Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 27 May 2016 12 March 2010

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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

 Children learn through play and enjoy interesting and challenging activities with the childminder. For example, they learn about caterpillars and observe them becoming butterflies. They enjoy related craft, stories and as they let the butterflies free, they pretend to fly away with them.  Teaching is good. The childminder knows well the next steps in children's learning. For example, as children play with coloured pasta, she engages them in counting and dividing the pasta into colours and types. Children then use the pasta for artwork. Children develop their skills well.  The childminder plans age-appropriate boundaries and rules for children and involves parents in behaviour management. She is kind, attentive towards children and forms strong bonds with them.  The childminder participates in child protection training and has secure knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She knows the steps to take should concerns arise about

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This provision is good

children's welfare.  The childminder understands her responsibility to inform Ofsted of significant changes and events at her provision. She is confident about her complaints policy which is effectively shared with parents.  The childminder holds the necessary training for her role. She involves parents in her reflective practice, evaluates teaching and children's progress. New ideas are often implemented for children.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 There is capacity to obtain more detailed information about children's learning from other settings they attend to boost the continuous support that children have.

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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

 expand on the flow of information with other settings that children attend, sharing even more details about children's ongoing learning needs.

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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 joint evaluations of activities with the childminder.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the childminder's self-evaluation and evidence of her suitability and the suitability of members of the household.  The inspector took account of parents' views through written feedback and questionnaires.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder takes the necessary steps to protect children in her care. She ensures that those in contact with children are suitable and risk assesses play areas and outings so that children can play in safety. Information sharing with parents is good. From early days, the childminder keeps them informed of her practice, educational programmes, routines and policies. She obtains the relevant information from them about children's needs, interests, likes and dislikes. Detailed records are maintained of the care practice and children's learning. There are links with external professionals and the childminder knows where to go for support.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder carries out regular observations of children's skills. These are effectively used for their individual assessments. The childminder prepares an enabling and well- resourced environment for children. For example, each child has a drawing and writing book that they independently access, together with a wide range of writing tools. Educational programmes provide children with daily opportunities to enjoy stories and singing. For example, children take part in reading and rhyming sessions at libraries. They access books at all times and read to each other. The childminder has high expectations of children and involves them in interesting discussions as she teaches them about science, mathematics and literacy. For example, they talk about how butterflies fly, count and draw butterflies in their books. The childminder is creative and children learn with interest.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder knows children well and effectively tailors her practice to their needs. She promotes their different backgrounds and teaches them about their community, festivals and the world. The childminder takes children to playgroups, where they make friends and develop their social skills. Children settle quickly and are comfortable. They explore and play in all areas available to them. For example, the outdoor play area is always accessible. Children exercise and enjoy daily fresh air. They learn to lead healthy lifestyles and enjoy nutritious meals. The childminder effectively promotes children's independence and teaches them to manage their own hygiene. The childminder praises children at all times. Children learn about personal safety and follow the childminder's instructions with attention. They behave very well.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children progress well in all areas of learning. Their achievements are effectively assessed and tracked by the childminder. Children develop the skills they will need to support their future learning at school. They start their own play and engage well in activities planned for them. Their interest in arts is promoted with an abundance of resources and art activities. Children's interest in bugs led to the butterfly project. Children are confident and their talents and learning styles are celebrated with enthusiasm. For example, they are challenged to build a rocket with recycling resources, following their new interest.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY339339 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 849268 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 3 - 12 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 24

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 12 March 2010

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2006 and lives in Bovingdon, near Hemel Hempstead. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and for 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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