Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 October 2016 22 May 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 made consistent improvements to her practice. She has established highly effective partnerships with other settings where children attend. Children's development information is regularly shared to promote consistency in children's learning.  The childminder understands how to take prompt and effective action should she have any concerns about children's health and following accidents. She keeps clear records and shares these with parents at the earliest possible opportunity.  Children make good progress. The childminder provides exciting activities that engage and interest children of all ages. During activities, such as baking, she gives children tasks suited to their stage of development. For example, older children carefully weigh and measure ingredients, while younger children enjoying mixing and preparing fruit.  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 this with parents as soon as they register with her. This helps parents to have an understanding of the childminder's responsibilities.  The childminder uses her allotment as an effective learning environment. Children help to tend for the growing vegetables and also enjoy imaginative play using the mud kitchen. Children are especially excited to grow their own pumpkins to celebrate Halloween.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 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

 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 confidently follows appropriate child protection procedures, helping to protect children's welfare. She thoroughly 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 currently considering how to make changes to her garden to make it more accessible to children all year round. The childminder is well qualified. She regularly sources professional development opportunities in order to improve her skills and knowledge. For example, she is attending training to help her to understand how to teach boys more effectively.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has a good understanding of children's interests and how to promote their learning. For example, some children have a strong interest in music and love to dance. The childminder takes them to music groups where they experience music being played live. She explains the impact this has on children as they listen intently and become engrossed in the music being played. Children enjoy imaginative play, both inside and outdoors. They work out roles for each other and children of all ages work cooperatively together as they engage in prolonged play. The childminder regularly observes children's development; she shares this information with parents. She receives updates from them regarding children's development and what they are learning at home. The childminder uses this information to plan activities to complement children's learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

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. They use a picture catalogue to choose from a wider range of resources which is stored in other places. Children understand the need to wash their hands, as the childminder explains to them how germs gather as they play. 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. The childminder ensures children have regular access to the outdoors. They enjoy playing in the garden where they engage in physical play and use the wide range of resources as props in imaginative games.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are developing good literary and mathematical skills. The childminder helps them to understand how they can gain information from books, such as how to bake cakes. As children play shops, they write signs and make price tags. Younger children are keen to copy the actions of older ones as they make marks on paper. Children understand their own capabilities. They are pleased to do things for themselves and readily ask for help when they need it. Children are making good progress and are quickly gaining the key skills required for their next stage of learning at nursery and at school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY385065 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1043167 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 9

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2002 and lives near St Albans. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am until 6.30pm, 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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