Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 28 January 2019 Previous inspection date 14 July 2016

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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 provides a welcoming and homely environment where children can play safely. Children demonstrate that they are happy and settled. They thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. n Children make good progress. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of children's level of development and what they enjoy. She makes accurate assessments of the children's learning and plans effectively for the next steps in their learning. n The childminder encourages children to count and use mathematical language as they play. For example, when exploring birdseed, children confidently count how many spoonfuls they need to fill the cup. n Parents say that they would strongly recommend the childminder and they feel lucky to have her. The written feedback, from both the parents and older children, demonstrates the high regard they have for her. The childminder regularly shares ideas

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This provision is good

with parents, so they can continue their children's learning at home. n The childminder reflects on her practice successfully. She monitors children's progress well and identifies any gaps in learning and development. She effectively plans to address these in order to help all children achieve well. n At times, the childminder does not make the best use of opportunities to encourage children to do more for themselves and extend their independence even further. n The childminder does not make the most of opportunities for professional development to further improve her knowledge and good practice.

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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 provide children with further opportunities to allow them to be even more independent n strengthen the plans for professional development to maintain up-to-date knowledge and build on children's outcomes even further.

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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 and older children, through reading written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The childminder is well qualified and has been caring for children for many years. She knows the children very well and helps them to feel valued and welcome in her home. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children and knows what to do if she is concerned to protect a child's welfare. She is knowledgeable about the different types of abuse and the signs and symptoms that may indicate children are at risk from harm. The childminder checks her home daily and takes effective steps to minimise any potential hazards. She understands the importance of working in partnerships with other settings. She has established very good links with the schools that children attend in order to further support their learning and development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides enjoyable, good-quality learning experiences. Each child has their own learning journey book, which shows the good progress they are making. The childminder shows that she is interested in what children say. Children are keen to involve her in their play and she uses all opportunities to promote children's communication and language development. For example, she introduces new words and provides a running commentary as children play. They love to sing action songs and rhymes. Younger children respond well to sensory experiences, such as feeling the texture of birdseed. They are beginning to show care and concern for living things. Together, they discuss how they will use the seeds to make bird feeders in the garden.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides a relaxed and homely environment where children develop a positive sense of belonging. Children develop strong attachments to the childminder and show they are very settled and happy in her care. The childminder is a good role model. She demonstrates good manners and supports children to learn social skills. She praises them for helping to tidy away the toys. This helps to boost their confidence and self- esteem. Children have many opportunities for fresh air and exercise outdoors. They develop their physical skills and learn to take manageable risks, such as using the play equipment at the park. The childminder effectively supports children's health and well- being. She is aware of their dietary requirements and provides children with healthy and nutritious meals and snacks.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and are working securely within the stage of development typical for their age. They concentrate well and enjoy learning. They are able to communicate well and play happily together. Children enjoy listening to stories read to them by the childminder. They make marks with paint, chalks and pencils. They have opportunities to develop skills that will support them for their future learning and in readiness for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY222784 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063684 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 - 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 14 July 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2002 and lives in Stevenage. She operates from 7.30am until 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

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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: www.ofsted.gov.uk/user .

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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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