Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 18 May 2015 16 September 2009

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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's good teaching skills help children to learn successfully and make good progress. She competently supports children's language development by speaking clearly and slowly. She constantly chats to them and repeats what they say. This helps children to be ready for the next stage of learning.  The childminder is calm and sensitive. She encourages children to talk about their life at home, and makes good use of photographs to support children to talk about their friends. This helps them to gain secure emotional attachments and a strong sense of well-being and belonging.  The childminder's home is welcoming and children's interests are supported through an extensive range of indoor resources. Toys are easily accessible and this enables children to make independent choices about their play.  The childminder has developed professional relationships with the other settings where children attend. The frequent sharing of information helps to effectively promote a

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This provision is good

consistent approach towards children's care and learning.  The childminder frequently updates her knowledge of safeguarding issues by attending training and reviewing her procedures, which protects children's welfare.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make the best use of role-play activities in the outdoor area to support children to play imaginatively.  Parents are not yet encouraged to take an active role in ongoing observations of their child's achievements, therefore, they are not fully involved in this aspect of their child's learning.

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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 opportunities in the outdoor area, for children to play imaginatively and relive important events in their lives through role-play activities  strengthen partnerships with parents to continue to share information, in order to further promote children's progress.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities on the ground floor of the premises, and undertook a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector talked to children and the childminder at various times throughout the inspection, and looked at a sample of the records of learning.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of the childminder, and her self-evaluation and improvement plan.  The inspector took account of the parental references provided for the inspection.

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who attend. This is good

Children are happy, confident and motivated to learn. The childminder provides a wide range of resources that inspire their interest. Children excitedly discover marbles in the bottom of a bag of household items. The childminder uses these marbles to help them compare number and size. The childminder gathers relevant information about children before she starts to care for them. She has developed good observation and assessment systems to identify their development needs. Consequently, her planning successfully targets any gaps identified in their learning. The childminder ensures that trips to the local community are stimulating and inspire children's learning. On a recent trip to the shops, children used money to pay for the items. However, the childminder does not always consolidate this learning through outdoor role play. Consequently, children do not always relive events and retell favourite stories.

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good

The childminder creates a calm atmosphere, and helps children to be independent and behave well. Children are successfully encouraged to manage their self-care skills, including washing their hands after using the toilet. The childminder appropriately praises them for managing to put their boots on by themselves. Children help to tidy up and are gently reminded to say please and thank you. The childminder gives them support at local toddler groups, which helps them to confidently play alongside others. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments. She has a valid first-aid certificate and is vigilant to ensure children are kept safe. She teaches them to stay safe as she reminds them to come down the stairs holding the handrail. Children learn about healthy living as they enjoy exercising in the park and garden.

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provision is good

The childminder has a positive attitude to accessing training and developing her current good practice. Following a recent course, she has extended her skills in encouraging children's thinking and helping them to solve problems. Parents are frequently asked for comments to help improve the service for children and they are extremely positive about the childminder's care. She uses the local children's centre and meets with other local childminders to keep up to date with good practice issues. She also supports childminders as they start in their career. Consequently, the childminder's capacity to continually improve her service is very good. The childminder frequently checks on children's progress and regularly sends the learning journal by email to parents. She shares what the children do throughout their day, through a daily diary system. However, she does not fully encourage parents to take part in their child's ongoing assessments, so they are not fully

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provision is good

involved in all areas of their child's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY389278 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 859175 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 16 September 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2009 and lives in Markyate. The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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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