Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 18 July 2019 Previous inspection date 10 November 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 Good 2

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This provision is good

n Children form strong bonds with the childminder and they love getting cuddles from her throughout the day. They are happy and contented, and motivated to learn and play through the childminder's encouraging and supportive guidance. n The childminder is an excellent role model for children and is fair and consistent in her practice. This ensures children's high levels of emotional well-being and independence, as they feel secure and know what is expected of them. n The childminder has established strong partnerships with parents. Parents are full of praise for the warm and nurturing environment that she provides for their children. n Children thoroughly enjoy learning about plants and how they grow. For example, they relish the opportunity to plant flowers and dig up weeds in the garden. They proudly dig holes with trowels and forks and then choose which flowers to plant from a wide selection that the childminder provides for them.

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This provision is good

n The childminder extends children's learning through planning activities and experiences that are led by children's interests. For instance, the childminder introduces children to new words surrounding their love of flowers. She praises them when they name the different flowers and parts of the plant. They explore the muddy roots and are fascinated by how long they are. n Occasionally, the childminder misses the opportunity to teach children about the benefits of healthy eating. n Sometimes, the childminder does not extend children's early mathematical development in activities and routines.

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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 provide children with more opportunities to learn about the benefits of healthy eating n use every opportunity during activities and routines throughout the day to develop children's early mathematical skills.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector viewed all areas of the childminder's home that are used for childminding and observed activities in the playroom and garden. n The inspector completed a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector looked at a range of relevant documentation, such as the childminder's first-aid certificate, safeguarding procedures and children's assessment records. n The inspector took account of the views of parents shared through written letters and feedback.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has a thorough understanding of her responsibility to protect the children in her care. She knows the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to follow if a child may be at risk. She provides a thorough and well-thought-out settling-in programme when children first start. Parents share information with her and through her own observations, she helps children to make progress right away. The childminder is committed to her ongoing professional development. She takes feedback from parents and children into account to ensure that she is always improving her practice. She is a member of her local childminding network and works in partnership with them to ensure that she is up to date, as well as visiting online publications and websites.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder is skilled at developing children's communication skills. For instance, she gives them plenty of time to think about what they want to say and respond to her questions. She regularly assesses children's progress and works quickly to close any gaps in learning. The childminder plans a wide range of interesting and challenging activities and opportunities for children. She uses her wealth of knowledge and understanding of how children learn. For example, children show a real interest in the nearby railway station on their morning walk, and the childminder immediately sets out a wooden train to build on children's language and understanding of trains. They discuss how they will be going for a ride on a train and the children are highly enthusiastic in their play. Very young children are motivated to construct the train track. The childminder assists them, explaining how the pieces slot together and praises them when

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children follow instructions very well and are able to think for themselves and problem solve effectively. Children display excellent behaviour and they are encouraged to respect each other and to be kind throughout the day. For example, when watering plants in the garden, older children teach younger children how to use the watering cans and help to tip water out of the spout. Children are well versed in the routines of the day. They are highly cooperative and older children are encouraged to manage their own needs independently. The childminder gives children very specific praise so that they know what they have done well. They delight in their achievements and concentrate intently and for long periods of time on the task at hand.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress from their starting points. They have opportunities to socialise with other children in the setting and at local playgroups. They learn about their local environment as they visit the nearby parks, shops, farms and enjoy walks in the forest. Children are well prepared with the skills they need to move on to their next stage of development and school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY469150 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063646 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 - 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 14 Date of previous inspection 10 November 2015

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Croxley Green, near Rickmansworth. She operates during term time from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds qualified teacher status.

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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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