Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 28 September 2016 11 January 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

 The childminder has made significant improvements since her last inspection. She is effectively using the assessments of children's learning to identify and plan challenging activities that support them to make good progress. The childminder is successfully incorporating the views of parents into her plans for improvement.  Children are happy and feel safe in the childminder's care. She supports children to grow in confidence, and to be able to voice their views and opinions. One of the ways she does this, is through praise and encouragement and giving each child the time to think and respond for themselves.  The childminder is committed to improving her provision. She attends opportunities for professional development to enhance her skills and gain new knowledge. The childminder regularly meets with other childminders to discuss any new developments and share good practice.  The childminder has a good understanding about how children learn and develop. She

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This provision is good

provides a wide range of activities that challenges children in their learning and supports them to make continued good progress.  Children's speech and language development is effectively supported through the childminder's positive interactions with the children. For example, the childminder learns some basic words in children's home language to help her effectively support their needs. She supports speech with props to help children make the link between the items they see and the words they hear.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not consistently give parents sufficient information and ideas about how they can effectively contribute to, and be involved in, their children's learning and development.

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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

 increase the level of information and ideas given to parents so that they can actively contribute to further extending children's learning and development.

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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 observed and discussed a planned activity with the childminder.  The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the children's learning records and a sample of policies.  The inspector read written feedback from parents and talked to children during the inspection, and took account of their views and responses.  The inspector reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder and all adults living at the premises.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms that may raise concerns about the safety and welfare of children. She is aware of the procedures to follow and who to contact in her local authority to report any child protection concerns. The childminder evaluates her practice and the activities she provides for children. She identifies areas for improvement and ensures these changes promote children's learning and development even further. The childminder works in close partnership with other settings that children attend. She regularly shares information with them about children's assessments of learning. Each term, they discuss children's achievements and their next steps. The childminder gathers information from parents about what children are able to do during their settling-in session. This is used to form children's starting points.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder uses observations and assessments of children's learning to identify their next steps. She effectively uses opportunities in children's play to promote their mathematical skills. For example, the childminder talks to children about the different sizes and shapes of cutters that they use with the play dough. Children's observational skills are supported through focused activities with the childminder. For example, children have fun carefully threading templates of various animals and enjoy the challenge of completing a range of puzzles. Children develop their early writing skills through using a range of experiences provided, such as painting, chalking and colouring with pens.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave well and use good manners when speaking to the childminder. She supports children to learn about living a healthy lifestyle. The childminder reminds them to wash their hands before eating. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. For example, they enjoy visits to the local park, nature trail and woods. The childminder works with parents to ensure children are provided with a nutritious, balanced diet. Children look at different books and discuss with the childminder about what food is good for them. They quickly become confident and develop their independence skills from a young age. For example, they tidy toys away when they have finished playing with them.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are interested in learning and eager to take part in all activities. All children, including those who speak English as an additional language make good progress from their starting points. Children initiate their own play, such as using magnifying glasses to explore the toy insects hidden in the sand. The childminder effectively supports their concentration skills. For example, children actively take part in stories and singing time. This helps children in preparing for moving on to their next stage in learning or for their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 130085 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1042611 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 7 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 11 January 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1997 and lives in Watford. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

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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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