Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 10 February 2017 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

 The childminder uses effective methods of observation and assessment to inform her plans and support children's good progress. She provides a well balanced learning programme, inclusive of planned and child-initiated activities.  The childminder welcomes the views of parents and children and places a strong emphasis on evaluating her practice. She clearly identifies her strengths and priorities for improvement. For example, future plans include making changes to the garden to enable children to have access to outdoor play in all weathers.  The childminder has built a network of support around her. She uses a range of ways to help maintain her good quality teaching and promote children's well-being. For instance, she works closely with other childminders to share good practice. She uses online resources and reads professional publications to help improve her knowledge and source ideas for children's activities.

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This provision is good

 Partnerships with parents are well established. The childminder has developed firm friendships with both current and past parents, even inviting them to organised outings on the days their children do not attend. Parents say they appreciate the ongoing support and advice that the childminder provides.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder has not precisely reviewed the impact of her teaching on children's good progress to set clear defined targets for supporting children to reach the highest levels of attainment.

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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

 focus more precisely on evaluating the impact of teaching on the progress children make in their learning, to set clear targets towards supporting substantial and sustained progress that leads to the highest levels of achievement.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder.  The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household.  The inspector spoke to children during the inspection.  The inspector took account of the views of parents through discussions on the day and written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has refreshed her knowledge of child protection issues, including most recent government guidance. She knows the action to take if she has any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder completes detailed risk assessments on all areas of the home and on outings. She implements a range of comprehensive policies. This helps her to manage and minimise hazards for children and aid the smooth running of her home. The childminder has taken positive steps to develop links with the other settings children attend. She is aware of the topics children take part in at nursery and regularly shares information with key staff. This helps to promote continuity of learning and care for each child.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Parents are effectively involved in children's learning from the outset. Some of the ways the childminder achieves this are through arranging settling-in meetings for new families, making time for daily discussion and sending regular updates through a telephone application. The childminder captures children's attention through the stimulating range of activities that she provides. She adapts her teaching methods to swiftly respond to children's displayed interests. For example, during a planned activity, she gives younger children time to empty and fill pots with soil before they choose to plant their sunflower seeds. Children practise their small-muscle skills. They use a spoon to scoop soil into the pot and then pour in water from a jug. Children are proud of their achievements, stating, 'I did it all by myself'. Resources are organised well and children find nearby toy animals to continue their play, burying them under the soil. They eagerly talk to the childminder

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

about the different animals they know and the noises that they make.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children show they feel settled in the childminder's home and have developed a secure bond with her. They happily sing to themselves as they play and are quick to seek comfort when needed. The childminder is a good role model and provides children with clear, concise explanations to help promote their good behaviour. Children show their understanding by cooperating with simple boundaries and routines. They know to sit still when seated on a higher stool and all help to tidy away the toys. Children are beginning to learn how relationships work, they listen carefully to others, take turns and share resources. The childminder teaches children about the wider world. Some of the ways she does this are by providing activities to help them learn about different cultures and organising an annual visit to a temple. In addition, children take part in regular outings to museums and local farms to broaden their experiences.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are working comfortably within the range of development typical for their age and establish a positive attitude to learning. Early literacy skills and mathematical development are promoted effectively. Children recognise the letters of their name and show an interest in books. They use numbers for counting and refer to the language of size, such as big and small during their play. Children are well prepared for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY393506 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1065374 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 6

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2009 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates during term time only, from 9am to 3pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for Bank Holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year- old children.

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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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