Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 28 November 2018 Previous inspection date 29 January 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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This provision is good

n The childminder is passionate about working with children. She shows this in her enthusiasm and the enjoyment she demonstrates when interacting and playing with them. n The childminder makes regular and accurate assessments of children's learning. She uses this assessment process to establish their next steps in learning and development. n The childminder has good relationships with parents. She keeps them well informed about their children's development and progress. n Children benefit from the provision of freshly cooked and nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder caters for their individual dietary requirements. She promotes children's understanding of healthy eating and supports their good health. n Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. They develop strong positive attachments with her. She is attentive to their needs and knows them well. n The childminder has clear expectations and is a good role model for positive behaviour.

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This provision is good

Children are polite, helpful, well behaved and show consideration for others. n The childminder provides an interesting range of activities to stimulate children's curiosity and promote good attitudes to learning. She establishes positive routines to help children become confident and self-aware. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. n The childminder does not make the most of opportunities to work closely with other early years settings involved with children to help ensure greater continuity in their learning. n The childminder's professional development is not targeted at strengthening her practice so that it reaches an outstanding level.

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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 strengthen links with other settings children attend, to help ensure a fully shared approach to children's care and learning n make the most of professional development opportunities that further enhance practice and support children's rapid progress.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of activities and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation and evaluated this with the childminder. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as the childminder's self- evaluation and evidence of the suitability of the adults living on the premises. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector took account of the written feedback from parents.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder can identify signs that would give her cause for concern about a child's welfare. She knows how to refer any concerns to the relevant authorities to help ensure that children are protected from harm. The childminder checks the environment daily to confirm it remains a safe place for children to play. She regularly and accurately monitors children's progress to identify and close any gaps in their learning. The childminder exchanges information with parents and builds on the learning experiences that children enjoy at home. Parents comment that they are very happy with the childminder's service and particularly with her continuity of routines for younger children. The childminder consistently evaluates her practice to help ensure children achieve good outcomes in their learning and development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder focuses well on children as they play and learn. She is attentive and reshapes tasks to match what children know and can do. The childminder helps children's language development using a range of teaching strategies. She models language to repeat words and phrases, extends sentences and introduces new words. The childminder supports children to learn how to use new resources and equipment through demonstrations. For example, she shows them how to use tweezers. This helps children develop their hand-to-eye coordination and small-muscle skills as they pick up different sized pompoms and place these in a cup. The childminder helps children to accurately identify shapes, colours, size and quantities as they explore and play. She supports them well to understand simple mathematical concepts, such as 'more' and 'less', when they use different materials to consider if a container is completely full.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming home in which children are happy and settle quickly. Children develop a strong bond with the childminder. They show they feel safe and secure in her care. The childminder is very nurturing and responsive to children. She uses praise effectively. This helps to support children's emotional well- being. The childminder promotes children's health well. She monitors and supports good hygiene routines, helping children to understand why these are important. The childminder promotes healthy eating and provides children with nutritious snacks and meals. Children have regular opportunities for fresh air. They enjoy visits to local playgroups, parks and shops. Children are keen to join in activities and try new experiences.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop typically for their age and stage of development and make good progress. They are inquisitive, show curiosity and have a willingness to learn. They are eager to take part in activities and show good levels of interest and engagement. Children communicate their wants and needs confidently. They are given plenty of opportunities to make their own decisions during play activities. Children develop a good range of skills in preparation for their future learning and eventual move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY299968 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10070386 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 2 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 29 January 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in St Albans. She operates all year round, from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an 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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: www.ofsted.gov.uk/user .

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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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