Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 11 September 2018 Previous inspection date 30 July 2015

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

n Children benefit from regular outings in the local community, such as visits to the farm, library and local parks. These outings help to support children to gain a knowledge of the area where they live and the world around them. n Children have strong bonds with the childminder. She knows children well, including their personal preferences, like and dislikes. Children are well cared for. n The childminder has good relationships with parents and they speak highly of her. Communication between the parents and childminder has improved greatly since the last inspection. Information on children's learning is shared both ways. This helps to provide a consistent approach to children's learning. n The childminder follows children's lead and interests. She skilfully enhances activities of their choosing to meet their learning needs. This helps to make sure that children are engaged and motivated to learn. Children make good progress.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

n Sometimes, the childminder does not use the information from her observations to precisely identify children's next steps in learning to help them make the best possible progress.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

n make the most of observations of children's development and focus more precisely on identifying their next steps in learning to help them make even better progress.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed activities in the setting, inside and outdoors. n The inspector looked at samples of children's records and other documentation, including policies and procedures. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection n The inspector took account of parents' views through the written feedback provided on the day. n The inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used for childminding purposes.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The childminder shows a strong desire to continually improve. Self-evaluation is effective. Parent's and children's views form an integral part of the process. Recently, the childminder has introduced new resources that include natural materials and loose parts. This has enhanced children's early mathematics skills and they have learned to sort, construct and solve simple problems with the new resources. The childminder is committed to her own professional development. Recent training on 'technology in the early years' has seen the introduction of new toys and simple machinery. This has encouraged children to operate and gain an understanding of how things work. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder implements rigorous procedures, including effective risk assessments, to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Overall, the assessment of children's learning is effective. The childminder knows what children can do. Frequent reviews of children's learning and activities enables her to plan exciting experiences that challenge them. The childminder's teaching is good. She encourages children to 'have a go' and with careful use of questioning she encourages them to solve problems and work things out for themselves. For example, she asks children, which type of piece of train track they will need to complete the track. The childminder provides a stimulating environment inside and outdoors that provides challenge for all ages. She frequently makes resources that are tailored to children's individual needs to enhance their learning. For example, she has made stones with 'happy' or 'sad' faces on to encourage children to have an awareness of feelings and emotions.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

There is an effective settling-in system that supports the parents and children. The childminder has developed her system of how she gathers information about children when they first start. This enables her to meet children's individual needs from the start. Children settle quickly into the childminder's home. They are happy, secure and confident. Children enjoy the childminders company and they call out for her to join in their play or snuggle into her lap for a cuddle. The childminder is a positive role model and she has a calm manner with the children. Children behave very well and play kindly with each other. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children have healthy meals. This helps to enable children to make healthy choices in the future.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are making good progress in all areas of their learning and development. They achieve the developmental milestones typical for their age. Children leave the childminder's care well prepared for the next stage in their learning. Children become independent. They wash their hands before mealtimes, feed themselves and learn how to put their shoes on for outdoor play. Children learn early mathematics skills through play. For example, they learn how to count how many animals are on the toy farm.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY403667 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063614 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 5 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 30 July 2015

p.4

Registers

The childminder was registered in 2009 and lives in Watford. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides free early education for children aged three and four years.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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 .

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

Registers

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: www.ofsted.gov.uk/user .

p.5

Registers

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

p.5