Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 22 November 2018 Previous inspection date 5 June 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 Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Good 2

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The provision is good

n Children form superb, warm and caring bonds with the childminder. They show they are very happy and feel exceptionally secure. Children thrive in the childminder's care and demonstrate very high levels of confidence. n The childminder plans a wide range of stimulating learning experiences that help children make good progress. Children learn about life-cycles as they observe caterpillars creating their cocoon before transforming in to butterflies. They also enjoy regular organised outings to a local farm. Children watch lambs being born and learn how cows are milked. n The well-qualified and experienced childminder continuously evaluates her practice, identifying and addressing areas for improvement. n The childminder forms strong partnerships with parents. She involves them in every aspect of their child's learning and they receive detailed feedback about their child's good progress. Parents appreciate the 'home-from-home' environment the childminder

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The provision is good

creates and comment that her home is 'always full of life'.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n The childminder does not always provide opportunities for children to fully explore how media can be used and changed. n The childminder does not share precise information about nursery-aged children's ongoing achievements with staff from the other settings they attend to fully support continuity in their learning.

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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 opportunities for children to fully explore media to further encourage their creative thinking and exploration n strengthen partnerships with staff from other settings that children attend so that more precise information about children's achievements is shared.

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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 assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity 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 interacted and spoke to children during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided and discussed with the childminder how she reflects on the service she provides.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a secure understanding of possible signs that indicate that children may be at risk of harm. She knows how to take swift action to protect children's welfare in the event of a child protection concern. She is dedicated to her role and is keen to continue to build on her knowledge. For example, recent training has increased her understanding of promoting children's mathematical language, for example, when using recycled items. The childminder carefully reviews children's progress to swiftly address any possible gaps in their learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children are motivated and inquisitive learners. For instance, they try different ways to operate electronic toys. They use trial and error to find out how to record their own voice and play this back. The childminder's detailed observations and assessment of children supports her to meet the needs of all children. She helps children to develop the small-muscles skills in preparation for writing. For example, children mould play dough and use their fingers to pick up grains of uncooked rice. The childminder consistently listens to what children attempt to say. She skilfully supports them to pronounce the words they attempt to say and introduces them to new words in context. This helps them to swiftly build on their language skills.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children demonstrate an exceptionally strong sense of self-esteem. They are immensely proud of their achievements. Children's welfare and personal development is at the heart of everything the childminder does. For instance, she is highly effective in helping children to become aware of their own and other's feelings. This means that children behave superbly and demonstrate strong friendly relationships. They frequently hug each other and play harmoniously together. The childminder provides children with excellent opportunities to assess their own risks and build strength and stamina from an early age. For instance, they safely use a knife to prepare their own snack and climb on large apparatus at the park. The childminder provides children with a rich range of opportunities that help children gain a high level of understanding of people, families and communities beyond their own.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are exceptionally independent for their age. They manage their own outer clothing and know that they need to wash their hands before eating. Children understand mathematical language. They count and divide a large ball of dough into four pieces to create more. Children are learning to recognise the pattern of their name when it is written down. They gain the necessary skills needed to help prepare them for their future learning at school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 117720 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10070367 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 - 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection 5 June 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Baldock. She operates from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 5. She provides funded early education for three-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

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

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