Childminder EY332073

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children develop the key skills they need for their future learning. They build strong relationships with other children and take part in the activities with enthusiasm. Children thrive in the nurturing care of the childminder. They enjoy their time with her and demonstrate that they feel emotionally safe and secure. Children snuggle up to the childminder as she reads a story to them. They eagerly help her to turn the pages and confidently name the characters in the story. Older children recognise rhyming words and make up their own rhymes. They have a broad vocabulary and engage in complex conversations with adults.

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The provision is good

Children choose their own resources and play independently. They show good manners as they share toys with their friends. The childminder provides warm praise and encouragement, which helps to raise children's confidence and self- esteem. Children enjoy exploring their local community. They learn about the people who help them as, for example, they visit the fire station. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. The childminder challenges their physical skills by taking them to soft-play venues and adventure play areas. Children learn to count, sort objects by type and recognise numbers in play. They successfully identify which animals belong on the farm and know these are different from those that live in the wild.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans activities well to enable children of all ages to take part at their own level. For example, while she discusses the Arctic environment with older children, younger children gain simple pleasure from handling the toy animals and cotton wool 'snowballs'. All children have an active interest in learning and enjoy their experiences. n The childminder gives a high priority to helping children get ready for their eventual move to school. She builds their confidence through purposeful praise and teaches them to listen and take turns. She encourages older children to manage their personal care by themselves. Children learn to manage risks as they plan their outings and discuss hazards they might encounter on their trips. n The childminder is experienced and attends mandatory training, such as first aid and safeguarding, to keep her knowledge up to date. She meets with other childminders to share professional ideas and provides her assistant with support

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need to do better?

and coaching. However, the childminder does not focus her professional development precisely enough to help her to enhance her teaching skills. She has not fully explored how she can extend children's learning still further and help them to make the most of their capabilities. n The partnerships with parents are warm and positive. Parents comment on how much their children's social skills and confidence have grown. The childminder

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need to do better?

19 December 2019 provides parents with monthly reviews on their children's progress. She exchanges information daily that helps to promote a consistent understanding of what children already know, and what they need to learn next. n The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of children's individual interests and learning styles. She effectively uses her knowledge to plan varied experiences that help children to learn and develop across a broad curriculum. Children have opportunities to repeat the activities they enjoy, which helps them to consolidate their learning. For example, they sing familiar songs and rhymes. n Children enjoy a wide range of opportunities that help them to develop their social networks. The childminder meets with other childminders and attends activity and toddler groups, where children build friendships and learn to interact confidently with others. This gives them essential skills for the next stage of

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need to do better?

their learning, including starting school. n The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's dietary needs. She serves children healthy, nutritious snacks and makes mealtimes sociable and friendly. Children demonstrate good levels of independence as they prepare and eat their lunches, which parents provide.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder attends training to update her safeguarding knowledge. She has a good understanding of the wider aspects of her responsibilities. For example, she works with parents to make older children aware of possible local risks, such as drug dealers. The childminder talks confidently about how to refer any child protection concerns to the appropriate agencies. She follows clear procedures in the event of any incidents or accidents to children.

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should:

n seek further professional development that focuses more specifically on raising the quality of teaching to extend children's learning and offer them still higher levels of challenge.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY332073 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10133619 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 to 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 14 Date of previous inspection 22 April 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed with the childminder how she organises her provision. She observed children during their activities and discussed the quality of teaching with the childminder. n The inspector took account of the views of parents and children through written testimonials. She spoke with children and the childminder during the inspection. n The inspector checked essential documents, including evidence of the suitability of the childminder, her assistant and family members.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

19 December 2019 regulates and inspects to 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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