Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 28 August 2018 Previous inspection date 4 February 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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The provision is good

n Children build strong bonds with the childminder. Babies snuggle up to her as they become tired and demonstrate that they feel confident and secure in her care as they smile and have good eye contact with authorised visitors. n The experienced childminder focuses well on her role. She regularly discusses good practice with other childminders and completes training to continue to enhance her skills. Recent training has increased her knowledge of the most up-to-date safeguarding legislation to help protect children. n The childminder plans stimulating first-hand experiences that help all children to make good progress. For example, they learn about the wider world during regular visits to a farm. Children watch how the animals move and show them respect as they gently hold and stroke small animals, such as guinea pigs. They also help the childminder to dig up carrots. This introduces children to how vegetables grow.

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The provision is good

n The childminder regularly reflects on the service she provides. This helps her to act effectively to address any areas for improvement.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n The childminder does not always gather detailed information from parents about their child's prior learning, to enable her to sharply focus on children's precise learning needs from the outset. n The childminder does not provide young children and babies with a wide variety of opportunities to explore using all of their senses.

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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

n gain more detailed information from parents about what their child knows and can already do when they first start n extend the range of opportunities for young children and babies to explore using all their senses.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder at appropriate times. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n The inspector interacted with babies during the inspection. n 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 leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a secure understanding of the possible signs that might indicate 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 has children's safety at the heart of everything she does. Robust security measures are in place to ensure that only authorised persons who are permitted to collect children are able to do so. The childminder carefully reviews children's progress to swiftly address any gaps in their learning. Parents feed back that they are pleased with the progress their children are making and appreciate the warm and friendly nature of the childminder.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder skilfully adapts activities to ensure that she provides every child with a good level of challenge. This motivates them to engage in interesting activities for long periods, given their young age. The childminder focuses on promoting young children's and babies' early language skills. For instance, she introduces young children to simple words in context and consistently responds to babies' babbles. This helps them to learn the pattern of conversation. Young children begin to solve problems through trial and error. They work out that uncooked rice does not flow through the holes in a colander when shells cover the holes. Babies watch the childminder rotate an instrument containing colourful balls. They are fascinated by the movement and sound of the balls.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

It is evident that the childminder thoroughly enjoys spending time with the children she cares for. Babies giggle with delight as the childminder plays a game of peek-a-boo with them. The childminder helps young children and babies to follow a good hygiene routine. She provides them with a healthy range of nutritious food and ensures that children's individual dietary needs are met at all times. Young children actively participate in cooking activities that help them to experience a wide range of tastes, including some spices. The childminder helps all children to build on their social skills during regular visits to organised groups. She provides young children and babies with a wide range of opportunities to enhance their physical skills in her inviting garden and during regular visits to parks. She supports babies to develop strength in their legs in preparation for walking.

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Outcomes for children are good

Young children and babies gain the necessary skills in preparation for their next stage in learning. For example, babies learn to hold their own drinking cup with both hands. Young children persevere with putting their shoes on the correct feet and happily help the childminder to carry out age-appropriate responsibilities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129140 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063659 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 4 February 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1993 and lives in the Brookmans Park area of Hatfield. She operates from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Registers

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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Registers

procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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Registers

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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