Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 February 2018 2 May 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 good relationships with the parents. Parents speak highly of her and the progress their children have made. The childminder and parents share vital information on the children's development, working together to achieve the next stage in learning.  The childminder provides a welcoming and safe home-from-home environment. All children are valued and included equally in all activities, learning to share, cooperate and respect each other.  In addition to the childminder's home, children benefit from outings to the local activity farm, messy play classes and soft play sessions. They enjoy picnics on the green outside her house, which helps to enhance their learning even further.  The childminder provides a range of experiences. She skilfully adapts activities to meet the differing abilities of the children by altering resources and her methods of teaching. All children are challenged, motivated to learn and make good progress.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not target her professional development precisely enough to raise the quality of teaching to an outstanding level.

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

 identify opportunities for training and professional development that increase knowledge and raise the standards of teaching to an outstanding level.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the setting.  The inspector looked at samples of children's records and other documentation, including policies and procedures.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and 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 improve. She actively seeks the views of parents and uses this information to enhance care and learning. Recent evaluation has seen her introduce a new method of assessing children's learning. This has given her a sharper focus on what children can do, enabling her to identify gaps in their learning. The childminder has good relationships with local nurseries that children also attend. Information on children's development is shared between the childminder and the nursery, proving a consistent approach to learning. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder implements rigorous safety procedures to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through rules and boundaries appropriate for their age.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has high expectations of the children and what they can achieve. She uses good methods of teaching. The childminder enables the children to work things out for themselves. For example, while building a tower, the childminder encourages children to find out why it does not stand up. She guides them in what they need to do through a process of trial and error so the tower stays upright. The childminder extends children's language and communication skills through discussion during play. For instance, she encourages children to talk about significant events in their life and describe their creations. The childminder enables the children to express themselves through creative activities giving them freedom to explore. Children mix colours and textures and draw family members as they decorate plant pots for Mother's Day.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The children have strong attachments with the childminder. She is fun and energetic and children are secure and happy in her home. Children seek her out to share toys and feel confident to ask her for cuddles when needed. Young babies enjoy snuggling into her as they drink their milk. The childminder knows the children very well. She recognises their needs and when they are not quite themselves, providing comfort and reassurance if required. The children are well cared for. The childminder is a good role model. The children behave well and are very polite to the childminder and each other. She builds the children's confidence and self-esteem. For example, she frequently praises their achievements and encourages them to 'have a go' at new things.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress in all areas of development and they achieve the milestones typical for their age. Children leave the childminder's care well prepared for the next stage in their learning. Children become independent. For example, they wash their hands for mealtimes and get ready for outdoor learning, putting on their coats and shoes. Children learn skills for the future as they take an active role in preparing for meal times. For example, they clean the table and cut up fruit for snack.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY368303 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1087296 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 3 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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