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

Children are cared for in a safe, welcoming and homely environment. They show that they are happy and relaxed. Children form close attachments to the childminder and thoroughly enjoy their time with her. They enjoy her comforting cuddles and readily seek reassurance when they are tired. This successfully supports children's emotional development.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have good opportunities to make independent choices in their play as they select from the wide range of resources and follow their interests. They become absorbed in imaginative activities. For example, they dress as fairies and use their wings to 'fly in the sky', and then sing 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'. Children develop good early literacy skills. They enjoy books, learn the sounds letters make and are eager to name the animals in many books that they look at.

p.2

The provision is good

Children make good progress from their starting points. They have fun as they learn and in turn they are eager to try new things and investigate what is around them. This creates a good foundation for learning. Children develop good communication skills in an environment that is rich in conversation throughout their play. They enjoy singing counting songs and choose musical instruments to enhance their activity.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. The childminder is a positive role model. She keeps consistent boundaries and actively encourages children to use good manners. Children are encouraged to be polite and say 'please' and 'thank you'.

p.2

need to do better?

n The experienced childminder demonstrates an enthusiastic and dedicated approach to her childminding. She shows warmth towards the children and supports them effectively to make good progress across all areas of their learning and development. n The childminder teaches the children well and supports their language development. She continuously encourages thoughtful and engaging conversations, and children express themselves with confidence. The childminder asks challenging questions, and allows children time to explore their own ideas and to refine their developing skills. n The childminder skilfully introduces new activities to support children's learning, allowing them time to focus and concentrate. For example, children learn how to match, and recognise similarities and differences when using picture dominoes. n The childminder knows the children well and understands what she needs to do to help them move on to the next stage in their learning. Children freely make

p.2

need to do better?

choices in their activities, which the childminder follows with skill, supporting

p.2

need to do better?

16 December 2019 their interests and natural curiosity. She makes mental notes for herself, which helps her to identify any gaps in children's learning and plan focused activities to ensure their good progress. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents comment that they have confidence in the childminder and feel that their children make good progress in her care. She works with parents to support their children's development at home, for example toilet training. Parents receive regular updates on their child's progress and detailed daily information about their child's activities and care routines. n Children are provided with good opportunities to explore the local environment with the childminder. For example, they visit local parks and the library. These help to support their physical well-being and their understanding of the wider world. n While the childminder does develop relationships with other settings, she does

p.2

need to do better?

not consistently exchange information about how children are progressing in their development. n The childminder reflects on her practice to identify areas to improve children's learning and meets with other childminders to share ideas to improve her practice. However, her continued professional development is not focused closely enough on what will help her to further improve her good teaching to the highest level.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues and the wider aspects of safeguarding. She recognises the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child who is at risk of harm, and knows the correct procedures to follow to report any concerns that she has. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe. They know that they have to sit at the table when eating, and to use the toys and activities appropriately. The childminder completes regular risk assessments to maintain the safety of the home and garden, and when going on outings.

p.3

should:

n seek professional development opportunities to raise the quality of teaching to consistently high levels n explore ways to enhance partnerships with other settings to further promote continuity in children's learning and development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 149626 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063677 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 to 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 20 June 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1993 and lives in Hitchin. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector and the childminder completed a joint observation of an activity and discussed the outcomes for children. n The inspector observed learning activities and assessed the quality and impact of teaching on the children's learning. n The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their views. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises.

p.4

Inspection activities

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

16 December 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.4

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.5

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.5

Inspection activities

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

p.5

Inspection activities

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

p.5