Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 1 February 2016 28 March 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 is committed to providing high-quality childcare which is shown in her drive and ambition to achieve. She consistently reflects on her own practice and seeks the opinions of others to help her to identify areas for improvement.  The childminder shows a good knowledge of how children learn. She uses her detailed observations and assessments of children to consistently move them forward in their development.  The childminder ensures that those children who speak English as an additional language are extremely well supported and catered for. Parents report that they have seen their child make, 'Massive progress' in speaking English since being cared for by the childminder.  The childminder implements a healthy eating policy which also applies to those providing packed lunch for their children. The childminder provides meals for some of the children which she ensures are hygienically prepared, tasty and well balanced.

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This provision is good

 The childminder supports children well to make independent choices and develop their own ideas.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Parents are not consistently offered guidance or ideas about how to more actively promote their child's learning at home.  On occasions, the childminder misses opportunities to help younger children develop their understanding of why it is important to keep themselves healthy.

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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

 strengthen partnerships with parents to provide more ideas and guidance to help parents actively promote their child's learning at home  enhance opportunities for younger children to learn about why it is important to keep themselves healthy.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with childminder.  The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the childminder's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household.  The inspector took account of the views of parents through feedback provided by them.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder gives priority to safeguarding the children in her care. She regularly updates her knowledge and understanding. She knows who to contact if she were to have any concerns about a child in her care. The childminder ensures that her home is safe and risks are minimised through regular risk assessments. Parents feel that their children are in a caring and safe environment and are being well cared for. There is a comprehensive range of policies and procedures. These are meticulously maintained by the childminder and support her daily practice extremely well. The childminder is well qualified and enhances her professional development through her attendance at a good range of ongoing training. This helps her to consistently improve the service she provides which has a positive impact on the children she cares for.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides parents with clear information about how their child is progressing. Her ongoing planning provides a good assortment of appealing activities for children. She helps to stimulate children's interest by encouraging them to take part and try new things. The childminder sits alongside children during their play, providing them with a running commentary about what they are doing. Children respond positivity to this and often mimic what they hear her say. For example, they repeat the names of animals and descriptive words introduced by the childminder, such as crunchy. The childminder listens attentively to what children say and effectively uses questioning to extend their thinking. Children develop physical skills. They enjoy running and copy the childminder, marching behind her around the garden. Children spontaneously sing songs, such as The Grand Old Duke of York.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder collects detailed information about children before they start. This helps her to gain a good understanding of their likes, dislikes and what they already know and can do. She uses this knowledge along with planned visits to help settle children quickly into her care. Children are very aware of the daily routines and confidently ask the childminder for their boots when they know that it is time to play outside. Behaviour management strategies, including management of children's feelings and how they relate to others, are implemented consistently by the childminder. Children behave well towards others and younger children are learning how to share toys with their friends. Children form strong bonds with the childminder, who parents describe as, 'Caring and nurturing'.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder supports them well to develop the important skills that they need for the next stage in their development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY283967 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 861168 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register 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 28 March 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2004 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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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