Masters Margaret

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 12 May 2017 5 January 2015

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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

 Children have developed close bonds with the childminder. They are happy and show that they feel secure in her care. The childminder is caring and sensitive to children's needs and feelings. She provides praise and encouragement, which boosts children's confidence.  The childminder makes good use of regular training and professional development opportunities to gain new skills and further develop her practice.  Children's language and communication skills are promoted well. The childminder talks to children about what they are doing. She asks them questions, extending their thinking skills.  The childminder provides children with time each day to enjoy outdoor activities that promote their physical development. They take walks in the local community and nearby woods. Children ride push-along bicycles and climb equipment at the local parks.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make the best use of opportunities to extend children's mathematical understanding and development.  Although the childminder completes regular assessments of children's development, she does not use this information highly effectively to focus precisely on how to help children make rapid 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

 make more use of opportunities to develop and extend children's mathematical understanding  enhance the use of information gathered from assessments in order to plan precise ways to help children make the best possible progress.

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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 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 reading written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good understanding about the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows the procedures to follow and who to contact in her local authority with any such concerns. The childminder works in partnership with parents and frequently shares assessments of the children's learning with them. She provides ideas and information that parents can use to further support their children's development at home. The childminder effectively evaluates her practice. She seeks the views of parents and children and incorporates their opinions and ideas into her plans for development and improvement. The childminder shares information about children's progress with other settings that they attend. This supports continuity of care for them.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder discusses with parents what children are able to do when they first start. She completes observations of children and uses this information, along with parent's views, to accurately identify children's initial starting points. The childminder provides activities that interest the children. They are provided with opportunities to practise their early writing skills. For example, they enjoy carefully colouring in pictures and writing their name. The childminder fosters children's imaginative skills. For instance, she encourages them to share their ideas during a pretend game of taking toy dolls to the shops to buy some food.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are confident and quickly learn to be independent. For example, they happily tidy away toys when they have finished playing with them and take off their own coats and shoes after outdoor play. The childminder talks to children about ways in which they can keep healthy. They look at books from the library, talk about food that is good for them and enjoy daily exercise. The childminder encourages good hygiene practices and children are reminded to wash their hands after outdoor play and before mealtimes. These are some of the ways in which the childminder promotes a healthy lifestyle to the children. Children take part in activities linked with different festivals. This helps to develop their understanding about similarities and differences between one another.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are eager learners and explore the wide range of activities available. They enjoy creating and colouring in pictures. Children develop their imaginative skills. For instance, they pretend to use the crossing patrol person to safely cross the road in their game. They are all making good progress from their starting points. Children learn the necessary skills ready for their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129488 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1089403 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 5 January 2015

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates her provision all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, 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

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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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