Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22 January 2016 Not applicable

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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 works very well with parents to ensure that they share information that consistently supports children's care, learning and development.  The childminder promotes consistent boundaries and children learn about appropriate ways in which to behave. Children are happy and settled. They build strong bonds and attachments with the childminder and form close bonds with other minded children.  Children's physical development is good. The childminder provides opportunities for them to enjoy fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. She organises regular outside activities, such as visiting local parks, and she provides a range of games for them to enjoy in her garden.  Partnerships with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage are very good, and enhance all aspects of children's overall care and well-being. For example, the childminder works closely with her local children's centre and teaching staff at the

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This provision is good

local pre-schools.  The childminder understands how to promote children's communication and language development. She fully encourages children's developing speaking and listening skills through the range of activities that she plans.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 On occasions, the childminder is not well prepared for adult-led activities, which disrupts children's learning.  Occasionally, the childminder does not quickly adapt activities to challenge and reflect the individual needs of the older or more-able children.

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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 the organisation of adult-led activities so they are used more effectively, to provide the best possible support for children's learning  adapt activities more quickly to provide an increased level of challenge for older or more-able children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at a range of documentation, including policies, evidence of the suitability of household members, observation and assessment documentation, and the safeguarding procedures.  The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation and discussed how the childminder reviews her practice to promote continuous improvement.  The inspector took account of the views of parents as provided in documentation.  The inspector observed planned activities indoors and outdoors and jointly evaluated these with the childminder.  The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder attends training on a regular basis to ensure that she is aware of and up to date with current legislation. She is fully aware of the procedures to follow if she has a concern and deals with such incidents confidentially. The childminder updates her own policies and procedures on a regular basis. She completes regular risk assessments and teaches children the importance of personal safety through discussion and by setting good examples. The well-qualified childminder takes her own professional development seriously. She regularly attends training courses and networking meetings that help her improve her own knowledge and understanding. In addition to this, she researches and attends training that is relevant to support the children she cares for. For example, the childminder recently attended training to support children's early language development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and she implements the requirements very well. During initial meetings with parents, the childminder gains as much information as she can to help her identify children's starting points. She regularly observes children at play and assesses their development in line with appropriate guidance. This supports the childminder in planning a range of activities that incorporates children's next steps in learning and interests. For example, to support children's mathematical development and enjoyment of being outside, the childminder hides a range of laminated numbers in the garden. Children explore the area and confidently identify the range of numbers they find. The childminder interacts with children as they enjoy small-world play. The children are motivated to learn and keen to explain their games and ideas to the childminder, supporting their

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

communication and language development further.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children's emotional well-being is warmly promoted and the environment is organised to promote good opportunities for children to self-select toys and resources. The childminder is a good role model who is supportive to children's individual needs. She uses a range of house rules to assist children in understanding appropriate boundaries. In addition to this, the childminder effectively praises and encourages children for each of their achievements. For example, children are congratulated for trying so hard to put on their own boots before outside play. Children learn about the importance of developing healthy lifestyles. The childminder talks to them about the need to wash their hands regularly, and she provides a range of nutritious meals and snacks. She ensures that children's care needs are met appropriately, such as respecting their privacy during nappy changing, and she discusses any concerns with parents.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals and are gaining the necessary skills to be ready for school or the next stage of their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY475997 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 974589 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 3 - 4 Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 2

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2014 and lives in Letchworth. She operates Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, term time only, excluding bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare 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

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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