Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 20 March 2019 Previous inspection date 15 June 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 are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder. She gets to know the children and their families well. The childminder is friendly and attentive to children's individual needs, which successfully supports their emotional well-being. n The childminder is a good role model and provides children with consistent boundaries and expectations. She supports children to learn social skills, such as sharing and taking turns. Children behave well and use good manners. n The childminder takes children on many interesting trips, which helps them to understand the world around them. For example, they visit the animals at the farm and zoo. They have picnics in the woods, where they have 'bug hunts' and collect the autumn leaves. n The childminder supports children to understand how to stay safe. She teaches them simple rules that they must follow on outings, including how to cross the road safely. n The childminder has established strong partnerships with teachers from the local school

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This provision is good

that children attend. This helps to promote a consistent approach to children's learning and development and ensures children are emotionally well supported when they move on to school. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Their written feedback demonstrates the high regard they have for the childminder. They say that she 'treats their children with respect and makes them feel special'. They are confident in the childminder's ability to keep children safe. Parents say that they would thoroughly recommend her. n The childminder does not always make the most of ongoing training opportunities to help strengthen her existing knowledge and skills. n On some occasions, the childminder completes simple tasks for the children which they are capable of doing for themselves.

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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 engage with further professional development opportunities, to help strengthen existing knowledge and skills to the highest level n support children's growing independence and extend opportunities for children to 'have a go' at tasks for themselves.

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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 reading written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues and the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child in her care. The childminder's home is well organised and potential risks are identified and managed well. For example, she supports younger children to use the stairs safely. Regular fire drills are carried out so that children know what to do if they have to evacuate the childminder's home. Children's progress is monitored effectively to ensure that the childminder is aware of any areas of development that need further support. Parents are kept well informed about their children's achievements and progress. She shares photographs of them during the day and suggests ways that parents can support and extend their children's learning at home.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The quality of teaching is good. The childminder gets to know the children well. She plans activities which build on what children know, understand and can do. Resources are organised effectively so that children can choose what they want to play with next. The childminder uses every opportunity to help children develop their early reading skills. She regularly talks about letters and the sounds they make. Children have many opportunities to make marks and create their own pictures. They practise writing letters of the alphabet and recognise their names in print. Children demonstrate their creativity as they use a variety of art and craft materials to make their cards for special occasions. The childminder talks to them constantly, asking questions and encouraging them to share their own thoughts and ideas. This helps to develop children's communication and language skills.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder provides a relaxed and homely environment where children develop a positive sense of belonging. Children settle quickly and develop strong bonds with the childminder. They show they feel safe and secure in her care. The childminder values children as individuals and takes time to get to know their likes and dislikes, routines and interests. She encourages children to have healthy lifestyles. For example, they use good hygiene routines and enjoy nutritious snacks and home-made meals. The childminder provides opportunities for children to have fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. Children enjoy regular trips to the local park. This helps them to develop their physical skills and provides them with opportunities to take supervised risks.

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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 mark-making skills and learn to count. They express themselves well and respond to simple instructions confidently. Children are very active and happy learners. They have fun and concentrate for long periods, such as when they draw and colour their pictures. The childminder ensures that there are many opportunities for children to socialise with other children locally. Children are beginning to build strong friendships with each other.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY486376 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10076415 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 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 15 June 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Dane End. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding family holidays and bank holidays. 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

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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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