Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 20 November 2018 Previous inspection date 13 November 2014

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Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement Outcomes for children Good 2

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This is a provision that requires improvement

n The childminder has not ensured that her assistant, who at times has sole charge of the children, holds a full and current paediatric first-aid certificate. n Overall, the childminder has a good relationship with the parents. However, she does not consistently gather information from parents on children's learning at home. n Although the childminder completes regular assessments of children's development, she does not consistently use this information effectively to identify precisely what they need to learn next to help them make rapid progress.

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It has the following strengths

n Self-evaluation is effective. The childminder reflects on her practice and considers the views of her assistant, the parents and children. She recognises how to make positive changes to enhance practice and outcomes for children. n The childminder has good relationships with the staff at a local nursery that children also attend. Information on children's learning is shared between the childminder and the nursery. This helps to provide a consistent approach to children's learning. Children make good progress. n The children have formed close bonds with both the childminder and her assistant. Parents comment on how quickly their children settle into the childminder's home. Children are happy and confident.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date ensure that all assistants who are left in sole charge of the children on or off the premises hold a full current paediatric first-aid certificate. 31/12/2018

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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 systems for gathering information from parents about their children's learning at home n enhance the use of information gained from the assessment of children's learning to plan precisely and help them to achieve at the highest levels.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed activities in the setting. n The inspector looked at samples of children's records and other documentation, including policies and procedures. n The inspector took account of parents' views through talking to parents and reading written feedback provided on the day. n The inspector spoke to the childminder, her assistant and the children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used for childminding purposes.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management requires improvement

The childminder supports her assistant with a thorough induction process and ongoing supervision. However, the childminder has not made sure that her assistant holds a current paediatric first-aid certificate and at times is left on the premises alone in sole charge of the children. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder and her assistant have a sound knowledge of child protection and know what to do if they were concerned about a child. The childminder is committed to her own professional development. She has attended a variety of training courses, and researches topics for development online. The childminder checks the suitability of her assistant to work with children and follows a rigorous recruitment and vetting procedure.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides a stimulating and homely learning environment. Children also benefit from regular outings to local parks, ponds and soft-play centres to enhance learning and their understanding of the community. The childminder and her assistant frequently review children's learning and they know exactly what they can do. They skilfully identify gaps in learning and work with children to help them catch up quickly. Activities are well planned. They provide challenge and help the children achieve their next stage in learning. Methods of teaching are good. The childminder and her assistant work alongside the children and follow their lead. They both use careful questions to promote conversation and enhance children's communication skills. Children learn early mathematical skills through play. For example, they learn about shapes, new mathematical language and how to count through a sensory activity.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

Weaknesses in leadership and management mean that children's well-being is not fully assured in the event of an accident. However, the childminder and her assistant keep children safe and children are well cared for. Their individual needs are met and children respond well to the childminder and her assistant. Children seek the childminder out for cuddles and are reassured by her. The childminder and her assistant are good role models. They explain the consequences of the children's actions, set clear boundaries and promote positive behaviour at all times. Children behave well. The childminder and her assistant frequently praise the children for their achievements. This helps to build their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder provides healthy meals for the children. This helps children to make healthy choices.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress in all areas of their learning. They achieve the milestones typical of their age. Children leave the childminder's care well prepared for the next stage in their learning, such as nursery or school. Children are independent and learn key skills. For example, they competently wash their hands before mealtimes and feed themselves. Children develop early reading skills as they recognise the letters in their name.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY259617 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10069413 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 - 7 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 13 November 2014

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2003. She lives in Bushey, Hertfordshire. She operates Monday to Friday, term time only, from 7am to 6pm. She works with an assistant.

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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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