Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23 September 2016 1 July 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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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 made consistent improvements to her practice. She has a good understanding of issues that she needs to report to Ofsted, within the required timescales. She regularly practises her fire evacuation procedure with children, reflecting on and evaluating each one.  Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They enjoy sharing stories with the childminder, especially when they use books with puzzles on each page. They show an interest in how words are formed and pronounced.  Children make good progress. The childminder provides resources and activities that engage and interest children. Children enjoy completing puzzles. They look carefully at the picture and easily find the pieces to fit together. Children demonstrate a good understanding of space and shape.  The childminder implements a wide range of policies and procedures that supports the

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This provision is good

safe running of her service. She shares these with parents as soon as they register with her. This helps parents to have an understanding of the childminder's responsibilities.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder's programme of professional development is not always highly focused on strengthening her understanding of recent changes to practice and guidance.  The childminder's tracking of children's progress is not always precise enough to ensure that all children are making the best possible progress.

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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 the programme of professional development to more thoroughly review practice and confidently put into place new legislation that affects work with children  enhance the tracking of children's progress, in order to support them to achieve the best possible outcomes in learning.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her.  The inspector saw the areas of the premises used for childminding.  The inspector looked at children's development and assessment records. Evidence of the suitability of household members and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy, were also seen.  The inspector spoke to and interacted with children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector discussed self-evaluation with the childminder and took into account the written views of parents.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder is confident about following appropriate child protection procedures, which helps to protect children's welfare. She reviews risks in the environment and on outings, reflecting on the needs of each child. The childminder evaluates her service by identifying what is working well and what she needs to improve. For example, she is continually updating her toys and resources to ensure they are suitable for the ages of children she cares for. The childminder is well qualified, she sources some professional development opportunities, in order to improve her skills. For example, she is engaged in training to help her to gain more understanding of children's brain development and thinking skills.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder sensitively teaches children as they play. As children play with blocks, she introduces mathematical concepts, such as height and number recognition. Children enjoy exploring dough and spend time moulding it into different shapes. When children express they have a good idea, the childminder encourages them to tell her what their idea is. She gives them time to think and to work things out for themselves. Children express themselves well, for example, they explain in detail how they can make the dough into a sausage shape. The childminder regularly shares development information with parents and with other settings that children attend. She receives updates from them regarding children's development and what they are learning. The childminder uses this information to plan activities to complement children's learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder ensures children have regular access to the outdoors. They enjoy going for natures walks and visits to local parks. The childminder feels these activities are important to help children develop their large-muscle skills. Children are developing good independence as they do things for themselves. For example, they are able to find which toys they would like to play with as they are stored on low-level, open shelves. Children understand the need to wash their hands, as the childminder explains to them how germs gather as they play and use the toilet. The childminder is very aware of children's individual dietary needs and ensures the food she provides is suitable. Parents speak highly of the childminder. They appreciate the detailed written notes she provides them with, as this helps them to understand what children have been involved in through the day.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are developing very good communication and language skills. They hold effective conversations with the childminder and visitors. They are able to confidently express their ideas and thoughts. As children play with magnetic letters they are able to name them and say words that begin with the letter they choose. They skilfully use tools for a purpose, such as to cut and shape dough. Children are making good progress and are quickly gaining the keys skills required for their next stage of learning at nursery and at school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY431156 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1051127 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 2 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 1

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2011 and lives in St Albans. She operates from 8.30am until 1.30pm, every Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years 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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