Childminder 123348

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 25 May 2016 1 March 2013

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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

 Since the last inspection, the childminder has developed her partnership working with other settings that children attend. She regularly discusses children's progress with them and they work together on strategies to help promote consistency in children's learning.  The childminder's teaching is strong and children make good progress. She takes note of what motivates children to learn and plans activities based on their interests and ideas.  Children are developing good literacy and mathematical skills. They notice letters in the environment and relate them to their names. They recognise numerals and understand their significance. For example, when children see dates on posters, they are able to identify that they represent the current year.  The childminder is a positive role model and children are aware of boundaries. They behave well and respond positively to the childminder's calm and relaxed approach.

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This provision is good

Children display good manners as they ask the childminder for help or extra resources.  The childminder uses self-evaluation to reflect on her practice. She takes into account the views of parents which she gains from questionnaires and her regular discussions with them.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the childminder generally builds good partnerships with parents, she does not always seek precise information from them about children's learning when they first join the setting.  The childminder does not make best use of opportunities to help children develop skills in operating technological toys and equipment.

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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

 gather more detailed information from parents when children first start so that children's prior achievements can be included in their starting point assessments  strengthen opportunities for children to develop their skills in operating and using technological toys and equipment.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder joining in with activities alongside children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her.  The inspector saw the areas of the premises and garden used for childminding.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times.  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 childminder's self-evaluation form and the views of parents.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of how to keep children safe from harm. She has robust procedures in place to react quickly to any concerns she has about a child. She has a thorough set of policies and procedures which underpins her good practice. She reflects on her knowledge and teaching skills and identifies areas she wants to develop further. The childminder effectively reviews children's progress. This ensures that any weaknesses in learning are quickly identified and strategies are put in place to address them. This helps her to promote good outcomes for children. The childminder communicates well with parents. They regularly share information about children's ongoing learning and development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides a wide range of craft resources for children to explore. She encourages them to think creatively and they discuss what they are going to make. Children concentrate very well as they make masks and draw detailed pictures. They develop their ideas into imaginative play as they practise puppet shows from behind the sofa. The childminder acknowledges children's efforts and achievements with lots of praise and encouragement. Children talk about what challenge they should undertake next, demonstrating their eagerness to learn new skills. The childminder understands children's next steps in learning and is able to ensure that the activities they experience continue to interest and motivate them. She uses regular discussions to update parents about what their children are doing during the day. She takes into account what children have been doing at home and at nursery and plans activities to complement their learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder helps children become independent and confident. She has clear, consistent boundaries in place. These help children to manage their own behaviour and they show respect for the childminder and for each other. Children understand the rules and are developing an understanding of their own safety. For example, they explain why they should not jump off the furniture. Children are supported well in developing an understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides nutritious snacks and she talks to the children about the healthy food they are growing. The childminder ensures that children have plenty of opportunities to be outdoors. They enjoy walks in the local community, trips to local parks and they take bus rides into town.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress. They engage well in their chosen activities and are developing into independent learners. Children have many opportunities to practise their early writing skills. They are proud to show the childminder how they can write their names. Children discuss what happens on different days of the week and show the childminder how they can write the first letter of each day. As children look at books, they count how many pictures are on each page. They are developing key skills which prepare them well for their future learning at school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 123348 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1042769 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 1 March 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1994 and lives in St Albans. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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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