Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 1 May 2019 Previous inspection date 29 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 The childminder provides a warm and welcoming home in which children are happy and settle quickly. Children develop a strong bond with the childminder. She values children as individuals and takes time to get to know their likes and dislikes, routines and interests. This helps to support children's emotional well-being and self-esteem. n The childminder makes very attractive learning journey books for the children. They show the many exciting activities and outings that children enjoy with her, and are a very good record of their achievements. n The childminder uses every opportunity to promote children's communication and language development. She asks questions to help promote children's thinking skills and teach them new words. Young children listen and respond confidently to simple instructions such as, 'Can you point to your nose, eyes and mouth?' n Children develop their technological skills as they investigate the many different locks,

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This provision is good

hinges and fasteners on the exploration board. This also helps to develop their small- muscle and problem-solving skills. n Children enjoy playing outside every day. The childminder provides them with a good range of experiences to help keep them active. For example, they thoroughly enjoy playing in the garden and exploring the local woods. They develop their physical skills well at the local playground, soft-play centre and 'splash park'. n Parents comment positively about the childminder, saying that she has a warm and friendly manner. They particularly like the trips their children are taken on and the relaxed environment the childminder offers older children after a day at school. Their written feedback demonstrates the high regard they have for her. n The childminder does not consistently make effective use of the information that she gathers about what children already know and can do when they 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 gather more detailed information from parents about what their children already know and can do when they start, and use this information to establish accurate starting points from which to monitor children's progress.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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 childminder is very well organised and all policies and procedures are in place to underpin her practice. The childminder makes good use of all training and development opportunities to extend her knowledge and skills. She often meets other childminders to share knowledge and ideas. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has completed relevant training and is aware of her role in keeping children safe. She knows the action to take if she is concerned about a child's well-being. Children are supervised well. Thorough risk assessments are carried out of all aspects of her provision to help identify and minimise any potential hazards to children. The childminder carries out regular fire drills, so that children know how to leave the premises safely. She keeps parents fully informed about their children's time with her, and she passes on any information provided by the school to parents.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The wide range of high-quality toys and resources are attractively displayed, enabling children to make choices in their play. Younger children can access their favourite books from a basket on the floor. The childminder often reads to children, helping to promote their love of books. Children enjoy making marks with a variety of resources. For example, toddlers confidently explore how to hold a paintbrush. Older children are helped to recognise and write their name, which builds on the skills they learn at school. The childminder has many resources that support children in developing their early mathematical skills. They enjoy sorting the different shapes that fit into the box. The childminder encourages children to count and use mathematical language as they play. They enjoy singing number songs and rhymes.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder is a very good role model and has a sensitive and caring manner. Children are offered plenty of attention, praise and encouragement. They demonstrate that they feel valued and develop high levels of self-esteem. The childminder encourages children to have healthy lifestyles. They use good hygiene routines and enjoy eating fruit at snack time. Children are encouraged to be independent from a young age. For example, toddlers confidently eat their snack and hold their cup. The childminder teaches children rules that help to keep them safe on outings, such as how to cross the road safely. Children thrive in this safe and caring environment.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in all aspects of their learning and development. They form close friendships and enjoy playing together. Children are becoming more confident and self-assured as they make their own choices during play. They concentrate well when taking part in activities. Younger children are developing an interest in making marks and are beginning to use creative resources with good control. They express themselves well and respond to simple instructions confidently. Children are being very well prepared for the next stage in their learning and for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY480057 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10076204 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 29 June 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Bishops Stortford. She operates from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family 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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