Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 26 February 2015 19 November 2008

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The childminder works with parents to support children's learning and well-being. She provides them with regular feedback and shares ideas on how to extend children's learning at home. Parents share information about children's home learning, therefore, children benefit from continuous support between home and provision.  The childminder conducts regular observations of children's skills and uses approved development guidance to identify their starting points and ongoing next steps in learning. Children participate in activities across all areas of learning and progress well in their development.  The childminder introduces children to healthy lifestyles as they exercise, play outdoors and eat nutritious meals on a daily basis. She effectively teaches children to manage their own needs. For example, they independently wash their hands and feed themselves using cutlery during mealtimes.  The childminder maintains strong links with the local authority and children's centres.

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This provision is good

She regularly participates in child protection training; as a result, she is fully aware of the steps to take should she require support to protect children's welfare.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always ensure that all activities planned for children are sufficiently interesting and amply resourced to engage and further extend their learning. As a result, their learning is not maximised at all times.

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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

 ensure activities are more interesting, challenging and resourceful to engage and extend children's learning even further.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children at play and interacted with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector observed and evaluated an activity with the childminder.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation, evidence of the childminder's suitability, and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy.  The inspector took account of the views of parents, as recorded in reference letters.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation procedures and discussed how she monitors her services for children.

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who attend. This is good

Teaching is good, because the childminder provides children with an enabling learning environment and teaches them through play. For example, children independently reach for their favourite vehicles, and critically think as they use rugs and cushions to build landscapes for their cars. The childminder plans activities based on children's preferences and needs, although, not all activities are successfully led. For example, children are interested in learning about fish and are provided with a sticking activity. However, the activity is not effectively introduced, or plentifully resourced to fully engage their imagination and further challenge their skills and knowledge. As a result, children's learning is not always maximised during activities. Children use simple mathematical language in play, and learn literacy skills during reading, drawing and singing sessions. Consequently, they are effectively prepared for school.

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good

The childminder is very caring and welcoming towards children. She invests on quality time with them and understands their needs. The childminder obtains from parents all necessary information about children's care and routines to effectively cater for their needs. She organises children's daily programmes according to their aptitudes. For example, children attend age-appropriate playgroups, and develop their social skills with other children of the same age and adults. This especially supports them in developing their personal, social and emotional skills to confidently start school. The childminder has effective strategies to manage children's behaviour, always in partnership with parents. She celebrates children's personal achievements and enthusiastically praises them to boost their self-esteem and confidence. Children behave well and learn to listen as she teaches them to play safely and cooperatively. Children are happy and display strong bonds with

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good

the childminder, who effectively promotes their well-being.

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provision is good

The childminder conducts daily risk assessments of her house and all outings to ensure children's safety. She shares policies and procedures with parents, including the safeguarding procedures, so they understand how she manages her provision. The childminder reflects on her services and continuously implements new ideas for the benefit of children. For example, since the last inspection she has completed an early years qualification at level 3, and joined a network of childminders to enhance her knowledge and practice. The childminder closely monitors children's learning and securely completes assessments of their progress. For example, she completes the progress check for children aged between two- and three-years, and understands the importance of working with parents and outside professionals to support children in achieving to their full potential. The childminder has a secure understanding of the requirements of the Early Years

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provision is good

Foundation Stage and these are effectively met.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY368937 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 857925 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 19 November 2008

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2008 and lives in Watford. She operates all year round, from 7.45am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

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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.

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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.

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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 copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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