Bowden Nicola

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 6 January 2017 2 September 2013

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

 The childminder forms secure relationships with parents. They are very complimentary about the service she provides and describe her as, 'One in a million'. The childminder keeps parents well informed of the exciting activities she offers their children. She effectively responds to the information parents provide about their children's achievements to support their ongoing development.  The well-qualified childminder takes children to a range of local activity groups and on outings, such as visits to a local farm. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they enjoy rides in a cart, pulled by a tractor. They also watch lambs being born and discover where milk comes from as they observe cows being milked.  The childminder is committed to continually developing her practice to improve outcomes for all children. Her thorough self-evaluation ensures that strengths and areas for improvement are effectively identified. The childminder has recently achieved

p.1

This provision is good

a recognised local authority accreditation award.  The friendly childminder establishes strong, warm relationships with children and helps those who are new to settle quickly. One way she does this is to ensure that their favourite toys are readily available. Children demonstrate that they feel very content and settled as they enjoy the childminder's cuddles when they become tired. Older children dedicate their artwork to her.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make the most of all opportunities to encourage children's deeper thinking during their chosen play.  On occasions, the childminder does not give children the best possible support to reinforce their growing independence in their self-help skills.

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 opportunities for children to think deeply during their chosen play  offer children more opportunities to practise their self-help skills as they gain independence.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during indoor activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times.  The inspector observed a child-initiated activity and discussed this with the childminder.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, a selection of policies, safety procedures and required documentation.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of persons aged 16 years and over who live on the premises.  The inspector took account of the written views of parents and reviewed how the childminder evaluates her setting.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has an extensive understanding of possible signs that could indicate that children are at risk of harm. She knows how to take swift action, in order to protect children's welfare in the event of a child protection concern. The childminder attends training and regularly meets with a close network of other childminders to share good practice and extend her knowledge and skills. Recent training has helped to enhance her understanding of how to use the accurate assessments she makes of children's achievements to precisely review their progress. This helps the childminder to swiftly address any emerging gaps in children's learning.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder consistently responds well to children's individual interests as she incorporates them in to her flexible planning. For example, children demonstrate a keen interest in construction vehicles and the development of new houses near the childminder's home. She takes the time to periodically visit the location to help children understand how various vehicles are used during the construction of the houses. Children use complex sentences to talk about how the houses are developing. The childminder helps them to learn the correct pronunciation of words that they attempt to say. She introduces children to mathematical ideas in a fun and engaging way. For example, under the close supervision of the childminder, children thoroughly enjoy counting snails on a path outside her home. Her consistent praise motivates them to have a go at addition as more snails appear from underneath the hedge. Furthermore, children use their vivid

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

imaginations to pretend to be a snail and create shells using cardboard boxes, which they position on their backs.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave well. The childminder calmly and consistently reinforces good manners and supports children to take turns with toys. She helps children to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Children help to grow fruit and vegetables in the childminder's garden. They help her to pick the produce, which she incorporates into nutritious home-cooked meals. This helps children to understand where food comes from and that it is good to eat. Children confidently help themselves to the varied range of good quality toys and activities. They develop strong physical skills as they enjoy joining in with music and movement sessions. Regular visits to local parks help them to increase their strength and stamina as they climb and balance on large equipment.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress in their learning given their starting points. They are beginning to link letters to sounds and practise writing their name in a variety of ways. For example, they use a stick or their finger to write in the frost on the ground and on tree stumps. This is just one way the childminder helps prepare children well for their next stage of learning and their eventual move on to school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY254443 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1064406 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 13 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11

p.4

Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 2 September 2013

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2013 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 7am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a qualification at level 4.

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