Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 October 2015 17 March 2009

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder plans age-appropriate activities for children that support their interests and offer challenge and excitement. As a result, children are motivated and eager to learn.  The childminder provides a welcoming and homely environment for the children. She considers all their needs when new children are settling. This helps all children to feel safe and confident in her care.  The childminder takes account of the views of parents. Parents' written comments are positive about the care and activities the childminder provides and the positive impact this has on children's development.  The childminder is committed to providing a high-quality service to benefit children. She includes the views of parents and children to implement plans to drive improvement.  The childminder helps children to learn about the local community. They regularly visit the weekly market and enjoy choosing books at the library.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Opportunities for children to learn about the cultures and traditions of other communities and families are not fully explored.  The childminder does not always use information from all parents about children's ongoing learning at home to enhance their ongoing progress.

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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 more opportunities for children to understand the experiences of communities and families beyond their own  make better use of existing strategies to engage all parents in sharing the progress their children make at home.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder engaging in activities with children and at appropriate times, jointly discussed the learning that was taking place.  The inspector viewed the areas of the premises and garden used for childminding.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records and planning documentation. Evidence of the suitability of household members and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy, were also seen.  The inspector took account of the views of parents and the childminder's self-evaluation form.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to protect and safeguard children. Through the implementation of effective policies and procedures, she actively promotes children's safety and welfare. The childminder shares these with parents when they register with her. This enables parents to understand how she meets all legal requirements. The childminder regularly reflects on her practice. Since her last inspection, she has gained a level 3 qualification which has had a positive impact on her knowledge and understanding. The childminder reviews children's progress and the activities she provides. This ensures that any gaps in learning are quickly identified and strategies are put in place to narrow them. She accesses training and meets with other childminders to help her to support children to make the best possible progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder gives children time and space to explore the toys and activities available to them. She supports children's learning by playing alongside them and modelling language. She skilfully introduces numbers as she counts how many blocks are in a tower. The childminder praises children well as they join in with counting to a higher number than they have before. Children enjoy using their early writing skills as they use a magnetic drawing pad. The childminder is aware of children's next steps and is able to ensure that the activities they experience are interesting and challenging. This helps children make good progress. The childminder meets with parents when they register with her. She gains clear information on what children can do at home. However, she does not always consistently use the ongoing information on what children do and achieve at home to maximise her support for their ongoing learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides a caring and nurturing environment where children are happy and settled. Children are supported well in developing the skills that they need to adopt a healthy lifestyle. They are provided with nutritious snacks and meals each day. The childminder uses her garden and local parks to enable children to have fun outdoors. They use the equipment to develop their physical skills and have fun in the fresh air. The childminder regularly meets with other childminders and attends toddler groups. These activities help children to socialise and begin to make friends with others of their own age. Children have many opportunities to be independent as they choose with what and where they want to play and what fruit to eat for their snack.

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Outcomes for children are good

The childminder makes good use of activities to develop children's skills in readiness for nursery and school. These activities, along with the quality observations and assessments, help to ensure that children make consistently good progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY382687 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 858777 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 2

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 17 March 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2008 and lives in St Albans. She operates all year round from 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an 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

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Telephone number

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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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