Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 26 September 2017 16 January 2014

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

p.1

This provision is good

 The childminder has an effective system in place for monitoring the progress children make. She is able to swiftly identify gaps in learning and works with parents and professionals to help children catch up quickly.  The childminder has a strong relationship with the parents. Overall, communication between the setting and home is effective, providing a consistent approach to children's learning. Parents' and children's views form an integral part of the childminder's evaluation process.  Methods of teaching are good. Children make good progress and develop well across all areas of learning.  The childminder has strong bonds with the children. They are happy and confident in the setting. She has an extensive knowledge of the children's development and the next stage in their learning.  The childminder has a sound knowledge of the children's care routines, likes, dislikes and preferences. Children's individual needs are met and they are well cared for.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the childminder gathers some information about children from parents when they first attend, she does not find out enough about what children know and can do.  There are few opportunities for children to learn about different cultures, traditions and the wider world.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 gather more detailed information from parents about children's developmental levels when they first attend  develop further opportunities for children to learn about different cultures and traditions.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the setting, inside and outside.  The inspector looked at samples of children's records and other documentation, including policies and procedures.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and the children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector took account of parents' views through written feedback provided on the day.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The childminder demonstrates a strong desire to continue to improve. Recent evaluation has seen the introduction of a topic table to support children's language development and extend their curiosity of nature. The childminder is committed to her own professional development. Previous training has seen the introduction of improvised resources to develop children's ball skills. For example, homemade tennis and football nets have enabled children to engage in ball games. The childminder has strong relationships with the local nursery and school. Information on the children's learning is shared between the childminder, parents and the nursery, providing a consistent approach to learning. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder implements robust procedures to protect children's welfare and has a secure knowledge of how to keep them safe.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has high expectations of children and what they can achieve. She makes thorough and regular assessments of the children's learning. Activities provide children of all abilities with challenge. The childminder is very responsive to the children's interests and flexible in her approach to planned activities and resources. Children are engaged and motivated to learn. Methods of teaching are good. Children develop their language skills and knowledge of animals through props used at story time. For example, the childminder provides the children with toy animals as they read a story about animal sounds. The childminder provides a stimulating learning environment, indoors and outdoors. In addition, children visit farms, zoos, parks and toddler groups, providing further opportunities for learning. Children learn to care for living things and develop their understating of growth. For example, they have grown pumpkins from seeds in the

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

There is an effective settling-in process and children settle quickly into the childminder's home. The childminder has a calm and friendly nature and children feel confident and secure with her. The childminder builds the children's confidence and self-esteem. For example, as she praises the children they smile, showing pride in their achievements. The childminder is a positive role model. The childminder has house rules which the children follow and they behave well. Children learn empathy as they are encouraged to help others. For example, older children help the younger children to take their shoes off when the fastenings become a bit difficult.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress from their starting points. They achieve milestones typical for their age across all areas of development. Children leave the setting well prepared for the next stage in their learning. Children are becoming independent and are learning skills for the future. For example, they wash their own hands in preparation for mealtimes and take off their own shoes and coats.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 129448 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1086943 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

p.4

Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 16 January 2014

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder registered in 1999. She lives in Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead. The childminder operates Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm all year round, except for family holidays and bank holidays.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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 .

p.5

Telephone number

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

p.5

Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.5