Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 8 February 2019 Previous inspection date 27 January 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 Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n The childminder is exceptionally warm, welcoming and caring. She is an excellent role model, treating children with kindness and respect. Children form close relationships and show their affection for her, helping to support their emotional well-being. n Children benefit from the positive interactions, encouragement and support that they receive from the childminder. She ensures that each child makes the most possible progress while in her care. She uses her qualifications and very good understanding of the ways that children learn, to view every opportunity as a learning opportunity. n The childminder establishes strong partnerships with other settings children attend. She regularly shares information with them. This offers a joined-up approach to support children's learning, to help them to progress well. n Children's communication and language skills are supported well. For example, the childminder continually talks to children, modelling language to support their

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This provision is good

vocabulary. Children regularly attend playgroups where they have good opportunities to develop their social skills and mix with other children. n The childminder works very closely with parents and has effective systems in place for sharing information with them. Parents are extremely happy with the care and progress their children make. n The childminder's self-evaluation is not used effectively enough to set challenging targets and raise the quality of the provision 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 make more effective use of self-evaluation to help secure further improvements and raise the quality of provision even higher.

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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 through written feedback provided

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The childminder is dedicated to offering a high-quality provision. She works with her husband, who is also her assistant. They provide a wide range of activities and experiences to support children's learning. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder and her assistant have a very good understanding of their role in safeguarding children and the procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child's welfare. They carry out robust risk assessments of their home and places they visit with the children, to help keep them safe. The childminder keeps parents well informed about children's daily activities and their ongoing progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The quality of teaching is good and children learn a variety of skills. The childminder shows interest in what children have to say, encouraging them to use language confidently. They thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and her assistant. Children have lots of fun and enjoy involving them in their play. Children develop good early literacy skills. For example, they can write some letters and recognise their names in print. Children develop a love of books and enjoy listening to stories. The childminder encourages children to count and use mathematical language as they play. Children learn to recognise shapes in the environment. They have many opportunities to make marks and create their own pictures.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

The childminder is passionate about the care she provides. She creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in her home, where all children and their families feel welcome. Children thrive and are exceptionally well cared for. Their behaviour is exemplary. The childminder often praises children, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. She sensitively helps children to use good hygiene practices. Children have wonderful opportunities to learn outdoors and be physically active in the fresh air. The often visit the farm, park and soft-play areas. The childminder helps children to become aware of risks and their own personal safety, such as crossing the road. Children are encouraged to show care and concern for living things and the environment. For example, they love to feed the birds and look after their vegetables as they grow in the garden.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress and are working at typical levels of development for their age. They welcome visitors and confidently talk about what they are doing. Children are motivated and enthusiastic to learn. Young children express themselves and respond to simple instructions confidently. They independently choose their own activities, feed themselves and learn to put on their coat and shoes. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and are developing key skills ready for their future learning and school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149278 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063674 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 3 - 3 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 1 Date of previous inspection 27 January 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. 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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