Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 8 November 2017 10 July 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

 Methods of teaching are good. The childminder has an effective system in place to monitor the quality of educational activities and the progress children are making.  The childminder has strong bonds with the children. She has an extensive knowledge of their care routines and is tuned into their needs. Children are well cared for.  The childminder gathers information effectively from parents on what the children can do when they start, enabling her to plan for the next stage in their learning from the outset.  The childminder has a strong relationship with the parents. Communication between the setting and home is effective, providing a consistent approach to children's learning.  The childminder provides a stimulating learning environment, both indoors and outdoors. In addition, children attend weekly music classes and toddler groups, providing further opportunities for learning.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although the childminder has completed mandatory training and undertaken some professional development, she does not focus more specifically on developing an expert knowledge of teaching and learning.  The childminder does not share enough information on the children's development with other settings where they attend that enables a shared approach to children's learning.

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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

 source further opportunities for professional development to increase knowledge and raise the standards of teaching even higher  strengthen the partnerships with other providers and the arrangements for sharing information about children's development to further consolidate their learning.

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Inspection activities

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

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The childminder demonstrates a strong desire to continue to improve. The parents' and children's views form an integral part of the evaluation process. Recent evaluation has seen a review of the resources enhancing children's understanding of the world. For example, she has introduced more natural resources to the music box, which children have been keen to explore. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder implements robust procedures to protect children's welfare and has a secure knowledge of how to keep them safe.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has an extensive knowledge of the children's development. Thorough and regular assessments enable her to plan effectively for the next stage in children's learning. Planned activities are exciting, offer challenge to children and follow their current interests. Children are highly engaged and motivated to learn. The childminder extends children's communication skills through discussion during activities. For example, she encourages children to talk about their recent experience at a firework display to enhance their language and conversational skills. The childminder supports children's creative skills and emotional expression. For example, the childminder encourages the children to talk about their feelings, and explore the paints and use different tools during a creative activity.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

There is an effective settling-in process in place and children settle quickly into the childminder's home. The childminder has a calm and nurturing nature. The children feel secure and happy with her as they move in close to her to share a book. The childminder is a positive role model to the children and they behave exceptionally well. The childminder develops the children's confidence and self-esteem. For example, they smile with pride as she praises their artwork and they feel inspired to have another go. Children learn to make health choices at mealtimes as they choose their own snack. They learn about food types and extend their language skills at mealtimes. For example, the childminder shares a book with the children about food and where it comes from.

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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 learning skills for the future. For example, they wash their own hands in preparation for mealtimes and take off their own shoes and coats.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY375664 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1065194 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 5

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 10 July 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2008. She lives in Redbourn, near St Albans in Hertfordshire. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder provides term time care only from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday.

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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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