Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 5 July 2018 4 March 2015

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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 been caring for children for many years. She is exceptionally well organised and committed to providing a safe environment where children have fun as they learn. The quality of teaching is consistently good.  The childminder carries out precise and regular assessments of children's learning. She focuses well on planning exciting activities to meet the learning needs of individual children. Children make good progress in relation to their starting points.  Children have many opportunities to socialise with other children and adults during visits to playgroups and outings. This helps to support their understanding of the wider world.  Each child has a delightful learning journey book. It clearly demonstrates their progress through annotated photographs. The childminder regularly invites parents to look at them and children proudly share them with their friends.  Parents are very complimentary about the care the childminder provides. They say she

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This provision is good

is very flexible and that she creates a warm and friendly environment. She effectively includes parents and children when evaluating her provision.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Occasionally, the childminder does not fully extend children's interest in counting, size and numbers, to further encourage their early mathematical skills.  Partnership working with parents is not fully effective in promoting their children's learning at home.

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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 the most of all opportunities to encourage children's interest in counting, size and numbers, to further extend their mathematical understanding  enhance the support offered to parents to help them extend children's individual learning at home.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector had a tour of the premises and viewed the areas used by the children.  The inspector observed the children interacting with the childminder.  The inspector discussed children's learning and development 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 took account of the views of parents through reading written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder understands the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child's welfare. She ensures that children are kept safe and secure at all times. Regular fire drills are carried out and risk assessments are thorough. The childminder employs an assistant, who is available to help her in emergencies. She ensures he remains suitable and that he understands his responsibilities. The childminder works closely with other professionals to support children's learning and development. She has established very good links with the local children's centre, playgroups and school. This helps to support continuity between settings.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides activities that she knows children will enjoy. She has a good understanding of the progress children make and the next steps in their learning. The childminder interacts well with children. For example, she sits at children's level to join in with their play and provides good encouragement and support. Learning is enjoyable, and children are excited to join in with activities led by the childminder. For example, they hunt for different shapes in the garden. When they find them, they add marks by the shapes on their clipboards. This activity helps to develop their recognition of shapes and their early writing skills. Children are encouraged to learn about the natural world. For example, they watch the changes taking place during the lifecycle of the butterfly.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides a welcoming and homely environment where children can play safely. She is a positive role model for children. She encourages good behaviour and has an enthusiastic and caring nature. Children demonstrate that they feel valued and develop high levels of self-esteem. The childminder teaches them about sharing and taking turns. Older children are patient and understanding when playing with younger children. The childminder helps children to understand the importance of following good hygiene routines and eating a varied diet. They have regular opportunities for exercise and fresh air in the childminder's garden. They also play in the park and enjoy having picnics.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children confidently explore the activities on offer. They have many opportunities to practise their mark-making skills using paint, chalks and pencils. Young children are keen to demonstrate their new skills, such as throwing and catching a ball. Children develop a love of books and enjoy using props to tell stories. This helps to develop their early literacy skills. Children form close friendships and enjoy playing together. They are learning skills in readiness for the next stage in their learning and their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY316166 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1092506 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 6 Number of children on roll 4

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 4 March 2015

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Hertford. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant on an emergency basis only.

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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

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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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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