Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 8 March 2019 Previous inspection date 13 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 quality of teaching is good. The childminder monitors children's progress effectively and plans an exciting range of activities based on their stage of development and interests. Children are engaged and motivated and make good progress in their learning. n The childminder is kind, caring and attentive to children's needs. Parents comment positively on the home-from-home environment. They particularly appreciate the nutritious meals the childminder provides. They describe the childminder's large, well- resourced garden as 'brilliant'. n Children enjoy exploring the local woods, where they experience the changing seasons at first hand. They have fun collecting leaves in the autumn and watching the daffodils and bluebells growing in the spring. They love to fly their kites and watch the streamers blowing in the wind. n The childminder is vigilant about children's safety. She takes all the necessary steps to

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This provision is good

make sure children are kept safe in her home, outside and on outings. She teaches children to be aware of their own safety, including how to cross the road and how to use play equipment safely at the park. n The childminder has developed very good relationships with parents. Parents enjoy access to the online learning journal where they can see photographs and videos of the activities their children take part in. They have the opportunity to contribute to their child's learning and also to keep up to date with their progress. n The childminder does not consistently focus her evaluation on making improvements to raise her practice to the highest level. 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.

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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 strengthen evaluation systems to focus more sharply on identifying improvements to raise practice to the highest level n provide children with further opportunities to allow them to be even more independent.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, 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 spoke to children during the inspection. 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 discussion and written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The childminder is passionate about developing her provision. She recognises the impact that training has on practice, and she completes relevant courses to support her in her role. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder knows how to recognise signs that a child may be at risk of harm, and the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare. She makes regular checks to ensure that all areas of her home are safe and secure. Since the last inspection, the childminder has worked hard to develop her practice. For example, she now offers many opportunities for children to widen their understanding of the natural world. They enjoy sand and water play, digging in the garden, planting flowers and hunting for insects in the 'bug hotel'. The childminder establishes good partnerships with other settings children attend, which helps to provide continuity in children's care and learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder's professional qualification and experience support her understanding of how children learn and develop. She plans age-appropriate activities that excite and challenge children. For example, sensory materials and resources are used imaginatively so that young children can examine different textures and use their senses. Children's language skills are developing well. They talk confidently and initiate conversations with each other, the childminder and visitors. Children practise their early writing. Older children identify some of the letters in their names and are beginning to form recognisable letters when they write with chalks. Children explore numbers as they play. For example, they enjoy completing puzzles and playing number games. Older children measure each other and compare their height.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children demonstrate that they are happy and settled with the childminder. They are confident to freely explore the wide range of toys and resources that she provides for them. The childminder is sensitive to children's individual needs. She regularly gives them cuddles and offers praise and encouragement. The childminder sets clear expectations and boundaries and children behave well. The childminder promotes children's health and well-being and they learn good hygiene routines. There are daily opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. For example, they carefully negotiate obstacles as they ride bicycles outside. Children eagerly take part in craft activities about different festivals, including Diwali and Chinese New Year. This supports their learning about similarities and differences in each other.

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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 becoming more confident and self-assured. Children make their own choices during play and concentrate well when taking part in activities. They learn to share, take turns and play well together. All children show a keen interest in books and enjoy listening to stories. They develop good pencil control and they are learning to write for a purpose. Children quickly learn the skills ready for their next stage in learning and for their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY256425 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10067200 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 16 Date of previous inspection 13 July 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She works with another registered childminder. The childminder provides funded early years education for two-, 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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