular child protection training and are confident regarding their duty to safeguard children. Policies are in line with current legislation and shared with assistants and parents. The childminder's reflective practice is exceptional. Through his thorough evaluation of practice, he has identified that there is capacity to enhance children's learning of mathematical skills even further. Parents and assistants are regularly consulted for their suggestions and fully involved in practice. Risk assessments for the premises and for outings are meticulous and all adults caring for children are suitable. The childminder is extremely confident in his role and children flourish in his care.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

The childminder confidently tracks children's learning. Their progress is exceptional and very comprehensively recorded and monitored. Assessments are accurate and children's starting points and next steps in learning are meticulously identified and promoted. Educational programmes are varied and include daily reading, singing and outings. These are planned in detail. The childminder swiftly addresses gaps in children's development through detailed planning. Information from other settings that children attend is skilfully used to enhance children's learning, such as recently looking at how to further promote children's mathematical skills. Each area of learning is evaluated and included in routines and activities. Many ideas are exchanged with parents to promote children's continuous support. The childminder and assistants are very creative and enthusiastic teachers.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

The childminder skilfully introduces children to healthy lifestyles. They help in preparing nutritious and home-made snacks and meals. Every week, children receive a basket of different vegetables to taste, learn about and use for their meals. Outdoor play is excellent and physical activities are offered as both freely chosen and planned. Children are independent with their own hygiene and parents regard the childminder's care routines as outstanding. The childminder has attended a range of training to extend his knowledge on children's emotional development. He manages children's behaviour extremely sensitively and provides further targeted support for children and parents in regard to this aspect. Children behave exceptionally well. They are confident and play cooperatively. There is a strong focus on promoting children's social skills. They learn to respect each other as they become aware of their community and the wider world.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

Children learn through exceptional play activities. They become engrossed in a water activity as they develop manual skills using tools to pour and measure water. They dampen various objects and discuss how the sun and wind help to dry them. Children learn about the mechanism of the toys they play with, such as the water wheel, using complex sentences and a wide vocabulary. The childminder focuses strongly on ensuring children's readiness for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY299318 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 848859 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 12 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 20

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 23 February 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2004 and lives in St. Albans. He operates all year round, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6.30pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. He provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children and works with assistants.

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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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