Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15 June 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 childminder has a calm, kind and considerate manner. Children respond to her positive attention and thrive in her care. They swiftly build trusting, secure relationships with her.  The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual interests and incorporates these skilfully into the activities. Children enjoy their experiences and make good progress in their learning.  Children benefit from a wide variety of outdoor experiences. They explore natural materials, such as stones and soil. The childminder takes them for country walks that help them to develop a wider understanding of nature.  The childminder is ambitious for her setting. She researches teaching styles and seeks advice and guidance from other providers. New ideas are implemented well to enhance children's learning experiences. For example, the childminder has introduced treasure baskets with varied objects for children to explore.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 On occasions, the childminder does not adapt her teaching during group activities to completely take account of children's differing individual learning needs.  The childminder recognises that she can engage parents even more fully in helping her to teach children more about healthy food choices.

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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

 adapt group activities more effectively to take into account the differing learning needs of the children taking part  extend opportunities to engage more fully with parents to promote and build on children's understanding of the importance of healthy diets.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the children during their activities indoors and outdoors. She spoke with them and the childminder at convenient times.  The inspector and the childminder evaluated a specific activity to assess the quality of teaching and the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector took account of parents' views through written feedback.  The inspector looked at a range of essential documents, including evidence of the suitability of the childminder, children's records and the childminder's improvement plan.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good understanding of her local authority child protection procedures. She is clear about the possible signs that indicate a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. The childminder is conscientious about checking her home and garden for hazards. She is proactive in teaching even the youngest children to keep themselves safe. For instance, while remaining vigilant, she encourages toddlers to navigate the steps in her garden independently. The childminder asks parents for their views on her provision and evaluates the service she provides. She is proactive in keeping up to date with changes that affect her practice, such as the new regulations for data protection.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has clear learning objectives for each child. She has a good understanding of their developmental needs and what they need to do next. The childminder supports children's growing language skills well. She models vocabulary clearly and comments on what children are doing, repeating words and encouraging them to respond. Children enjoy making marks as, for example, they use big brushes to paint fences with water. The childminder has warm and positive partnerships with parents. She works closely with them to learn about children's initial learning needs. Parents praise her for the home-from-home environment she offers their children.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder supports the youngest children to follow their preferred individual routines. She monitors their well-being during naps and gives them reassuring cuddles as they wake up. The childminder provides children with an array of resources that stimulate their senses, such as pasta, water, soil and sand. She encourages children to play alongside each other and begin to learn about sharing their toys. The childminder is gently supportive of those children who are less confident with new activities. For example, she plays alongside them, demonstrating scooping and scrunching cereals. Children benefit from trips into the local area where they have opportunities to socialise with others.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children enjoy exploring and investigating their environment. They move around the childminder's home and garden with confidence. Babies develop their physical skills as they wriggle on their tummies and reach out for toys. Young children learn to use their voices. They link two or more words together and communicate their needs effectively. Children handle books with interest. They listen to stories for short periods and begin to point out their favourite characters. Children have enjoyable learning experiences that prepare them well for the next stage of their education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY499163 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1050208 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 7 Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 6

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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 Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7am until 7pm, Monday to Friday, except bank and family holidays. The childminder offers funded early education places 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

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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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