Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 5 February 2019 Previous inspection date 21 April 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 There is an effective settling-in procedure in place that is tailored to the unique needs of the children and their families. Children settle quickly into the childminder's home. They are happy, confident and secure. n The childminder has good relationships with the parents, who speak highly of her. Information on children's learning is frequently shared between the childminder and home. This helps to provide a consistent approach to children's learning. n Assessment of children's learning is accurate. The childminder knows exactly what the children can do and the next stage in their development. Activities are planned effectively to enhance the children's learning. The childminder alters activities effectively so that all children are challenged and motivated to learn. n The childminder reviews children's progress effectively. She can identify gaps in children's learning and works in partnership with parents to help children catch up

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This provision is good

quickly. All children make good progress. n Methods of teaching are good. The childminder shows children how to use equipment and resources. She provides a narrative to the children's play and asks the children open questions. This helps to develop their communication and language skills. n The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection and knows what to do should she have concerns about a child. She implements robust policies and procedures to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. n The childminder does not consistently follow the children's lead in play, to extend their learning even further and help them to make even better progress.

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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 opportunities to follow the children's lead in play to enhance their learning even further.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed activities in the setting and evaluated these with the childminder. n The inspector looked at samples of children's records and other documentation, including policies and procedures. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took account of parents' views through speaking to parents and reading written feedback provided on the day. n The inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used for childminding purposes.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The childminder demonstrates a strong desire to constantly improve. Evaluation of practice is effective. Parents' and children's views form an integral part of the evaluation process. Recent evaluation has seen the childminder introduce new resources, including interactive learning boards to enhance children's early literacy and numeracy skills. The childminder is committed to her professional development. She has undertaken a variety of training since her last inspection. Recent training has seen her review how she plans and implements activities to ensure that children who attend part time have the same learning opportunities as other children. This helps to ensure that all children make good progress. Safeguarding is effective.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

In addition to the inspiring learning environment that the childminder provides in her home, children also benefit from regular outings to enhance learning and their understanding of the community they live in. Children visit garden centres to buy seeds and plants. They then take an active role in growing their own fruit and vegetables in the childminder's garden. The childminder helps them to understand where food comes from and how to care for living things. Since her last inspection, the childminder has developed the outdoor area to enhance early literacy and numeracy skills. She has introduced games that help children to recognise letters and numbers in print. Children develop their understanding of the world through play, including with the support of props during stories. For example, they learn about the characteristics of animals and how they move. Children investigate the properties of a sponge and ice, as they explore

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

arctic 'animals' in ice and water and listen to a story. Children develop early mathematical skills through play. For example, they discuss the difference in size of animals when they are looked at through a magnifying glass.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The children have formed a strong relationship with the childminder. They enjoy a cuddle with her and frequently ask her to join in their play. The childminder knows the children very well and responds sensitively to their individual needs. Children are well cared for. The childminder is a positive role model. She has a calm and caring nature. The children respond well to her. Good manners and being kind to each other are always encouraged. Children learn to behave as boundaries are carefully explained to them by the childminder. Children learn social skills through activities and play. For example, they are encouraged to pass resources to each other, share toys and take turns. Children become independent and learn skills for the future as they wash their hands ready for mealtimes, get dressed for outdoor play and tidy away resources.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in all areas of learning. They are meeting the milestones expected for their age. Children leave the childminder well prepared for the next stage in their learning, such as nursery or school. Children learn early reading skills through daily activities. For example, they learn to recognise their names as they find them and put them on the self-registration board.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 130410 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10070372 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 - 6 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 21 April 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1999 and lives in Watford, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare 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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