Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 11 September 2018 Previous inspection date 11 March 2014

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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 The quality of teaching is good. The childminder knows the children very well. She adapts activities and outings to reflect children's interests and stage of development. She regularly observes children during activities and is aware of the good progress they are making. n The childminder is a very effective role model. She reminds children to use good manners and offers them lots of encouragement and praise as they play. This helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem. n The childminder understands the needs of children after a day in school. Children of all ages enjoy their time with her and are happy and relaxed. Younger children watch and learn from the older children. For example, they enjoy making their sandwiches together. n Children's communication and language are supported well. The childminder continually talks to children, modelling language to support their vocabulary.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n The childminder does not consistently organise all areas of the environment as well as possible to enable children to have ample space to play and explore. n Partnerships with other early years settings children also attend are not fully established to further support continuity in their care and learning. n The childminder's self-evaluation does not consistently highlight specific areas for improvement to raise the quality of provision to the highest level.

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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 review the organisation of the environment to make the most of the available space and enhance children's learning further n strengthen partnerships with other settings and schools that children attend to encourage effective information sharing and provide greater continuity in children's care and learning n make more consistent use of self-evaluation to help secure further improvements and raise the quality of provision even higher.

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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 and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector reviewed the children's assessment records and a selection of policies and procedures. n The inspector checked evidence of the childminder's qualifications and suitability, and that of others working or living on the premises. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through discussions and written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder ensures that children are kept safe and secure at all times. She has attended child protection training and understands the local safeguarding procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child's welfare. She has an informative set of policies that she shares with parents, so they understand her practices. The childminder monitors children's development and ensures that any gaps are identified early, and appropriate interventions planned. Parents are very complimentary about the service she provides for their children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of children's stage of development and what they enjoy. She gathers relevant information from parents when children first start. Children are encouraged to use their imagination. For example, younger children pretend to have picnics and serve tea to their dolls. The childminder helps them to recognise the different shaped cutters they use to make their sandwiches. This helps to develop children's mathematical skills. The childminder interacts well with the children. She sits at their level, offering lots of praise and encouragement and listening to their ideas. Older children enjoy playing board games and using the computer. They have many opportunities to practise the skills they are learning in school.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Relationships between the childminder and children are warm and caring. This positively supports children's emotional well-being and self-esteem. Children soon become familiar with the routines, such as taking off their shoes as they arrive. They develop their independence well. They demonstrate this as they make their sandwiches and choose the filling they would like. The childminder models how to use knives safely. During the activity, they discuss the foods that are good for them, encouraging their understanding of healthy foods. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise that promote their physical skills. They play in the garden and enjoy their visits to the local park and soft-play centres. This helps children to learn to take manageable risks and experience challenge in their play. They also learn how to behave in safe ways. For example, they talk about road safety on the way to school.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are eager to join in activities and they have fun. They initiate their own play and follow their own interests. Children concentrate well and work hard to complete their tasks. Younger children use number language, such as the name of shapes, as they play. Children listen to the childminder and follow simple instructions during activities. They play happily together and quickly become good friends. Children are gaining the skills they need for their future learning and at school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149619 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10059647 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 4 - 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 11 March 2014

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, 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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