Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 27 August 2015 3 February 2011

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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 quality of teaching is good. The childminder promotes children's developing language skills very well. She consistently responds to their babbles enabling them to learn the pattern of speech. As children play, she describes their actions, helping them to understanding the meaning of words. She also introduces them to descriptive words as she reads to them from their favourite books.  Children are active and inquisitive learners. They engage in interesting learning experiences that challenge their thinking. For example, they make links and work out which animal fits in the corresponding position on the toy tractor trailer. As a result, all children make good progress in their learning in readiness for school.  Children are very happy and settled with the friendly childminder. She offers a caring and nurturing environment for them. Children confidently explore the childminder's home. They express their affection for her as they snuggle up to her when they

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This provision is good

become tired. Therefore, she builds secure attachments with them.  The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to safeguard the children in her care. She is aware of the possible indicators of abuse and how to proceed should she be concerned about any child. Therefore, children are protected from harm while in her care.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Young children are not always provided with excellent opportunities to promote their exploratory and expressive art and design skills.  The initial information about children's learning that the childminder obtains from parents is not sufficiently detailed to fully support her early identification of children's precise learning needs.

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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

 provide a wider range of materials, such as natural objects and everyday items, for young children to investigate and explore using their senses  extend the level of initial information obtained from parents to include further detail of children's development, to plan even more precisely for their continued progress from an early stage.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed a range of indoor play activities and spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, a selection of policies, safety procedures and required documentation.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of the childminder and adults who live at the premises.  The inspector took account of the written views of parents.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation form.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder's ongoing knowledge of the children is gained through her observations of their achievements and assessments. This enables her to identify any gaps in children's learning. Children develop good concentration from a very young age as the childminder consistently praises them for their efforts. This motivates them to persevere at challenging activities that help increase the control and coordination of their hands. They work out, through trial and error, how to take the lids on and off different-sized containers. The childminder introduces children to mathematical ideas and names for shapes. They giggle with excitement and move their bodies to the rhythm of the nursery rhymes that the childminder sings to them. Parents describe how their children have flourished in the childminder's care. They are kept well informed of their children's achievements and how to support their children's learning at home. The childminder works closely with them to

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who attend. This is good

obtain relevant information when children first begin attending. However, she does not request enough detail about children's development to plan very precise initial next steps in their learning.

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good

The childminder offers a stimulating learning environment where children independently access a range of toys and play equipment. However, there are fewer resources that encourage babies and young children to investigate using all of their senses. Children welcome the childminder's sensitive interaction in their chosen play. For example, they have immense fun playing a game of peek-a-boo with the childminder. The childminder takes children to a range of organised groups and activities in the local community. This enables them to be physically active and extends their self-confidence as they meet and play with other children. They also visit farms, enabling them to learn about and touch small animals. The childminder's gentle reminders help children to understand how to keep themselves safe. Children follow a strict hygiene routine. The childminder makes routine activities, such as handwashing, fun by encouraging children to make bubbles in

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provision is good

The enthusiastic childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to meet and implement the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She shares her comprehensive range of written policies and procedures with parents. This means that they are well informed about her service and responsibilities. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continuing to develop her skills. She does this by reading professional publications and discussing good practice with other childminders. As a result, the childminder now has a secure understanding about new government initiatives and forthcoming changes in legislation. The childminder is reflective and continuously evaluates her practice and reviews the learning programmes she provides. Exciting plans are in place to further enhance children's physical skills in the garden.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149445 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 874962 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 12 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 3 February 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1996 and lives in Baldock. She operates all year round from 8am 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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