Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 29 October 2018 Previous inspection date 13 October 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 childminder provides a clean, well-organised and welcoming environment where children can play safely. Children have interesting, enjoyable days as they take part in activities or go on exciting outings. For example, they enjoy looking at the dinosaurs in the museum. n Parents comment that they are extremely happy with the very good care their children receive. The childminder regularly shares information with them about their children's progress to help them continue to support their learning at home. n The childminder has a kind and caring approach. She is a good role model, treating children with respect. Children form close relationships with her and show their affection for her, helping to support their emotional well-being. n The childminder takes every precaution to keep children safe and secure in her home and on outings. Regular fire drills are carried out and risk assessments are thorough.

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The provision is good

She teaches children about road safety as they walk to school. n The childminder helps children to develop a very good understanding of the world around them. For example, they notice the leaves changing colour on their trips to the woods. They plant tomatoes and coriander seeds and watch them grow.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n At times, the childminder does not make the best use of opportunities to encourage children to do more for themselves and extend their independence even further. n The systems to monitor the progress that children make are not fully effective to ensure children are making the best possible progress.

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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 provide children with further opportunities to allow them to be even more independent n develop the systems for monitoring of children's progress to ensure the highest learning outcomes for all children.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and is committed to providing good- quality care and education for all children. She often meets other childminders and shares ideas and good practice. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant, who is available to help her in emergencies. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder and her assistant have a good understanding of their role in safeguarding children. They know the procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder has established very good links with the local children's centre, playgroups and school. This helps to provide consistency in children's care, learning and development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides stimulating and interesting activities to support children's learning successfully. She provides children with a wide range of learning experiences indoors and outdoors. Children become confident in counting objects and the childminder helps them to become familiar with numbers. They explore the texture of play dough and use tools to cut and shape it. The childminder plays alongside the children. She listens to their ideas and ask questions to help promote children's thinking skills. Children develop good early literacy skills. They can write some letters, and recognise their names in print. Each child has their own learning journal, which includes photographs of their achievements and the many activities they take part in.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder makes children and their families feel very welcome in her home. She establishes close bonds with the children and supports their personal, social and emotional needs well. Children are valued and praised for their efforts and achievements. This helps them to develop good levels of self-esteem. Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder encourages children to have healthy lifestyles. They enjoy nutritious meals, rest when needed and join in with physical activities. Children gain a good understanding of where food comes from through activities, such as growing herbs and vegetables in the garden. They have opportunities to socialise with other children as they regularly visit local playgroups.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and acquire the skills they need to support the next stages in their learning. For example, they learn to count, write their names and learn the sounds that letters make. They gain an understanding of the natural world around them, such as learning about what plants need to grow. Children are helpful and tidy away their toys when they have finished with them. They develop good communication skills and confidently talk to visitors about what they are doing.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY430613 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10069432 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 3 - 4 Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 13 October 2014

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant on an emergency basis only. She is registered to provide funded early education places for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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