Sullivan, Dagmar

Inspection date 26 March 2019 Previous inspection date 20 August 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n The childminder carefully assesses areas of potential risk to children in her home and on outings. She talks about how she teaches children to keep themselves safe, such as on stairs. n The childminder is aware of when children need extra support to make the best possible progress. She implements activities and exercises that other professionals, such as speech therapists, suggest. This helps promote children's communication and language development. n The childminder constantly encourages children in their learning. For example, she tells them how much she likes the way they design pictures and cards. Children thrive on this praise and proudly show their work to visitors. n The childminder helps children to learn how to develop healthy lifestyles. For example, she talks to them about how fruit for a snack is good for them. All children know where to find their own cups and regularly have drinks of water.

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This provision is good

n At times, the childminder does not provide sufficient resources for the children to use as they engage in activities and play alongside each other. This has an impact on children's engagement in learning and causes minor disagreements. n The childminder does not provide older children with many opportunities to extend their skills and knowledge in using technological toys and equipment.

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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

n provide sufficient resources to help children to play and learn cooperatively alongside each other n provide more opportunities for older children to be challenged in developing their skills and knowledge when using technological toys and equipment.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the childminder teaching the children during planned activities and free play, and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n The inspector looked at the areas of the premises used for childminding. n The inspector discussed the progress children are making with the childminder and looked at children's development and assessment records. n The inspector sampled a range of documents, including the safeguarding policy and the suitability checks of household members. n The inspector took into account the written views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections on her practice with her.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder knows how to recognise signs that children may be at risk of harm and what action to take to help protect their safety or welfare. The childminder networks with other childminders and undertakes regular training. These activities provide her with opportunities to engage in professional discussions, share good practice, and enhance her knowledge and teaching skills. The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and looks for areas she can improve. For example, she has reviewed the learning opportunities available to children in her garden. She is making effective changes in line with children's keen interest to play and learn outdoors.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder gains a good understanding of what children can already do when they start at her setting. She spends time talking with parents about children's development and interests. The childminder uses this information to identify children's starting points in learning and she makes accurate assessments of their development. She skilfully teaches children, using age-appropriate strategies, such as when she models counting and names shapes as children play. The childminder encourages children to develop good listening skills. For example, she asks them what sounds they can hear when they are outside. Children are able to distinguish sounds, such as trains, cars and birdsong.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides a warm, homely environment, where children are at ease and show a secure attachment to her. Children show high levels of independence and good self-care skills. From a young age, they are able to put on their coats and attempt to fasten zips. Children know when to ask for help when they cannot succeed. The childminder praises children well for their efforts. Children have many opportunities to practise their physical skills and thoroughly enjoy being outside. The childminder provides space in the garden for active play, such as for running and ball games. She takes children on walks in the local community. A firm favourite walk for the children is to watch the trains passing by from a nearby bridge. The childminder builds strong partnerships with parents. They state their children settle well and that the childminder provides them with good information about how their children are learning and

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop effectively the skills they need to aid their future learning and their eventual move to school. They are learning how to use tools for a purpose, such as snipping paper with scissors. Children enjoy looking at books independently. They point to things that interest them in the pictures, such as trains. Children find toy trains that they play with alongside looking at the books. This shows they know how to gain information from books and make links in their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY289807 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063565 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 3 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 20 August 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Hitchin. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She is registered to provide funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Registers

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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Registers

procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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