Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 24 October 2018 Previous inspection date 27 August 2013

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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 childminder and her assistant are very attentive towards the children. They follow their routines from home closely and children settle well. Children show that they feel comfortable and happy and form strong emotional attachments with the childminder, assistants and their peers. n The childminder maintains good partnerships with parents and other settings that children attend. She shares ongoing information with them about children's interests and needs and provides children with continuous support. n The childminder promotes children's well-being and teaches them about the importance of good hygiene, exercising and eating well. Children enjoy planting, cooking and preparing their snacks. They are independent, confident and active. n Children make choices in their play and help themselves to their favourite toys and resources. The childminder promotes their learning styles well, with activities indoors

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The provision is good

and outside. Children eagerly play and explore their environment. n The childminder and assistant complete daily risk assessments of the premises. They effectively embed strategies in their practice to teach children about safety at home and on outings. Children are supervised closely and play in safety.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n The childminder does not consistently identify children's next steps in learning precisely enough to raise their achievements to outstanding levels.

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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 enhance the monitoring of children's progress to even more precisely identify their next steps in learning, helping children to achieve at the highest levels.

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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 outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed joint evaluations of activities with the childminder and her assistant. n The inspector interacted with the assistant and children during the inspection. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the childminder, her assistants and household members. She looked at training and qualification certificates. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from feedback provided by the childminder for the inspection.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder and her assistants attend safeguarding training. They have a suitable understanding of the signs of abuse and know what to do should they have concerns about the welfare of a child. The childminder follows thorough recruitment procedures and monitors her assistants' suitability. She observes their practice and evaluates their interactions with children. The childminder and her assistants reflect on possible gaps in children's skills; they work with parents to ensure that children have the support they need. Staff attend training and opportunities for professional development. The childminder engages parents and assistants in her reflective practice to continuously develop the provision for children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder and assistants use observations to plan activities that promote children's interests. They interact well with children and hold meaningful conversations with them. Teaching is good. For example, the childminder takes children to weekly visits to the woods to explore nature. Children learn about plants, the weather and animals. They also learn about keeping safe outdoors. The childminder promotes children's creativity and imaginations. For example, children play with toy bin lorries and collect pretend rubbish while learning the importance of keeping their city clean. Children learn at a good pace and are busy. The childminder and assistant effectively motivate them to play.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder and assistants are welcoming and children thoroughly enjoy spending time with them. They organise regular local trips with children. For example, children enjoy visiting toddler groups, parks and shops and go out for lunches and picnics. This helps children to learn about their community, develop social skills and gain an understanding of the wider world. The childminder and her assistants are good role models. Children behave well and cooperate with boundaries and routines. For example, the childminder engages them in helping to tidy away toys and they enjoy helping her during meals. Children make friends and show secure social skills.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children concentrate for long periods when playing with their favourite toys and activities. For example, they are engrossed in a threading activity using straws and use their imaginations when creating pictures using coloured feathers. Children develop literacy skills well. For example, they complete daily self-registration by finding their name cards and excitedly explore the wide range of writing tools available. Children show an interest in numeracy. For example, they use numbers and mathematical language during play. Children develop important skills for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 123455 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10068757 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 1 - 4 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 27 August 2013

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in St Albans. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has four registered assistants, but only works with one, at any one time. Of these, one holds appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

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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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