Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 28 March 2018 20 April 2017

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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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

 Since the last inspection the childminder has worked hard to improve her practice. She ensures that Ofsted is notified of any changes and public liability insurance is in place for both premises registered with Ofsted.  Children make good progress from their starting points. The childminder works with parents to help her understand children's capabilities. She plans a range of exciting activities that challenges children’s play and learning.  The childminder knows each child well and meets their emotional needs effectively. Children are relaxed and happy in her care. The childminder teaches children about the importance of following effective hygiene procedures and developing positive ideas about leading a healthy lifestyle.  Children are kept secure. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments of all areas used when caring for children. She maintains a record of attendance that helps to

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This provision is good

ensure children can be safely accounted for at all times.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Partnerships with other early years providers are not highly effective, to share ongoing information and maintain continuity in children's learning.  The childminder does not consistently seek the views of parents or children when evaluating her provision to identify further improvements.

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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

 strengthen partnerships with staff at other settings that children attend, to regularly share information and further support children's ongoing learning  enhance the methods used to seek and evaluate the views of parents and focus even more precisely on driving ongoing improvements to the quality of practice.

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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 evaluated a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector spoke with children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living in the household. The inspector discussed with the childminder how she reflects on her practice.  The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback they sent to the inspector.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder refreshes her knowledge of safeguarding issues regularly and knows the procedures for reporting any concerns if they arise. She has completed child protection training and is knowledgeable about changes in legislation. The childminder identifies if children require additional support. She is confident to work with parents and other professionals to close gaps in children's learning. Children benefit from a welcoming, well-organised learning environment. The childminder understands how young children develop. This helps her to plan interesting activities that capture children's enthusiasm for learning. The childminder supports her assistant's ongoing practice and development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder carefully plans activities in which children delight and engage. For example, they thoroughly enjoy using their imagination and existing understanding of numbers. As children decorate sheep biscuits for Easter, they talk about the colour of lambs' woolly coats. They re-create these with white icing and marshmallows. The childminder plays alongside children and effortlessly extends their learning. Children demonstrate their growing mathematical knowledge as they are encouraged to think about simple sets, such as two eyes and two ears. Children's development is closely monitored to ensure they make good or better than good progress. The childminder shares children's learning with parents and explains the curriculum to them. This enables them to complement their children's learning further at home.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder uses positive behaviour management and children behave well. She teaches them how to stay safe. For instance, when children have finished playing they know to tidy away, without prompting, to minimise tripping hazards. Children enjoy first- hand opportunities to learn about planting and growing. They help the childminder and her assistant to plant and later harvest potatoes and other vegetables. The childminder helps children increase their understanding about where different foods come from, and they learn about which ones help their muscles to develop. Children learn about other customs and cultures through books and discussions. They enjoy exploring the local community as they help with errands during trips to the local shops. Children further increase their understanding of the wider world, communication and numbers as they greet others and use money to buy goods.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children arrive happy and are very content. They are motivated to learn and share their ideas with confidence. Children make independent choices in their play and express themselves very well. They have strong social skills, learning to respect each other, adults and resources. Children are considerate of others, share and take turns. They develop the vital skills required for their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149574 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1107472 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 3 - 10 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 20 April 2017

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Hitchin. She operates during term time only, from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. The childminder is registered to work with an assistant.

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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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