Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 March 2018 24 October 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 Outstanding 1

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This provision is good

 The childminder communicates well with parents and supports them in extending their children's learning at home. Parents report that they appreciate the wide variety of activities the childminder offers children and trust her to keep their children safe.  The childminder carefully monitors children's progress and acts quickly to address any weaker areas in their learning. For example, she now offers children additional activities, such as games and puzzles to aid them in counting and in recognising shapes and numbers.  Children's behaviour is exceptional and they show great kindness and respect towards one another. Children rapidly form close bonds with the childminder and her assistant. They flourish in their care and rapidly grow in confidence and display high levels of self- esteem.  The childminder works well with her assistant. Together they provide a variety of enjoyable and stimulating activities based on children's current interests and needs.

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This provision is good

Children are excited to learn and make good progress in their development.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder has not yet fully established a highly focused programme of professional development for her assistant, to drive forward future improvements to raise the quality of the provision even further.  The childminder does not consistently provide opportunities to further support older children's exploration in communication technology.

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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

 focus more precisely on developing a targeted programme of professional development for the childminder's assistant to ensure the high-quality practice is sustained and consistently improved upon  extend opportunities for children to explore information and communication technology further.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector spoke with the childminder, her assistant and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector viewed the areas of the childminder's home used by children.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as policies and children's records.  The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to keep children safe. She understands the procedures to follow should she need to report any concerns about a child's well-being. The childminder and her assistant make good use of safety checks to minimise any potential risks to children. Children are always supervised and any incidents are logged appropriately. The childminder works closely with parents. She keeps them well informed about their children's care and learning on a daily basis and provides regular updates about their progress. The childminder and her assistant reflect on their practice and are well motivated to improve. For instance, they have updated systems for monitoring children's development so parents have easier access to this information. The childminder effectively monitors the work of her assistant.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder skilfully uses mathematical language in play. For example, she uses picture books to count farm animals with the young children at story time. The childminder and her assistant support children's communication and language skills successfully. Babies listen attentively, follow instructions well and communicate with sounds and gestures. Older children answer questions, express their ideas clearly and join in with conversations. They praise and encourage the children well as they sing action songs and dance to popular music. The childminder uses the observations and assessments of children's learning to monitor their progress well and plan activities around their interests. For example, the childminder plans outings to areas, such as local parks, farms, museums and woods, where children can learn about communities and the wider world.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

The childminder and her assistant highly value each child and are excellent role models. Children display a deep sense of belonging and develop very secure attachments to the childminder and her assistant. Children's emotional well-being is exceedingly strong. Older children display exemplary manners and kindness towards younger children. They make sure younger children have a turn to sing their favourite songs. Younger children seek the older children out for cuddles and enjoy the reassurance they receive in return. Children are exceptionally confident, displaying very high levels of enthusiasm and concentration. The childminder ensures that children enjoy extensive opportunities to be physically active in the garden and on frequent local outings. The childminder promotes children's physical well-being superbly.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop good skills and are ready to move on to their next stage of learning. They develop good early writing skills. For example, babies use thick paintbrushes while painting foam Easter eggs and older children confidently use pens to write simple letters in their names. Children recognise letters when reading books and are independent and developing confidence. This helps them to prepare securely for their eventual move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY370655 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1065135 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 5 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 24 October 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2008. She lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The childminder works with her husband who works as her assistant. She operates each weekday, from 7.30am until 7pm, with the exception of bank holidays and family holidays.

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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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