Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 20 March 2019 Previous inspection date 7 December 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 Not Applicable

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This provision is good

n The qualified childminder shows a passion for her role and carefully plans a wide range of interesting and demanding experiences for children. For example, she provides children with craft materials to enable them to be creative and follow their ideas to make an elephant. n The childminder knows the children well and promotes their emotional well-being effectively. She gathers detailed information from parents when children first start. This enables her to tailor their care experiences based on their individual interests and needs. n Children settle with ease into the warm and nurturing environment. They develop special friendships with other children. Older children confidently use their own skills to support the younger children. n Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. She fosters their imagination through activities. For example, children enjoy writing letters to the fairies and show

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This provision is good

their excitement when they share the replies they have received. n The childminder establishes good links with staff from the local school that children attend. She shares information about children's progress and the skills they are working to achieve. This promotes continuity in learning for children. n Parents are very happy with the care provided and say the childminder has exceeded their expectations. They appreciate her helpful approach to support them with children's homework and with any last-minute requests to help with school projects they need to complete. n The childminder's programme of professional development is not sharply focused on driving the quality of her provision to the highest level. n The childminder has not fully explored the available opportunities for children to learn about the cultures and traditions of other communities and families.

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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 establish a more focused programme of professional development that helps to raise the overall quality of the provision to the highest level n provide even more opportunities for children to fully embrace the experiences of communities and families beyond their own.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the activities indoors and the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity 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 talked to children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through discussions on the day.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. She knows the correct procedures to follow to ensure children's welfare. The childminder completes robust risk assessments to ensure any hazards to children are minimised. For example, she considers all the possible exit routes from her home to use in the event of an emergency. She regularly practises the evacuation plan with children and encourages them to think of a solution to the different scenarios she poses. This helps to raise children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe. The childminder welcomes the views of parents and children. She values information provided by other childminders on a variety of childcare topics. She uses this information to help her to reflect on and maintain her good level of practice.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children take ownership of the activities and become deeply engaged in their play. The childminder provides them with clear information about what is available in each room. This supports children to make informed choices about where they wish to spend their time. For example, at the busy craft table, children work alongside others engaged in the same theme. They use glue with precision to add pom-poms, plastic eyes and tissue paper to their creations. Some children prefer a quieter space and concentrate as they fix small, plastic bricks together to build vehicles and models. The childminder supervises children well and steps in at opportune moments to give them guidance and support as necessary. She provides children with ideas to consider and demonstrates how tools can be used to effect change. The childminder encourages children to take on new challenges and persevere with difficult tasks. Children welcome praise for their attempts

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

and are proud of their achievements. They are keen to show off and take home what they have made.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder acts as a good role model. She uses a range of ways to teach children how to behave towards others and take steps to resolve conflict in an amicable way. For example, children have compiled a list of rules and boundaries that they refer to and follow. This includes to be thankful for life and everything you have and not to physically or mentally hurt people on purpose. Children enjoy the responsibility of small tasks. For instance, they are eager to lay the place mats out in preparation for dinner. Mealtimes are social occasions. Children show their confidence to speak in a group and know some of the things that make them unique. They share information and opinions with the other children, who listen intently to each contribution. The childminder works closely with parents to provide children with clear messages about the importance of a healthy diet. For example, following parents' feedback, she now offers children alternative

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

options to choose for dessert, such as a piece of fruit or a smoothie. This helps to reduce children's daily intake of sugar. Children thoroughly enjoy the nutritious and balanced meals the childminder prepares and are eager to have second helpings.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY299419 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063573 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 5 - 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 7 December 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2004. She provides after-school care for children from 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time only. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 4.

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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

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