Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 21 January 2019 Previous inspection date 8 December 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 highly motivated and enthusiastic. She provides a welcoming and homely environment where children can play safely. Children are happy and settled. They thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder as she makes learning fun. n The quality of teaching is good. The childminder knows the children well. She assesses their development and uses the information to plan what children need to learn next. Children make very good progress in their learning. n Children have many opportunities to explore nature and the world around them. The childminder takes them on exciting outings, such as to the farm, parks and woodlands. They enjoy collecting leaves to make pictures. n The childminder manages children's behaviour very well. She acts as a good role model and provides children with consistent boundaries and expectations. She encourages children to be thoughtful, kind and understanding.

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This provision is good

n The childminder forms very effective partnerships with parents. She shares information on a daily basis to help keep them fully informed of their children's care and learning. Parents are extremely happy with the provision and say that they fully trust the childminder's judgements, and that she is calm, patient and kind. n The childminder does not always make the most of ongoing training opportunities to strengthen her existing knowledge and teaching skills. n The childminder has not explored ways to extend partnerships with teachers from the local schools children attend, to fully support their continuity of learning.

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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 greater use of training opportunities to strengthen existing knowledge and teaching skills further n strengthen the partnerships with teachers from the local schools children attend, enabling a shared approach to their learning.

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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 quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has 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 took account of the views of parents through reading written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding issues and knows who to contact if she has concerns about the welfare of a child. Children are supervised well. The childminder places a high priority on children's safety. She completes thorough risk assessments and daily checks of the premises to ensure that they are safe and suitable for children. The childminder effectively monitors and tracks children's progress. This ensures she can quickly highlight any gaps in their development and provide children with relevant support to meet their learning needs. The childminder reflects on her practice and continually reviews the service she provides to children and families.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder's enthusiastic approach to learning means that children are excited and keen to learn. Children's learning records shows the many exciting activities they enjoy with the childminder, and the very good progress they are making. Children take part in imaginative role play based on their own experiences. For example, they act out taking their dolls on holiday. Children are given time to talk and the childminder listens carefully to what they have to say. Stories are used to challenge and extend children's listening skills. Younger children excitedly join in with sensory activities, such as hunting for animals in foam. The childminder talks to them as they play, to extend their learning further. She cleverly incorporates mathematics into the activity, such as using their fingers to draw circles in the foam.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form warm, trusting relationships with the childminder. They enjoy cuddles with her, and show they are happy and settled. She knows children's individual needs and interests well, which helps to support their emotional well-being. They are confident to freely explore the wide range of toys and resources that the childminder provides for them. The childminder regularly praises children, which helps to raise their confidence and self-esteem. She ensures that children's views and contributions are valued. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air, exercise and healthy meals and snacks. Mealtimes are sociable occasions and the childminder sits with the children and joins in their conversations.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and are working securely within the stage of development expected for their age. They are confident talkers and are happy to express their ideas and talk about what they know. Children are eager to take part in activities and show good levels of interest and engagement. They demonstrate good self-care skills. Younger children enjoy making marks in different ways and are beginning to recognise letters of their names and familiar words. Children form close friendships and enjoy their play together. They are very well prepared for their next stage in learning and their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149531 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063532 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 - 6 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 8 December 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in Hitchin. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early years education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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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