Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 1 June 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

 Children are settled and secure because they have formed close bonds and attachments with the childminder. She spends time getting to know children and their families. There are effective settling-in arrangements and there is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Children are treated as part of the family.  The childminder promotes a supportive environment. Children are making good progress in their learning. They are encouraged to make their own choices and establish their own ideas as they learn new concepts. This helps children to be actively involved in decision making about their learning.  The childminder has a very calm manner. She attentively listens and responds positively to children. They behave well and are helped to be kind and considerate to each other. The childminder involves children in small tasks and praises them to promote their self- esteem.  The childminder effectively uses her knowledge gained from completing a childcare

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This provision is good

qualification and working in a nursery setting. She understands that children learn through play. The childminder interacts in a positive manner with children.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the childminder has a professional relationship with parents, she does not always successfully engage all parents to be involved in the assessments of children's learning.  The childminder does not always focus precisely enough on evaluating her practice and identifying specific areas for improvement that will help children to reach the highest levels of achievement.

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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

 build further on the partnerships with parents, so that they are consistently well supported to share information about their child's learning at home and use this to extend children's knowledge  extend the evaluation and monitoring process so that it is clearly targeted to help children reach the highest levels of achievement.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke to the childminder and the children at appropriate times and engaged in their play. She observed the childminder's and children's interactions with each other, both indoors and outdoors.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of the childminder and the suitability of other adults in the home.  The inspector looked at a range of documentation, including the safeguarding policy. She also looked at children's observation, learning and assessment records.  The inspector took account of parents' views through references left with the childminder.  The inspector discussed with the childminder the activities offered to children during the inspection and the impact on their learning.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder is aware of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about children in her care. She carries out daily checks in the house and garden and takes effective action to minimise hazards to children. Since the childminder's registration, she has utilised rooms in her house to create a welcoming playroom for children. The childminder observes and assesses children while they play. She uses the information gained to identify next steps in their learning. The childminder also completes the progress check for children between the ages of two and three years and shares this with parents. She is aware of the need to share children's achievements with other providers when children start nursery or pre-school.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder interacts in a positive manner with children to help them learn and develop. She uses effective teaching techniques and has a good understanding of children's individual needs and interests. The childminder successfully provides a balance of adult-led and child-initiated play. For example, children enjoy taking part in a planned story session. Good discussions help children's language development and new words are introduced to extend their vocabulary. Children are able to independently explore and experiment. They thoroughly enjoy discovering the effects of using different resources, such as string and cotton buds, to create interesting pictures. This leads to children painting their hands and having conversations about the different colours they are creating.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children have good relationships with the affectionate childminder. The childminder helps children to make decisions during the routine of the day and effectively meets all of their care needs. This helps to support their emotional well-being. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure a consistent approach, for example, when potty training or weaning. Children are provided with plenty of opportunities for exercise. They learn about keeping safe during their play and when they go on outings. Children thoroughly enjoy playing in the garden. They love digging for wildlife and playing ball games. Furthermore, they regularly visit parks where they can practise their physical skills, such as using large play equipment. Children are also able to mix with other similar aged children when they attend specific groups based on their needs and interests.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children enjoy their learning and are eager to take part in activities. They independently help themselves to chalks, pens and paper to support their early writing skills. Older children enjoy creating storybooks. Regular baking sessions support their numeracy and measuring skills. Children have good social skills and learn to manage their personal needs well. They make effective progress in preparation for their next stage of learning, such as starting school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY478106 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 980585 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 6 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 2

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2014 and lives in Leavesden, Watford. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at Level 2.

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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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