Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 2 May 2018 Not applicable

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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 well-qualified childminder focuses on her role. She regularly completes training to continue to enhance her skills. Recent training has increased her knowledge of further ways to promote children's imagination using a variety of sensory experiences.  Children build strong bonds with the childminder and all members of her family. They show that they feel very happy and confident in her care. Children introduce themselves to visitors and welcome the childminder's cuddles as they become tired. They say that the childminder is 'gorgeous'.  The childminder plans stimulating learning experiences based on children's interests. They develop a good understanding of the world during organised outings with the childminder. Children identify changes in the season and search for bugs and insects during regular nature walks. They also learn to respect and handle animals.  The childminder forms secure partnerships with parents. She involves them in every

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This provision is good

aspect of their child's learning and they receive detailed feedback about their child's good progress. Parents describe the childminder as 'experienced', 'wise' and 'organised'.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not make the best possible use of her own observations and the initial information she obtains from parents to precisely plan for children's next steps in learning from the outset.  Occasionally, the childminder does not use opportunities during children's play and planned activities to enhance their understanding of mathematical language.

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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

 make best use of the initial information obtained when children begin attending, to plan more precisely for their continued progress from an early stage  provide more opportunities for children to gain a deeper understanding of mathematical language.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder.  The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household.  The inspector spoke to children during the inspection.  The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided and reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a secure understanding of possible signs that indicate that children are at risk of harm. She knows how to take swift action to protect children's welfare in the event of a child protection concern. The childminder regularly reflects on the service she provides, seeking the views of parents and children. This ensures that she identifies and acts effectively to address any areas for improvement. The childminder carefully reviews children's progress, to swiftly address any gaps in their learning. Successful partnerships with staff at other settings that children attend effectively support their continuity in learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder enables children to be motivated and inquisitive individuals. Children explore how a sponge absorbs different amounts of water and work out how to squeeze it dry. The childminder helps children to develop good control and coordination of their hands. Children carefully wash and dry toy babies with a sponge and swaddle them in a towel. They excitedly explore the contents of a treasure box. Children experience the texture of interesting items on their skin, such as a massage brush and a metal tea strainer. The childminder supports children to develop good language skills from a young age. She listens carefully to what children say, introduces them to new words and helps them with the pronunciation of words that they use in complex sentences. Children's attention is immediately captured as the childminder effectively uses intonation in her voice to read them their favourite stories.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder is a positive role model. Children behave well and use good manners without being reminded to do so. They are actively involved in helping the childminder to prepare the nutritious meals and snacks that they eat. Children develop good physical skills, such as when they learn how to crack open an egg and chop fresh herbs. The childminder places a strong emphasis on supporting children to be emotionally ready for changes in their lives. Visits to regular stay-and-play sessions with larger groups of children help to build on their good social skills. The childminder skilfully promotes children's understanding of kindness and respect for others.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are independent. They manage their own personal needs and eagerly carry out age-appropriate responsibilities. For instance, they help the childminder to set up activities and clear away their plate after eating. Children recognise the pattern of their name and express a keen interest in books. They retell stories from the characters that they see on the pages. Children gain the necessary skills needed to help prepare them for their future learning at school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY498088 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1037483 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 3 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Great Ashby, Stevenage. She operates from 7.30am until 6pm on Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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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