Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 20 November 2018 Previous inspection date 9 March 2015

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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 uses what she knows about children's learning to ensure that she challenges them effectively. Children make good progress in their learning from their starting points. n Partnerships with parents are effective. The childminder exchanges information to ensure continuity of care and learning for children. Parents share very positive views about the service that the childminder provides. n Children are happy in the childminder's care and they readily engage in conversation with the childminder and other children. Relationships are very good. A gradual settling-in procedure that is agreed with parents in accordance with their child's needs helps children to feel emotionally secure. n The childminder supports children's language skills effectively. She talks to children about what they are doing and repeats words back to them to support their pronunciation and increase their vocabulary.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n The childminder does not always build fully effective partnerships with other settings that children attend, to maintain the highest level of continuity in their learning. n The childminder does not consistently provide a wide range of natural resources to enable young children to fully explore and investigate in everyday play.

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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 partnerships with other settings that children attend, to promote a more effective exchange of information about children's learning and development n build on opportunities for younger children to explore and investigate a variety of sensory resources.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed different activities indoors and assessed the impact these had on children's learning. 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 spoke with the childminder and children during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents and children through reading written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good knowledge about the potential signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows the procedures to follow and who to contact in the local authority about any concerns. The childminder frequently evaluates her practice. She seeks the views of parents and children and incorporates these into her plans for improvement. The childminder strengthens and builds on her knowledge and skills by undertaking professional development and training. She regularly evaluates the assessments of children's progress. The childminder provides targeted support when she identifies gaps in their learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The well-qualified childminder has a good understanding of how children learn through the different ages and stages of development. She incorporates opportunities for mathematical development into the children's daily play and routines. For instance, as children play sorting games with coloured teddy bears, the childminder counts from one to five and encourages children to sort and name the different colours. She extends this learning by counting the number of fruit pieces the children eat at snack time. The childminder supports children's physical development effectively. She provides a variety of activities that challenges children to develop their good handling skills. The childminder teaches children about the world around them. For example, she builds on their interest in vehicles and children learn that cars have wheels and boats do not.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are happy and behave well. They listen and respond well to the childminder's reminders for good behaviour. Children are learning the skills of taking turns and sharing with each other. They are encouraged to wash their hands before mealtimes and learn about the benefits of eating well. Children enjoy being active. For instance, they go on nature walks and use sit-and-ride and push-along toys in the garden. This helps children to learn about living a healthy lifestyle.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are eager learners and participate in a wide range of activities. They explore electronic toys and learn how to push the buttons to activate different noises, and happily talk to the childminder. For example, toddlers press buttons on the play microwave, count from one to five, and talk to the childminder about the imaginary food they are serving her. Children learn the necessary skills needed to be ready for moving on to nursery or school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY265093 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10070383 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 - 7 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 9 March 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.15am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant 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

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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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