Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 15 January 2019 Previous inspection date 13 November 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 well qualified and has lots of experience in working with children. She offers a welcoming and stimulating learning environment. She helps children to become active learners. They initiate their own play and follow their own interests. n Children are settled and happy with the childminder. She develops strong, caring relationships with them. The childminder values children as individuals and takes time to get to know their likes and dislikes, routines and interests. n Children have daily opportunities for exercise and fresh air. This helps to promote their good health and supports their physical well-being. The childminder encourages healthy eating and provides children with nutritious meals and snacks. n Children develop a good knowledge and understanding of the use of technology. They learn how to operate mechanical toys, for example, by lifting flaps, turning knobs and pushing buttons.

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This provision is good

n The childminder helps children to show care and concern for living things. For example, children love to eat the tomatoes they have grown in the garden. They feed the birds and enjoy seeing the baby animals at the farm. n The childminder develops good partnerships with parents. She regularly shares information with them about their children's care and learning, to help them continue to support their progress at home. n On occasions, the childminder does not make the most of opportunities to develop younger children's understanding of early mathematics. n The childminder's self-evaluation is not used effectively enough to set challenging targets and raise the quality of the provision even further.

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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 make the most of all opportunities to further develop younger children's early mathematical skills n strengthen self-evaluation processes to raise further the good quality of provision.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector had a tour of the premises and viewed the areas used by the children. n The inspector observed the children interacting with the childminder. n The inspector discussed children's learning and development 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 took account of the views of parents through reading written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder keeps herself up to date with local safeguarding procedures and understands how to report any concerns she may have about children's welfare. She completes daily checks of the premises to ensure that they are safe and suitable for children. The childminder monitors children's progress effectively. She is aware of areas where children may require additional support. The childminder has very good links with other settings that children attend, including the local school. Parents are very happy with the service provided. They particularly appreciate the childminder's flexible approach, which helps to provide continuity of care for children and their families.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has a good understanding about how children learn. She observes and assesses children's progress and plans enjoyable activities to support their learning. The childminder helps children to develop good communication skills. She models language clearly and provides many opportunities to promote their speaking and listening skills. Children are developing a love of books and have favourite stories. Younger children explore with crayons, paints and play dough. Children develop a good understanding of their local community. They enjoy bus rides to the library and shops. The childminder takes them to playgroups, where they have opportunities to socialise with children in larger groups.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form close attachments to the childminder. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in her care. The childminder is a good role model. She is calm, kind and teaches children good manners. The childminder sets clear boundaries and frequently gives children praise and encouragement. Children behave well and are polite to visitors. The childminder helps children to become independent. For example, she teaches them how to prepare their own fruit at snack time, and how to put on their coats and shoes. Children become aware of their own safety as they learn to cross the road on their way to school. The childminder supports them well as they play on the equipment at the park and soft-play areas.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in all aspects of their learning and development. They display high levels of self-confidence, independence and motivation, and enjoy leading their own play. Children concentrate well in their chosen activities. They share, take turns and cooperate with others. Children confidently use different writing tools and enjoy practising their early writing skills. Children are beginning to build friendships with each other. They learn to be part of a group, understand rules and show respect for the feelings and choices of others. Children are developing the skills and attitudes they need for their future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149288 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063527 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 5 Date of previous inspection 13 November 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1993 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an 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

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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