Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 3 June 2019 Previous inspection date 25 January 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 very welcoming and homely environment where children can play safely. Children show that they are happy and settled, and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. n The childminder's enthusiastic approach to learning means that children are excited and keen to learn. She understands how she can help children make good progress in their learning. n The childminder develops children's communication and language skills well. For example, she continually talks to them, modelling language to extend their vocabulary. Children love to sing nursery rhymes and songs, and help to retell their favourite stories. n Children enjoy playing outdoors in all weathers. The childminder makes very good use of her garden to provide children of all ages with a rich and varied range of learning experiences. n Children learn about the world around them as they go on regular walks in the local

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This provision is good

area. They look for signs of spring and watch how nature changes in the autumn. Children enjoy looking after plants and learning about the life cycle of butterflies, developing their knowledge about growth and living things. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents enjoy having access to children's development records online. This helps them to contribute to children's learning and keep up to date with their progress. Their written feedback demonstrates the high regard they have for her. They comment that they feel very lucky and blessed to have found her, and that she is reliable, trustworthy and very flexible. n Although the childminder gains information from parents about children's care needs before they start attending, she does not consistently identify children's starting points at the earliest opportunity.

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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 children's capabilities when they begin attending, to help clearly establish starting points and monitor children's progress even more precisely from the start.

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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 committed to providing the best service she can for children and their families. She attends relevant training to keep her knowledge up to date and to develop her skills. This has a positive impact on the learning experiences for children. For example, she has attended training to help her in supporting children's speech and language development. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder completes all required training and has a thorough understanding of how to keep children safe. She knows who to contact if she has a concern about a child's safety or welfare. There are appropriate risk assessments in place to ensure that children are safe at all times. The childminder regularly reviews her practice and seeks the opinions of parents and children to help target areas for further development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder makes very good use of the space in her home to provide a welcoming and well-organised learning environment. She is responsive to children's interests and applies a flexible approach to planning. She regularly observes children as they play to help her identify what they do well and what they need to learn next. Sensory materials and resources are used imaginatively so that young children can examine different textures and use their senses. For example, the childminder creates different landscapes in a large tray, including long grass, water, mud and imitation snow. They enjoy using small-world people and animals to act out their favourite story about a bear. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiastic involvement in their play. She interacts with them well and extends their learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder forms warm and trusting relationships with children and their families. This helps to support their self-confidence and sense of belonging. Children show that they feel safe and secure. Their behaviour is very good as they play and learn together. The childminder often gives children cuddles and reassurance. They enjoy healthy meals, rest when needed and have daily opportunities for physical play. Children have fun with the ride-on toys and enjoy running around in the garden catching bubbles. They learn about keeping themselves safe. For example, the childminder has discussions with them about safe places to cross the road. She ensures that older children are made aware of internet safety.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make very good progress in their learning and development. They acquire the skills they need to support the next stages in their learning, including school. For example, they develop their mark-making skills and learn to count and to recognise different shapes. They express themselves well and respond to simple instructions confidently. Children form close friendships with each other and enjoy playing together. They develop a love of books and take pleasure in listening to stories. Young children gain independence relative to their age. For example, they help to tidy up the toys, wash their hands and get ready for their snack.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY479254 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10076139 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 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 25 January 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Harpenden. She operates during term time only from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, 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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