Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 25 March 2019 Previous inspection date Not applicable

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Not applicable Effectiveness of leadership and management Outstanding 1 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Outstanding 1

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This provision is outstanding

n The childminder has exceptionally high expectations of both himself and his co- childminder. Together they carefully evaluate the quality of their provision, taking into account, and acting on, the views of children and their parents. n Teaching is consistently strong and very effective. The childminder is highly qualified and has an excellent understanding of how children learn. He is extremely skilled at recognising children's interests and considering when to offer support. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiastic involvement in their play. n The childminder's home is extremely warm and welcoming. Children can access an excellent range of high-quality toys and resources. These are stored very well in the large playroom, enabling children to make choices in their play. n The childminder skilfully promotes children's speech and language. He makes excellent use of opportunities to extend their vocabulary and introduce new words. For example,

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This provision is outstanding

he asks children to feel and describe kiwi fruit as they eat their lunch. Children suggest words such as 'rough' and 'fuzzy'. n Children have a wealth of opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They delight in playing in the childminder's large garden. Children excitedly explore the woods nearby, where they have good opportunities to balance and climb, and hunt for bugs. n The childminder has developed highly successful ways to work in partnership with other settings children attend, including school. He shares relevant information about children to promote continuity as they prepare to start school. n The childminder works very closely with parents. As well as daily chats, he has excellent online systems in place for sharing information with them. Parents receive very informative newsletters and are provided with a wealth of ideas so they can extend their children's learning at home effectively. Parents are very appreciative of the

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This provision is outstanding

childminder's flexibility and say they particularly like the 'homely and loving atmosphere' he and his co-childminder create for their children.

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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 continue to build on the already excellent range of outdoor learning opportunities, to further enhance the high-quality experiences for children.

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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 the written feedback provided.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is outstanding

The experienced and well-qualified childminder is very motivated and driven to provide the highest-quality care and education for children. He works very effectively with his co- childminder. They draw on each other's strengths and provide children with a stimulating and exciting place to play and learn. Safeguarding arrangements are effective. The childminder understands his responsibilities in relation to child protection issues very well. He knows how to report any concerns about children's welfare to the relevant professionals. The childminder actively seeks feedback from parents and children. This helps him to evaluate the effectiveness of his provision and maintain the highest levels of achievement for children. The childminder is currently considering ways to enhance the outdoor learning experiences for children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

The childminder provides children with a wealth of exciting learning opportunities. They have interesting, enjoyable days as they take part in activities or go on outings. They visit local attractions, such as the museum, forest and local parks. They enjoy song-time at the library. The childminder assesses what children know, understand and can do, as well as taking account of their interests. He skilfully uses this information to plan children's next steps in their learning. The childminder models, guides and assists the children superbly in questioning and problem-solving. Children are excited about the many activities planned for them about pirates. They make pirate coins with dough, and create maps to help them find hidden treasure in the garden. Their imagination is ignited by the small-world area, with caves, treasure chests and pirate ships.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children are cared for in an exceptionally welcoming, safe environment that is equipped with high-quality play and learning resources. The childminder completes home visits and children experience very supportive settling-in sessions before they start. Children have high levels of confidence and self-esteem and their behaviour is excellent. The childminder prepares highly nutritious meals for children and actively promotes their good health. Children wash their hands before they eat and have an awareness of germs. Mealtimes are a valued social occasion where the children sit together and engage in conversations with their friends. The childminder teaches children from a young age about how they can keep themselves safe. For example, children with allergies know what foods they cannot eat. Children go on 'safety walks', where they look for zebra crossings and learn how to cross the road safely.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

Children thrive in the stimulating and nurturing environment. They make outstanding progress in their learning and are exceptionally well prepared for school. They make excellent progress in mathematics. For example, younger children spontaneously count the number of pieces of banana on their plates. They rapidly develop their independence, such as putting on their coats and shoes. Children develop a love of books and make excellent progress in understanding sounds and letters. They have extensive opportunities for developing their mark-making skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY544391 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10090440 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 12 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Bishops Stortford. He operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with another registered childminder. Both hold qualified teacher status. The childminder provides funded early years education for three- and four-year- olds.

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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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