Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 18 January 2019 Previous inspection date 30 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 Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n The childminder carefully assesses areas of potential risk to children in her home and garden. She also helps children to begin to learn about safety. For example, she clearly explains to them why they cannot use the garden when it is icy outside. n Children quickly form strong attachments with the childminder. They demonstrate they are happy and inquisitive learners. Children move about the childminder's home freely, making their own choices from the wide range of opportunities available to them. n Children make good progress with the childminder. She helps them to develop good listening skills and to follow instructions. The childminder differentiates her questions according to children's understanding. For example, her questions to children with higher levels of understanding are more complex. This helps to challenge children's thinking skills. n The childminder meets regularly with other childminders and helps run a toddler group

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This provision is good

in her local community. Opportunities at this group enable the children she cares for to mix with larger groups of children, which helps to support their social development. n The childminder does not routinely develop effective partnership working with all other settings children attend, to gain a greater understanding of how they learn and develop in different contexts. n The childminder does not consistently make the best of opportunities to increase children's awareness of the differences and similarities between themselves, their families and others in society.

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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 enhance partnership working with all other settings that children attend, to build up a greater knowledge of how children are learning and developing n maximise opportunities for children to develop their understanding of the similarities and differences in each other, their families and of people in the wider world.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection 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 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 discussed children's development with the childminder and sampled some assessment records and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy. n The inspector took into account the written 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 knows how to swiftly meet children's needs in the event of a child protection concern. She reflects on her practice and looks for ways to make effective improvements. For example, the childminder ensures her resources and equipment continue to meet the needs and interests of each child. The childminder networks with other childminders and undertakes training. These activities provide her with opportunities to engage in professional discussions, share good practice and enhance her knowledge and teaching skills. The childminder regularly tracks children's progress and identifies any emerging gaps in their development. She shares this information with parents to help to promote continuity in children's learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder spends time with parents when they register their children with her. This helps her to get to know children well and gain a good understanding of what they can already do. The childminder skilfully teaches children as they play. For example, as children pretend to make meals with play food, she introduces mathematical concepts, such as size and counting. The childminder promotes children's literacy development well. For example, as she shares stories with them, she points out familiar words and gives children time to gain information from looking at pictures. The childminder carefully observes children's learning as they play and this helps her to identify their individual interests and next steps in learning. She uses this knowledge to plan further activities that build on children's skills and to support their overall good progress.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder respects each child's individuality and provides secure routines that meet their needs. For example, she provides food when children say they feel hungry and is aware of the different times that children need to sleep. Children have many opportunities to be active, they enjoy time they spend in the garden and have ample space indoors for movement. Children demonstrate they feel secure in the childminder's care. They chat freely to visitors and some children display high levels of communication and language skills. Parents speak positively about the childminder. For example, they state she provides a nurturing, caring environment and helps children to develop good social skills.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children develop effective skills that prepare them well for their future learning and eventual move to school. Children develop a good understanding of space and shape. They demonstrate this through completing puzzles and from an early age being able to recognise some basic shapes. Children learn how to use technological toys. For example, they know how to make music play by pressing buttons. They are keen to help each other to succeed, for example as they tell other children they will help them to complete puzzles.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY383827 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063606 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 12 Date of previous inspection 30 September 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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

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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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