Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder is professional and well organised. She provides a safe, relaxed and homely environment where children develop a strong sense of belonging. Children form close relationships with her and show their affection for her. The childminder knows the children very well. They often go to her for cuddles. They show that they are extremely happy and settled in her care.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave very well. The childminder is a very good role model, treating children with kindness and respect. She encourages children to use good manners. Children listen to the childminder and respond well to her high expectations and the boundaries she sets. They learn to control their feelings and emotions. The childminder gives them lots of praise, which helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are confident and eager to learn. The childminder provides resources and activities linked to their interests. She skilfully follows up young children's fascination with vehicles by providing toy cars and trucks. They thoroughly enjoy seeing different vehicles in a local transport museum. Younger children eagerly investigate the items in a sensory basket. For example, they have fun using the sponges and brushes, pretending to 'clean' the childminder's floor.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder's professional qualification and experience supports her understanding of how children learn and develop. Children are offered a wide range of resources and learning opportunities that help them to make good progress in all areas of their learning. n The childminder receives very complimentary feedback from parents about the care she provides and the progress their children make. Parents speak fondly of the childminder and say they feel reassured that their children are well looked after. They describe her as being 'fantastic', and say that they feel blessed to have her as their childminder. n The childminder skilfully supports speech and language skills. For example, she models the names of items on the puzzle so that toddlers can repeat them. She uses singing activities and conversations to help extend children's vocabulary. n Children rest when needed, and have daily opportunities for fresh air and

p.2

need to do better?

exercise outdoors. They develop their physical skills and learn to take manageable risks as they play at the park or in the childminder's garden. For example, younger children are supported to develop the skills needed to use a small slide. The childminder stays close to ensure their safety at all times. n The childminder provides wholesome and nutritious meals and snacks. She teaches children about the importance of healthy eating. She encourages young

p.2

need to do better?

4 November 2019 children to be independent. For example, they learn to feed themselves with a spoon, drink from a cup and help to tidy the toys away. n The childminder reflects on her practice and the service she provides. She considers what works well and what improvements she would like to make. The childminder values feedback from parents and children. She uses their views to help make improvements to her provision. For example, she intends to develop the natural resources in her garden. n The childminder routinely includes mathematical language, such as counting, shapes and colour recognition, throughout activities. Children confidently count the conkers and enjoy practical activities involving adding and subtracting numbers. n The childminder extends children's understanding of the differences and similarities between themselves and others. Children discuss the different food people eat during their celebrations. This helps to develop their awareness of

p.2

need to do better?

the wider world. n The childminder finds out about children's care needs before they start attending. However, she does not make the best possible use of information from parents about what children know and can do, to help her to establish children's starting points, and plan for their initial next steps. n Although the childminder keeps parents well informed about their children's achievements, she does not consistently share ideas for activities with them about how to help promote their children's learning at home.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has completed safeguarding training and has a clear understanding of her role to safeguard children. She has a very good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and explains how she would act on any concerns promptly. She has policies and procedures in place to help ensure she promotes children's welfare at all times. The childminder checks her home and garden. She considers safety on outings, so that children can play and learn safely. Children learn how to manage risks for themselves. For example, they carefully use the equipment in the garden and at the local park.

p.3

should:

n use the information about what children already know and can do when they start, to establish accurate starting points and plan their initial next steps n enhance the support offered to parents to help them extend children's individual learning at home.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY346958 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10073836 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 to 6 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 16 May 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. She operates from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time only. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 November 2019 We carried out this inspection 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 November 2019 regulates and inspects to 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6