Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23 November 2015 17 October 2011

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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 uses her experience and her childcare qualification well to form a secure base for her childminding. She continues to build on her knowledge by completing additional training. For example, her extended understanding of food allergens enables her to further promote children's health.  Improved planning procedures enable the childminder to focus effectively on appropriate ways to promote each child's next developmental steps. Children engage in interesting activities that enable them to develop key skills. They are positive about their learning and this prepares them well for school.  The childminder communicates well with parents and supports them in extending their children's learning. For example, she uses daily diaries to explain the details of activities, so that parents can build on these at home with their children.  The childminder checks children's progress and quickly addresses any weaker areas of

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This provision is good

learning or development. She now offers children more opportunities that support them in developing their social skills, such as sharing and communicating appropriately.  Children gain a practical understanding of how to keep themselves safe each day. For example, younger children learn how to negotiate steps safely. Older children learn to manage risks as the childminder supports them in working out how to use large play equipment safely.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make the most of all opportunities to support children in developing their skills in critical thinking to the maximum.  The childminder does not consistently offer as many learning opportunities outside in order to fully extend the development of those children who learn better in an outdoor environment.

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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

 extend the opportunities for children to think critically during activities and discussions  enhance the use of the outdoor area to offer children who prefer to learn outside further play and learning opportunities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. She viewed the garden and areas of the home used for childminding.  The inspector talked with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She reviewed an activity with the childminder.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation and evidence of the suitability of household members. She viewed the childminder's self- evaluation information and a range of other documentation, including the safeguarding procedures.  The inspector took account of the views of parents, as given in their written feedback to the childminder.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The childminder maintains a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and ensures that she consistently meets all requirements. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder regularly refreshes her knowledge by completing training, enabling her to promote children's safety and welfare. Improved risk assessments further support children's daily safety. The childminder exchanges information with other settings that children attend. This enables her to promote children's development and to support them as they move between settings. The childminder evaluates her work well and makes relevant changes. For example, the improved organisation of the indoor play areas means that the childminder offers children a wider variety of play experiences.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder knows children well and uses their interests as a way of building on their learning. For example, children's interest in animals is extended as they explore a farm set. They name the animals and learn to make the corresponding animal sounds. This is then reinforced as the childminder introduces associated books. Activities such as these support children in developing their language skills and their enjoyment of books. The childminder interacts well with children and encourages them to explore. Young children explore musical instruments and note the difference between louder and quieter sounds. However, the childminder does not always extend children's opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills as much as possible during all adult-led activities. Children enjoy choosing resources indoors and this supports them in extending their play and learning. Children build on their creativity and early mathematical skills as they pretend to cook with

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

toy food and then use a cash register to set up a shop to buy the food.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder's good communication with parents enables her to fully understand children's physical and emotional needs. Children play happily and confidently, assured that their needs will be met. They have secure bonds with the childminder, who encourages them to be independent but offers comfort and reassurance whenever needed. The childminder supports children in learning to manage their behaviour. She helps them to share and to think about how they are affecting others. Simple activities, such as comparing the traditions of this country and others, support children in developing an appreciation of diversity. Children enjoy looking at their assessment records and noting their progress. The childminder praises children and encourages them to keep trying, even when things become difficult. This promotes children's confidence and supports them in developing a good emotional stability in preparation for school and future learning.

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Outcomes for children are good

The childminder uses robust procedures to assess children's starting points and to monitor their ongoing progress. She offers children appropriate individual support so that each child makes good progress. Children mirror the childminder's calm, positive approach, and this prepares them well for the next stage in their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY424935 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 852546 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 6 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 17 October 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2011 and lives in Abbots Langley. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 2.

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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 reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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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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