Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 29 June 2016 Not applicable

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 thrive in the caring attention of the childminder. She gives great importance to their conversations and interactions. This attention helps to build children's confidence. Children are encouraged to voice their thoughts, follow their interests and to persevere in their efforts. Children's attempts and achievements are praised.  The childminder builds stories and books into activities. For example, she reads a book during snack time, ensuring that young children are engaged. Young children are encouraged to handle books. Older children are encouraged to join in with repeated phrases and are helped to match phonics sounds to letters. This develops children's early literacy skills and enjoyment of books.  The childminder provides many play opportunities including adult-led and free play in the garden, as she appreciates many children prefer outdoor play. Children enjoy exploring their choices and concentrate for long periods in their physical play.

p.1

This provision is good

 Partnerships with parents and other providers are effective. For example, the childminder helps children by extending their learning, such as supporting them with the nursery school letter of the week. She discusses topics and next steps in learning with key staff to promote consistency.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always provide highly challenging activities across all areas of learning.

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

 strengthen planning to provide highly challenging activities across all the areas of learning to provide all children with the opportunities to make rapid progress.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector held discussions with the childminder regarding observations of children's play, learning and progress  The inspector observed an adult-led activity, free play indoors and outdoors and snack time.  The inspector checked evidence of the childminder's qualifications and training, and suitability of all household members.  The inspector reviewed policies, procedures and documents available, including feedback from parents.  The inspector discussed the childminder's self-evaluation and improvement plans. She spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The childminder has policies and procedures in place which underpin her practice to ensure children's safety and well-being. She has developed thorough risk assessments, which include effective planning for all outings. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder is fully aware of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about children in her care. The childminder knows how to support children to learn through play and children are keen to explore the appealing environment. She is committed to continuing her professional development and has started to use her studies to help her evaluate and improve her own practice. The childminder regularly researches updated legislation and uses her equal opportunities policy to ensure that all children are treated with fairness and respect. Information is shared and regularly discussed with parents. Feedback from parents shows their appreciation for the caring and nurturing

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder thoughtfully plans and adapts activities for all the ages of the children in her care. Children happily play alongside each other with the same resources. For example, they use a large play tray on the grass with soil, insects, pots and tools. Younger children enjoy exploring the messy play, putting soil in the pots and shaking them out again. Older children confidently investigate the insects with magnifying glasses and move on to planting seeds. Throughout the activity the childminder thoughtfully supports the children by labelling objects to develop language and by using probing questions to help children develop their thoughts. Concepts, such as counting, are regularly introduced though play. The childminder knows the children's next steps in learning and supports them to achieve these. She provides counting opportunities to support their mathematical development. The childminder ascertains children's abilities when they first settle with her,

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

using information from parents. She regularly observes the children and carefully tracks their progress.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave very well and are caring in how they interact with each other. They are reminded gently of expected behaviours, such as sharing. The children listen attentively to the childminder and consequently, a brief empathetic explanation is all that is required to ensure inclusive and cooperative play through the age ranges. Children join in activities enthusiastically and are keen to engage in the range of play opportunities. Healthy food choices are discussed and the childminder promotes children's independence. For example, children help to prepare the healthy snack as part of an activity. The childminder has completed food hygiene training and prepares food carefully.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children are making clear progress over time from their starting points. They are developing strongly within expected bands for their age. Children acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be prepared for school or the next stage in their learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY480057 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 982749 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

p.4

Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2014 and lives in Bishops Stortford. She operates from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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