Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 4 January 2017 30 April 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 well-qualified childminder takes children on a range of outings in the community, such as woodland walks and visits to a local children's zoo. Children observe how the environment changes during the different seasons and enjoy hunting for insects. They also learn about the habitats of animals and how to handle them safely.  The childminder is committed to continually developing her practice to improve outcomes for all children. Her thorough and accurate self-evaluation process ensures that strengths and areas for improvement are effectively identified. For example, she analyses feedback from parents and swiftly acts upon their suggestions.  The friendly childminder establishes strong, warm relationships with children and helps those who are new to settle quickly. One way she does this is to ensure that their favourite toys are readily available. Children demonstrate that they feel very content

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This provision is good

and settled as they enjoy the childminder's cuddles. Older children confidently invite authorised visitors to join in with their play.  Children of all ages thoroughly enjoy the childminder's storytelling. Their attention and engagement are immediately captured as she changes the tone of her voice to represent different characters in the story.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 On occasions, the childminder does not always provide older children with excellent opportunities to solve mathematical problems themselves.  Partnership working with parents is not yet highly successful in promoting their children's learning at home.

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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

 provide further opportunities for older children to solve mathematical problems themselves  extend the good range of information given to parents about children's learning experiences, to fully support a shared approach to their learning.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during indoor activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times.  The inspector observed a planned activity and discussed this with the childminder.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records, a selection of policies, safety procedures and required documentation.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of persons aged 16 years and over who live at the premises.  The inspector took account of the written views of parents and reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation process.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has an extensive understanding of possible signs that could indicate that children are at risk of harm. She knows how to take swift action in order to protect children's welfare in the event of a child protection concern. The childminder attends training and regularly meets with a close network of other childminders to share good practice and extend her knowledge and skills. As a result, the childminder has recently enhanced her understanding of how to implement positive behaviour management methods. The childminder forms secure partnerships with staff at other settings that children attend to effectively support children's continuity in learning. She carefully reviews children's progress to ensure that any gaps in learning are swiftly addressed. Parents are very complimentary about the service the childminder provides.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder skilfully adapts activities to ensure that all children are included in activities. Her genuine interest in children's play and her consistent praise motivate them to complete challenging activities. For example, babies work out how to press the button on an electronic toy to change the music and colour displayed. They also demonstrate perseverance as they rotate different shaped blocks to fit through matching shaped holes. The childminder introduces babies to new words in context to their play and consistently responds to their vocalisations. This helps them to learn about the pattern of conversation. Older children speak clearly and use complex sentences as they recall past events, such as seeing a cat on the childminder's driveway the previous day. They use their vivid imaginations as they take food orders from the childminder and use pretend food to prepare and serve her meals. Children have good opportunities to learn about similarities

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

and differences from first-hand experiences.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave well and older children use good manners. They make independent choices from a healthy range of snacks and the childminder provides them with home cooked, nutritious food. Mealtimes are a very positive and social experience for all. For example, children wait at the table until they have all finished eating before resuming their play. Visits to local parks help children to develop good physical skills. Babies develop strength in preparation for walking. They pull themselves up on sturdy furniture and practise walking by holding onto the childminder's hands.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress in their learning given their starting points. Older children are beginning to link letters to sounds. They listen intently to the childminder as she says what day of the week it is. Children successfully repeat the initial sound and place the correct word onto the weather chart. Babies develop curiosity and positive attitudes towards learning. This helps to prepare them well for their next stage of learning and their eventual move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY380943 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1065245 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 30 April 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2008 and lives in Hertford. She operates all year round from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a 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

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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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