Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22 April 2015 25 May 2012

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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

 Children are very confident and have good levels of self-esteem. This is because the childminder gives them time to explore, develop their own ideas and enjoy their play. As a result, children are self-motivated to learn.  The childminder plans activities to support individual children's learning. She knows them well and makes teaching fun so that they are eager to learn. As a result, children make good progress in their learning and development.  The childminder has a secure knowledge of safeguarding issues and the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about the welfare of a child in her care. She takes positive steps to ensure potential hazards are minimised so that children are protected from harm.  Children are happy and well cared for. The childminder knows children's routines and follows these to ensure children feel safe and secure in her care. In addition, she meets children's needs well by providing nutritious meals and snacks. Children follow good

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This provision is good

hygiene routines and the childminder ensures that they rest when needed so that they are settled throughout the day.  Parents comment very positively on the progress their children make and the high- quality care the childminder provides.  The childminder works closely with her assistant so that they share her good practice. They both attend a childminder's local network group with their minded children. This means that children learn how to play cooperatively with others in larger group sessions.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 There is scope to further enhance relationships with other settings children attend in order to consolidate their learning even more.

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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

 enhance the already good relationships created with other Early Years Foundation Stage providers to further consolidate children's learning and to support children to make rapid progress in their development.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke to the childminder, her assistant and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector observed activities in the garden and indoors.  The inspector checked evidence of the childminder's qualifications, and the suitability of all those living and working on the premises.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, a selection of policies and children's records.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder has a good knowledge of how to provide activities to support children's development. She ensures children can choose between playing indoors or outdoors all year round. Since her last inspection, she has created many opportunities to extend children's learning outdoors. For example, recycled resources and bath toys have been used to create an interesting water play feature. The childminder and her assistant sit and talk to children as they play. This promotes their language skills and supports them in concentrating on tasks. Therefore, the childminder supports children's readiness for moving on to nursery or school. For example, children learn how to successfully use scissors to create items for their make-believe restaurant. Books and resources to support mathematical understanding are easily available to further support learning. Children's learning is regularly shared with parents. This means parents and the childminder work

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who attend. This is good

together to consolidate children's learning between home and the setting. However, on occasions, the childminder does not share as much information as she could with the other settings that children attend, to support their already good progress even further.

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good

The childminder offers a home-from-home environment and is very attentive to children's needs. Lots of laughter takes place during activities and routines. As a result, children develop strong bonds with her. The childminder offers a flexible settling-in process. Information about children's individual needs is regularly shared through daily conversations with parents and she follows their wishes when caring for them. As a result, children's welfare needs are met well. Children have opportunities to develop their understanding of healthy lifestyles. For example, they thoroughly enjoy playing outdoors. The childminder ensures that she has spare coats and all-in-one splash suits so that children stay warm and dry. The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe and recognise potential dangers in the environment. For example, she helps toddlers to safely use the step leading into the garden. Older children show their awareness of

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good

others when they tell their friends to stop their swings because 'a baby is coming'.

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provision is good

The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of the learning and development requirements. She works closely with her assistant to provide a good-quality provision for children. For example, she ensures that her assistant is very familiar with all her policies including the safeguarding procedures. In addition, she effectively monitors the practice of her assistant and the overall service provided for children and their families. The childminder has supported her assistant in achieving a level 3 qualification in childcare. This has increased her assistant's understanding about how to extend children's learning. Together, they continually seek to develop their knowledge even further. The childminder has addressed the recommendation raised at her last inspection. This demonstrates her commitment to continue to improve the childminding service she provides.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY274219 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 860873 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 1 - 17 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 10

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2004 and lives in Borehamwood. She works with an assistant. The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder and her assistant both hold appropriate early years qualifications 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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