Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 8 June 2016 14 November 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 Outstanding 1

p.1

This provision is good

 The childminder skilfully promotes all areas of learning, alongside children's interests. For example, children learn mathematical language as they transport water from the paddling pool to the water tray. They use small and large containers as they reflect on ways to do it faster. Children critically think as they play and explore.  Teaching is effective. For example, children celebrate the Queen's birthday, bake and decorate cakes. They learn about the Queen and the Union Jack through books and pictures. Children recreate the Queen's jewellery and crown using gems. They are creative and benefit from well-resourced activities.  Children exercise and enjoy fresh air on a daily basis. They visit parks, go on nature walks and participate in outings. The childminder plans excellent opportunities for children to play and learn outside, fully meeting their different learning styles.  The childminder prepares nutritious home-made meals for children. She astutely

p.1

This provision is good

involves them in food preparation and teaches them to eat well. Children manage their own hygiene and learn to lead healthy lifestyles.  The childminder makes links with other settings that children attend. She exchanges detailed information with them about children's learning needs and extends children's support to her provision.  The childminder takes all measures to minimise risks for children. Risk assessments of her house and outings are detailed. Additionally, children learn about personal safety and to be mindful of others.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 There is capacity to obtain even more-detailed information from parents about children's skills on entry to even further tailor children's learning during the early days.

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

 seek more-detailed information from parents about children's learning and skills on entry to improve children's support and learning in the early days.

p.2

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 evaluations of activities with the childminder.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the childminder's self-evaluation and evidence of her suitability and the suitability of members of the household.  The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback and questionnaires.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has secure knowledge of child protection and knows where to go for guidance should concerns arise. The qualified childminder participates in a range of training. She closely monitors children's well-being, welfare and keeps detailed records of their care and learning. The ongoing partnership with parents is good. The childminder exchanges information with them about children's needs and ideas for activities. She involves parents in the efficient reflective practice. This helps her to tailor her services to children's needs. As a result, children are happy, safe and progress well in their development.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder conducts comprehensive assessments of children's skills. She plans activities based on her good understanding of their knowledge and interests. For example, on a rainy day children observe thunder and lightning with the childminder. They refer to their weather chart and books, and draw pictures about it. The qualified childminder is eager to enhance children's learning. Children have a good balance of planned and spontaneous play. For example, the childminder engages children in pouring water into a set of pipes. Children place containers at the end of each pipe to find out where the water goes out from. Children independently access books. They sing and dance. The childminder effectively supports children's needs and they progress well.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

The childminder is very attentive towards children. Children are very comfortable and settled in her care. They display strong bonds with the childminder, enjoy her company and have fun with her. The childminder skilfully engages parents in supporting children's emotional development. She works with them to manage children's behaviour. Children are praised at all times. The childminder is a great role model for good manners and has high expectations of children. They fully understand what is expected from them regarding rules and boundaries. Children are confident and behave extremely well. The childminder inspirationally teaches children about cultures in their community. There is a strong focus on promoting children's social skills.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress. Their skills are closely observed and monitored by the childminder. Any gaps in children's learning are swiftly addressed through the effective planning for activities. For example, children access a variety of writing tools to develop good gripping skills when writing and drawing. These are made available to children at all times. Children learn as they play. For example, as they decorate crowns with gems, they divide them into groups, according to their colour and shape. Children are eager to communicate their ideas. They are very effectively challenged in everything they do. Children communicate using vast vocabulary and securely develop skills across all areas of learning. They are well prepared for school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY356597 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 863457 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

p.4

Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 14 November 2011

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2007 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 7.15am to 5.30pm and on Wednesday and Friday from 7.15am to 3pm, all year round except for bank holidays and for family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, 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