Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 18 October 2017 23 January 2014

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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 and experienced childminder is dedicated to her role. She regularly completes training and shares good practice with other childminders. Recent training has further enhanced her understanding of using various ways to successfully work in close partnership with parents.  Children demonstrate that they feel happy and secure, in the care of the calm natured childminder. For instance, they snuggle up to her as she reads them their favourite stories and welcome her interaction in their play.  The childminder develops strong relationships with parents who are highly complimentary about the service she provides. They appreciate the childminder's high expectations of children and the good progress they make. Parents are fully informed of their children's day and development, and there is an effective two-way flow of information to aid children's care and learning.  Children are inquisitive and develop a good understanding of the natural world and

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This provision is good

living things. During walks in the local community with the childminder, they notice how the leaves on the trees change colour and fall during autumn. They learn how to care for fish, rabbits and mice as they visit a pet shop.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Occasionally, children are not given enough time to think about and respond to the childminder's enthusiastic questioning.  The childminder does not consistently provide children with opportunities to think of their own ideas and ways of solving problems to develop their thinking skills.

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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 more opportunities for children to enhance their thinking and speaking skills as they formulate answers and respond to questions posed during their play  enhance opportunities for children to identify and solve problems for themselves.

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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 written feedback provided and reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a secure understanding of possible signs that could indicate that children are at risk of harm. She knows how to take swift action to protect children's welfare in the event of a child protection concern. A video entry system helps the childminder to identify visitors to her home prior to opening the door. The childminder regularly reflects on the service she provides, seeking the views of parents and children. This ensures that she acts effectively to address any identified areas for improvement. The childminder carefully reviews children's progress to swiftly address any gaps in their learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder's genuine praise motivates children to participate in stimulating activities. For instance, children have immense fun exploring the sound of bubble wrap. They jump on the air pockets to create loud popping sounds. Children experience the texture of paint on their hands. They dip their fingers into different coloured paint and draw circles and lines on paper. Children discover how to create different colours and shades as they mix the paint together. The childminder effectively supports children to develop their attention and listening skills. For example, she changes her voice and creates anticipation as she reads to children, immediately capturing their attention.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children behave well and demonstrate respect for each other. They know not to leave the table until everyone has finished eating. The childminder skilfully supports children to understand and express their own emotions appropriately. Children confidently carry out age-appropriate tasks, for instance, they tidy up the toys they have finished playing with before independently choosing others. Children learn about a healthy lifestyle and have good opportunities to develop a wide range of tastes. For example, they regularly taste traditional foods from other countries and less common fruits. Children have the freedom to play, either indoors or outdoors. They smile with delight as they experience the sensation of rain falling on their head in the childminder's garden. Regular visits to local parks help children to develop good physical skills. They learn how to move their legs backwards and forwards to make the swing move.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children are making good progress in their learning given their starting points. They are independent individuals and mainly manage their own personal needs. Children identify their own names, count the number of bricks in the towers they create and identify some numbers on car registration plates. They gain the necessary skills needed to help prepare them for their future learning at school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY347135 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1102068 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 2

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 23 January 2014

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Baldock, Hertfordshire. She operates from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Wednesday and from 3pm until 6pm on Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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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