Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 16 January 2019 Previous inspection date 11 September 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 Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n The childminder records detailed observations and assessments to monitor the progress children make in their learning. She shares key information with parents and with other settings children attend. This contributes to the good rates of progress children make. n The childminder provides a highly stimulating learning environment. She meticulously prepares wonderful learning opportunities. For example, a winter activity entices children to play with toy arctic creatures. The childminder places relevant books in areas to enable children to find out more and read stories related to their activities. n Babies are supported very well to learn, play and explore independently. They have opportunities for floor play, pulling themselves up to standing and climbing onto small chairs for table activities. The childminder is skilful at knowing the best times to interact with all children to extend their learning.

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This provision is good

n The childminder is highly aware of how to promote healthy lifestyles to children. She provides children with opportunities for daily brisk walks. The childminder thinks carefully about the food she offers to children to ensure they have a safe level of sugar and salt in their diets. She also offers advice to parents on how to promote healthy lifestyles at home. n Although the childminder evaluates some aspects of her provision, she does not do this precisely enough to help her set clear targets for her ongoing development to improve her practice 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 extend the current self-evaluation process to focus more precisely on ways to raise the quality of practice to the highest levels.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector looked at the areas of the premises used for childminding. n The inspector observed the childminder's and children's interactions through play and routine activities. n The inspector observed the childminder teaching the children through a planned activity and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n The inspector discussed children's development with the childminder and looked at some assessment records and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections on her practice with her.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place which underpin her practice. She has good knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and of local safeguarding procedures. The childminder monitors children's safety and welfare very closely. She continually assesses risks in her home and on outings, and takes appropriate action to help her keep children safe. The childminder undertakes relevant training to help her develop her teaching skills. She talks about how training has an impact on her practice. For example, the childminder provides children with more opportunities to develop their large muscles through physical play. She understands how this contributes to the development of smaller muscles, such as in their hands.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder gains good information from parents about what children can already do when they start to attend her setting. She uses this and her own initial observations of children's learning to quickly establish their starting points in learning. The childminder is aware of children's current interests and teaches them well as they play. When young children show an interest in posting, she provides them with a wealth of opportunities. For example, they post shapes into sorters and quickly work out what happens when they put small toy animals through a window in a farm building. The childminder constantly chats to children, narrating their play. This helps children associate words and language to actions. The childminder introduces young children to numbers through songs, rhymes and counting as they play.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children form exceptionally close bonds with the childminder. They are very happy, settled and emotionally secure in her care. The childminder constantly praises children's efforts. From a young age, children convey themselves in a way that shows that they are proud of their achievements. For example, when the childminder tells babies they are clever, they immediately clap their hands and smile. The childminder is highly patient and gives children time to do things for themselves. She offers encouraging words, such as when young children are hesitant in getting down from a chair. She encourages children to take manageable risks, while being close by to ensure their safety. The childminder builds exceptionally strong partnerships with parents. They state she is attentive and caring to children and they thrive under her care.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress in their learning and they are well prepared for their future move on to school. Babies are confident, curious and inquisitive learners. They learn how they can make sounds by pressing buttons. This is a good introduction to early technology. Older children are developing a good understanding of letter sounds and different mathematical concepts. These are good foundations on which to build their future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY411764 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063624 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 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 11 September 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Watford. She operates all year round from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification at level 4.

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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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