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 Children make good progress. The childminder builds on their skills and plans exciting activities for them to enjoy. For example, they enjoy outings in the local community, which help them to learn about the world around them. They love to explore the woods and feed the ducks on the lake. n Children have daily opportunities to develop their physical skills and get plenty of fresh air. They play in the childminder's well-resourced garden, and enjoy frequent trips to the park where they can run, climb and balance. n The childminder offers a welcoming, home-from-home environment. Children develop strong, caring relationships with the childminder, her family and each other. They accompany the childminder when she takes older children to school. This helps them to become familiar with the school environment and teachers. n Children enjoy train rides to the wildlife park where they can experience a 'rainforest'

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This provision is good

area and see the insects and animals that live there. They enjoy seeing the snakes and crocodiles and excitedly watch monkeys swinging through the trees. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder keeps them well informed about their child's day. For example, she shares communication books and children's online learning journals on a regular basis, to support and extend their learning at home. n The childminder does not gather as much information as possible from parents about what children already know and can do, to involve them fully in the assessment of the starting points for children's learning. n The childminder does not make the most of opportunities for professional development to continually build on her good-quality teaching and care practices.

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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 gather more information from parents and involve them fully in the assessment of children's starting points, to enable her to plan thoroughly and build on their learning right from the start n take advantage of professional development opportunities to continually enhance the care and teaching practices.

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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 discussions and reading written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has a good understanding of the possible indicators of abuse. She is aware of the procedure to follow should she need to report any concerns about the welfare of a child in her care. The childminder ensures the environment is safe for children. She identifies and minimises risks to children within her home and when they are on outings. The recommendation from the previous inspection has been addressed well. For example, the childminder has increased opportunities for children to learn how to keep themselves safe when tackling new challenges such as using the play equipment at the park. Parents are very complimentary about the service the childminder provides for their children. The childminder shares information regularly with them so they know how to support their children's ongoing learning and development at home. She works closely with other settings that children attend to

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

provide a consistent approach to their learning and care.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder has a good understanding about how children learn and where children are in their learning. She plans a good range of activities and experiences that link to children's interests. The childminder uses all opportunities to develop children's curiosity and understanding of the world. For example, she supplies suitable clothing so that children can enjoy jumping in puddles. She supports children well with their early communication and language skills. She constantly talks to them, asking questions and encouraging them to sing their favourite songs and rhymes. Children develop their small- muscle skills well. They demonstrate good hand control and coordination as they use cotton buds to paint their elephants. Children use their problem-solving skills as they complete puzzles and sort shapes, colours and patterns.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder creates a warm and welcoming environment. She makes good use of the space for children to choose from a wide range of activities and resources indoors and outdoors. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. She gets to know them and their families well. The childminder is friendly and attentive to their individual needs, which supports children's emotional well-being. Children behave very well. The childminder has high expectations of children and actively encourages them to share, take turns and be kind. She helps children to understand the importance of following good hygiene routines and eating a varied and healthy diet. She prepares a range of nutritious home-made meals for them to enjoy.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and acquire the skills they need to support the next stages in their learning. For example, they develop their balance, mobility and coordination well as they play in the childminder's garden. Younger children confidently use numbers as they count and sing number rhymes. They are sociable and play well together, learning from each other. Older children read stories to the younger children, which helps to promote their self-esteem.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY256419 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10067199 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 works with another registered childminder. She 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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