Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 27 February 2018 6 November 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 childminder builds professional partnerships with parents. She offers them information about the activities she plans. This enables them to talk with their children about what they have been doing and to build on this learning at home.  The childminder makes good use of the knowledge from her childcare qualification and any new information from training and research. She now offers children further craft activities that support the development of their creativity.  Frequent reviews of children's progress enables the childminder to note any weaker areas in their learning and address these. She uses additional funding and grants effectively to support children's development. For example, she purchases resources that she uses to aid children in developing their communication skills.  The childminder uses her assessments of children well to help plan their next developmental steps. Children make good progress and participate enthusiastically in

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This provision is good

activities.  Children enjoy using local facilities, such as the library, shops and walks. This helps them to feel part of their community and to notice and understand differences.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not consistently offer children opportunities that help them to develop their skills in making marks and writing.  Occasionally, the childminder does not obtain and use updates from parents about their children's development at home to fully inform her activity planning.

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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

 build on the opportunities to support children in making marks and writing  extend the methods for parents to provide ongoing information about their child's learning and development at home, and make greater use of this to inform planning.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector talked with children and the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She reviewed an activity with the childminder.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of household members. She discussed the childminder's self-evaluation information and viewed a range of other documentation, including the safeguarding procedures.  The inspector viewed written feedback from parents and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The childminder rigorously reviews her work and makes relevant changes. For example, the introduction of a cosy reading area means children have easier access to books and enjoy sitting with their friends to talk and read. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder keeps up to date with this area by completing training and reading relevant publications. She is aware of the issues that may impact negatively on children's welfare and demonstrates a clear understanding of how to report any concerns. The childminder now has effective procedures to work with other childcare providers so that children's care is consistent and their development is promoted.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder interacts well with children and now uses open questions more effectively as one of the ways in which she helps children to extend their learning. For example, children have time to explore a toy farm set before the childminder joins them. They talk about the different animals and make the appropriate animal noises. Children are so captivated that they go on to use the animals to act out a favourite story. Activities such as this, contribute to the promotion of children's knowledge of the wider world and build their skills in communication and creativity. Children develop a good knowledge of mathematics. For example, they sort bricks according to colour and size. Children of all ages learn to use information technology equipment. Young children use an interactive mat and quickly work out how to activate the sounds by treading on the relevant sections. Older children competently use more advanced technology, where they work out

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder obtains clear initial information from parents and uses this to help children settle. For example, she maintains their established home routines as much as possible, helping children to feel comfortable and secure. The childminder acts as a good role model and helps children to manage their behaviour. Children mirror her calm, caring approach and show concern and respect for one another. Children have many opportunities that support them in developing their physical skills and learning about safety. For example, they learn to use the large play equipment at the park safely and confidently. The childminder praises and encourages children as they play. This helps build their confidence and perseverance, in readiness for starting school.

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Outcomes for children are good

The childminder uses effective teaching methods and supports all children so that they make good progress. They develop the essential skills that support their learning and prepare them for school. Children confidently explore the resources and competently initiate and organise their play. For example, children playing with a role-play kitchen set out the toy food and cooking utensils, and make up a scenario as they pretend to cook.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149629 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1103046 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 6 November 2014

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2000 and lives in Hitchin. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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

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

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

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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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