Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 26 November 2018 Previous inspection date 30 May 2014

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3

Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement

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3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement

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3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement

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3

Outcomes for children Requires improvement

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This is a provision that requires improvement

n The childminder does not use her ongoing assessments of children's learning well enough, to identify where they can be challenged further or require additional support. n The childminder does not focus her programme of professional development on driving the quality of teaching to a consistently good standard or strengthening her knowledge and understanding of recent changes to practice and guidance. n The childminder does not make good use of evaluating her provision to identify weaknesses in her practice.

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It has the following strengths

n The childminder supports children to develop their communication and language skills. For example, she listens carefully to what children have to say and uses a clear tone of voice as she responds. Children repeat words that they hear and ask simple questions. n Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. They develop a strong bond with the childminder and play well alongside her grandchildren. For example, the childminder encourages children to work together and look at a picture to guide them to complete a floor puzzle. n Parents are very happy with the care provided and say that their children get excited when they know they are going to see the childminder.

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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 ongoing assessments of children's learning are precise to understand their levels of achievement, inform planning and challenge them to make good progress in all areas of learning 26/12/2018

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

establish a more focused programme of professional development that helps to raise the quality of teaching to a consistently good level and strengthen knowledge and understanding of recent changes to practice and guidance. 26/12/2018

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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 develop the process of self-evaluation to clearly highlight the strengths and weaknesses of current practice and continually drive forward improvement.

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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 had 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 spoke with the children during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management requires improvement

The childminder reflects on the range of resources and outdoor experiences that she offers to children. This helps to ensure they enjoy the time they spend with her. However, the childminder's system for self-evaluation is not rigorous enough to identify strengths or weaknesses of her current practice. For example, the childminder says she has not refreshed her knowledge of the learning and development requirements for some time. Therefore, she is not able to track children's progress accurately or prioritise their areas for development. In addition, the childminder has not thought more fully about how the most recent sector changes relate to her own practice and can further improve outcomes for children. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder recognises the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child who is at risk of harm. She knows the correct procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment requires improvement

At times the teaching is variable. The childminder routinely observes and assesses each child and devises some next steps in their learning. However, her assessments do not focus precisely on children's age and stage of development to inform her planning. Although she provides activities that engage children, they do not always match their current abilities. This means that on occasions, she does not provide children with appropriate levels of challenge and limited learning takes place. For example, the childminder focuses on supporting very young children to learn their colours and will frequently repeat the same activity. The childminder recognises when children lose interest in an activity and tells them what else is available. This helps children to make informed choices. Children use their imagination as they engage in role play. They make pretend sandwiches for lunch with pepperoni and ham.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

Children do not consistently benefit from challenging activities that extend all areas of learning. The childminder gathers information from parents when children start to help support their smooth move into her home. This includes individual care routines and favourite activities. Children show awareness of the daily routines and anticipate what comes next, eager to climb into the highchair for lunch. They follow the childminder's clear guidance and behave well. The childminder supports children to develop their social skills. For example, she takes them to weekly groups and soft-play activities. This enables them to interact with other children. In addition, the childminder takes children on regular walks with her dogs. This helps to promote their physical development.

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Outcomes for children require improvement

The weaknesses in teaching mean that children do not make consistently good progress. However, children do acquire the basic skills that they need in readiness for school. For example, children concentrate well during activities and show a motivation to learn. They use number names in their play and choose a range of coloured pens to make marks. Young children competently feed themselves and practise their small-muscle skills to manipulate soft dough between their fingers.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129770 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10083607 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 - 1 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 1 Date of previous inspection 30 May 2014

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Leavesden on the outskirts of Watford, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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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