Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23 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 caring, thoughtful childminder knows children and their families well. Strong bonds are fostered to help develop secure relationships. For example, children enjoy a cuddle and reassurance when they are tired.  The childminder observes, assesses and monitors children's progress. This helps her to plan accurate next steps for their continued learning. The childminder provides a good range of stimulating activities that engages and builds on children's interests and existing skills.  Children are keen explorers who develop good levels of self-esteem. This helps them to become confident learners and make good progress.  Children behave well under the childminder's calming influence. She provides descriptive praise and encouragement that support children's confidence and willingness to try new things.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not consistently offer children a range of activities to help enhance their developing understanding of a healthy lifestyle and how this can contribute to their welfare.  The childminder does not consistently include the views of parents and children when evaluating her provision in order 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

 extend further children's growing understanding of leading a healthy lifestyle  expand self-evaluation to include the views of parents in order to help identify possible improvements.

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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 has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She keeps up to date with any changes. For example, when she receives new information and guidance, she reviews her practice and shares her updated policies with parents. The childminder risk assesses potential hazards in her home, garden and prior to outings to keep children safe from harm. For example, children learn how to use play equipment safely under the childminder's guidance and supervision. The childminder strengthens her knowledge by attending training and networking with other early years professionals. She recently attended targeted training to help support her understanding of different learning styles. Parents speak highly of the childminder's care and support, and the wide variety of experiences she provides for their children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder gives children many choices in their play. For example, she talks with them to find out what they would like to do and where they would like to play. Children thoroughly enjoy selecting stickers of fairies and unicorns, using their imaginations they create colourful collages. The childminder uses a broad range of language with children to support their communication skills and build their vocabulary. She communicates with children in a very positive way. The childminder provides age-appropriate explanations and is quick to help children make connections to previous learning. Children enjoy recalling the life cycles of insects, proudly remembering the word 'chrysalis' as they talk about how a caterpillar prepares to become a 'beautiful butterfly'. Children confidently fill and empty containers with pasta and lentils, learning how to compare full and empty. They draw on previous experiences, mixing in a little imagination, as they prepare pretend

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder is skilled at helping children to understand how to assess dangers and manage risks for themselves. For example, children learn how to manage scissors with care so that they do not cut their fingers. Children are physically active and have many opportunities to go out into the local community. They enjoy going to local groups where they listen and join in with different styles of music and dance. Children develop good social skills as they follow the childminder's positive example of sharing and showing consideration towards others. Their confidence and well-being are nurtured well.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children engage in activities of their choosing for a good length of time. They learn to observe, listen and follow instructions. Children demonstrate their good understanding of the natural world around them. They are confident communicators who are motivated to explore and actively share their developing ideas. Children make good progress in their development. They are well prepared for the next stage in their learning and move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY498759 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1045132 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 6 Number of children on roll 4

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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 Hitchin. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm from Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years 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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