Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 21 November 2018 Previous inspection date 28 April 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 actively seeks ways to improve her practice. For example, she completes regular courses, engages in seminars over the internet and has gained a level 3 qualification since the last inspection. The childminder shows a deep understanding of the different ways children learn and knows how to enhance and extend the activities that she provides. n Children benefit from a nurturing and warm environment where they are valued for their uniqueness. For example, the childminder welcomes children to share information about their individual culture and language or detail their experiences from the various countries they visit. n The childminder knows the children well and swiftly adapts her routine when she recognises a child is not feeling themselves. She is aware of how to provide comfort to each child to help soothe and settle them. Children respond well and develop a secure attachment to the childminder.

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The provision is good

n Children enjoy sharing photographs of the childminder's children, the other children who attend and previous children. This helps them to develop warm relationships with children of all ages and recognise how they grow and change over time. n The childminder values the knowledge parents have to share and encourages them to be involved in children's learning from the very start. For example, the childminder regularly gathers, and updates detailed information about each child. This enables her to engage children in meaningful discussion as she talks to them about family changes and their future plans.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n The childminder has not precisely reviewed the impact of her teaching on children's good progress to set clear and defined targets for supporting children to reach the highest levels of attainment.

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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 focus more precisely on evaluating the impact of teaching on the progress children make in their learning to set clear targets towards supporting substantial and sustained progress that leads to the highest levels of achievement.

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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 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 with young children during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents and older children through written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder maintains a secure knowledge of child protection issues. She knows the correct procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child's welfare. Older children say they feel confident they can speak to the childminder if they are worried about anything. The childminder has established good links to the other settings children attend to help promote continuity in their learning. For example, she has regular discussions with key staff at the children's schools to share relevant information. In addition, following a risk assessment of a school entrance, she passed on her suggestions to the headteacher. This resulted in one of the main gates being widened to improve safety at peak times when a high volume of parents and carers arrive to collect their children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder's home is stimulating and well organised. This enables children to make choices in their play. Children use their imagination as they engage in pretend play with toys. They use the kitchen equipment and a teapot to make and pour tea. Children experiment with using sounds and words in their play. They make the noise of their chosen vehicle and talk on a pretend phone. Children begin to organise and categorise objects as they place items in a separate pile. The childminder completes regular and accurate assessments on children. She notes their interests and uses these well to support children to achieve their next steps in learning. For example, the childminder places favourite toys just out of reach for a child who walks around the furniture. This helps to build strength and balance in their legs as they prepare to take their first steps.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides children with clear expectations about what is acceptable behaviour. One of the ways she does this is through her use of simple house rules that she expects all children to follow. For example, she encourages children to be kind to one another and say please and thank you. Older children show empathy and are eager to help the younger children. The childminder provides children with plentiful opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and build on their understanding of the world. For example, children recently visited a zoo to view the new-born tiger cubs. They attend weekly groups and soft-play centres where they meet and play with other children. The childminder encourages children to try new food textures and tastes as part of the balanced and nutritious diet that she provides. These are some of the ways the childminder helps to promote children's good health.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress from their starting points. They become confident individuals, keen to express their preferences and know to respect each other's differences. Children are skilful communicators and learn to converse in a range of ways. For example, they repeat new words that they hear and use these in the right context. Young children ably use visual prompts to convey their requests. Children are motivated to learn and gain the essential skills that they need to help prepare them for future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY470363 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10059895 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 9 Date of previous inspection 28 April 2014

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Registers

The childminder was registered in 2013 and lives in the Oakfield estate area of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3 and provides funded early education for 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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