Hards, Helen

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 9 June 2017 18 May 2015

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 has built strong partnerships with parents. She frequently shares updates about how children are progressing. The childminder provides information and ideas that parents can use to support their children's learning at home.  Children build close bonds with the childminder and the other children that attend. They are happy and settled in her care. Children quickly become confident and the childminder is supportive of their individual needs.  The childminder promotes children's learning of mathematical skills. She encourages them to solve basic problems for themselves, such as when they work out how many chairs they need at mealtimes for the number of children that are present.  Children enjoy the many opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They visit the local parks and woods. They learn more about the local community as they have trips to the shops, library and post office.  The childminder frequently evaluates her practice. She gathers the views of parents

p.1

This provision is good

and children and uses these when identifying and setting targets for improvement.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the childminder completes regular assessments of children's development, she does not make highly effective use of the information to focus precisely on how to help children make rapid progress.

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

 enhance the use of information gathered from assessments to plan precise ways to help children make the best possible progress.

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 a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder.  The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household.  The inspector spoke to children during the inspection.  The inspector took account of the views of parents through reading written feedback provided.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good understanding about the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows who to contact in her local authority with any such concerns. The childminder regularly evaluates the assessments of children's progress and provides support where needed to enable children to make good progress. She attends regular training to build on and strengthen her skills and understanding. The childminder has established a robust system of sharing information with settings that children move on to in order to maintain a continuity in their care and learning.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder gathers information from parents about what children are able to do when they first start. She uses this information well when assessing children's starting points. The childminder effectively supports children's language and communication skills. For example, she repeats words back to young children and introduces new words into their play. Young children happily babble as they enjoy exploring toys that make different noises. Older children count down as they prepare to race their cars and cheer when their car wins. They eagerly participate in a range of creative activities where they can develop their early writing skills.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave well and the childminder provides consistent messages. When children have disagreements she encourages them to work out solutions for themselves. The childminder supports children in learning to share and take turns. Children learn independence skills from an early age. For example, they help to tidy up toys when they have finished playing and young children find their own shoes ready for outdoor play. The childminder encourages good manners and children know to wash their hands after outdoor play and before mealtimes. She talks to children about the food they eat to help them understand about healthy eating.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children are eager learners and happily explore the wide range of activities available. They develop their imaginations. For example, they pretend to take the toy babies for a walk and make dinner for their friends. Children make good progress from their starting points. They quickly learn the skills they need ready for their move on to school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY262759 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1091724 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 14

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates her provision all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and 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