Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 12 March 2019 Previous inspection date 21 October 2014

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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 undertakes regular training to enhance her professional development. She thinks carefully about the skills she wants to develop so she can enhance her teaching practice. For example, she increases her knowledge of the different ways children learn. n Children's safety is of paramount importance to the childminder. She acts quickly to deal with accidents and illnesses. This impacts positively on children's health and well- being. Children talk about what they need to do should the smoke alarm activates. This shows they are developing skills in knowing how to keep themselves safe. n Children are making good progress. The childminder uses stories well to engage children in learning. They know how to obtain information from looking at pictures and enjoy acting out stories using real objects and props. n The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children receive maximum benefit

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This provision is good

from being with her. For example, when she identifies that children need support with their social skills, she suggests they attend on days when other children are present or when they attend toddler groups. The childminder supports children to begin to develop friendships. n The childminder observes children as they engage in activities. This helps her to identify their individual interests and what they need to learn next. She uses this knowledge to provide further activities that support children's ongoing good progress. n The childminder does not always identify children's starting points in learning quickly enough, to track their progress right from the start.

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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 identify children's starting points in learning more swiftly, to track the progress they make right from the start.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector looked at the areas of the premises used for childminding and observed the childminder's interactions with children through play and routine activities. n The inspector observed the childminder teaching children through a planned activity and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n The inspector sampled a range of documents, including the safeguarding policy and evidence of the suitability of household members. n The inspector discussed the progress children are making with the childminder and looked at children's development and assessment records. n The inspector took account of the written views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections on her practice with her.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder is aware of her role in keeping children safe and knows what to do should she have any concerns about the well-being of a child. The childminder is very well organised and has informative policies and procedures which help to underpin her good practice. She shares these with parents, when they register children with her so that they understand her role and responsibilities, right from the start. The childminder fosters good links with other childminders and they meet regularly to discuss ideas and to share good practice. In addition, she works closely with staff at local nurseries and pre-schools, helping to support continuity in children's learning between settings.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder skilfully plans activities that engage children in effective learning. She teaches mathematics well according to children's development levels. For example, when children are planting seeds, the childminder uses positional language such as 'on top' and 'under'. The childminder also helps children to look at similarities and differences within the seeds and to count how many they have. She teaches children about the world, for example by talking about how the seeds need both water and warmth to help them grow. The childminder shares children's development information with parents to help them to know how to support children's learning at home.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children demonstrate they feel very comfortable in the childminder's home and company. They engage in conversations with her and use language very well to express their thoughts and ideas. The childminder is a good role model. She speaks to children in a calm and polite manner. This helps children to learn good manners and to develop strong social skills. The childminder encourages children to be independent. From a young age, children use the bathroom by themselves and understand the need to wash their hands. Children enjoy helping to prepare lunch and explain their process for making a sandwich. Children benefit from physical activity, for example, in the childminder's extensive garden and enjoy outings around the local area. The childminder builds strong partnerships with parents. They state their children settle quickly, make good progress and they flourish under her care.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop the skills that they need for their future learning, including school. Children concentrate for long periods of time and are effective and motivated learners. Children develop good early mark-making skills, for instance, as they use pens to make marks and carefully colour in pictures. They are developing a good understanding of how to use technology. For example, they know they can look for pictures on the internet and watch with anticipation as they print out.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY331586 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10069419 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 2 - 7 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 21 October 2014

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Wheathampstead. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Wednesday, except for family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder holds a relevant 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

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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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