Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 13 November 2015 19 October 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 teaches children well. She models counting and uses mathematical language as she plays with them. Young children show high levels of understanding as they count with her and say the names of shapes.  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 shares stories with children. She is aware of what books they like and she uses these regularly. This helps children to understand how stories are structured and they enthusiastically join in.  Children's language development is very good. Young children hold very effective conversations with the childminder. They talk about what they are doing and they sing songs in tune.  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

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always precisely identify all the next steps in learning for children developing at high levels.  Opportunities for children to learn about the cultures and traditions of other communities and families are not fully explored.

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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

 identify precise next steps for learning in all areas, for children who are exceeding developmental expectations  provide more opportunities for children to understand the experiences of communities and families beyond their own.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder engaging in activities with the 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 discussed self-evaluation with the childminder.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and her ongoing professional needs. Since her last inspection, she has gained a level 3 qualification which has had a positive impact on her knowledge and understanding. For example, she now feels more confident in observing and assessing children's development. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to protect and safeguard children. She implements effective policies and procedures to help her promote children's safety and welfare. She reviews risks in her home and on outings. She carefully considers the ages and needs of the children she is caring for as she carries these out. The childminder reviews children's progress and the activities she provides. This ensures that any gaps in learning are identified and strategies are put in place to narrow them.

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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. The young children enjoy exploring toys that help them to develop early technology skills. They look with interest at what happens when they press buttons. The childminder supports children's learning by playing alongside them and modelling language. She praises children well as they use number and shape names as they play. Children demonstrate high levels of skills and understanding, exceeding developmental expectations. The childminder has a good knowledge of children's next steps for learning in some areas. However, she does not always precisely identify all next steps for children developing at a high level, to ensure they are consistently challenged as much as possible. The childminder meets with parents when they register with her. She gains clear information on what children can do at home. She uses daily discussions with parents to

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

gain information on what children do and achieve at home. This helps the childminder to plan activities that children are interested in.

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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 enjoy cuddles with her and they settle to sleep well. They are supported well in developing the skills that they need to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Children are provided with nutritious snacks and meals each day. When they have a cold the childminder is vigilant in ensuring they have plenty to drink to prevent them becoming dehydrated. The childminder uses her garden and local parks to enable children to have fun and learn effectively outdoors. They use the equipment to develop their physical skills. The childminder considers attendance at toddler groups based on children's needs. This helps children to socialise and to make friends with other children of their own age. Children have many opportunities to be independent, as they choose where and with what they want to play and what fruit to eat for their snack.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are effectively developing the key skills needed for the next steps in their learning at nursery and school. Some children are making exceptional progress in their communication and language, and mathematical development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149288 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1025953 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 19 October 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1993 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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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