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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children's experiences with the childminder are of high quality. She focuses on children having fun while they learn through play. For instance, the childminder plays fun games which have children in fits of laughter. Children develop secure attachments with the childminder and each other. They move smoothly between activities as they feel secure in the familiar routine the childminder provides. Children's emotional security develops as they regularly laugh, chat and enjoy hugs with the childminder. Children display good manners and respond positively when the childminder reminds them to share.

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The provision is good

The childminder works alongside parents to ensure children receive consistent support, for example, while potty training. Children are capable and confident to tell the childminder when they need to use the potty or need their nappy changed. The childminder gives children time to move out of nappies at their own pace to increase their independence. Children enjoy the childminder's healthy home-cooked meals and fun yoga sessions which promote their physical health. They show increasing strength and control as they make different shapes with their bodies while maintaining concentration and balance. Whenever children fall, they show resilience by laughing and asking the childminder for another position to try.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has enhanced her outdoor area to provide children with more opportunities to develop their mathematical understanding. There are many exciting resources, including sparkled and numbered pebbles and measuring scales, for children to develop and increase their understanding of numbers, shape, space and measurements. n The childminder takes children to play sessions at the local care home where they develop their social and communication skills. Children benefit from the opportunities to socialise with other children and older people and they grow increasingly confident in social situations. n Children develop their independence and physical skills as they act out feeding and dressing routines with baby dolls. Children's communication and language skills also develop as they undress the dolls and explain, 'The baby is a bit hot.' n The childminder tracks children's development from when they start, to help

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need to do better?

them make progress. However, she does not always match the planned activities well to children's individual learning needs. For example, the childminder does not always help children to accurately link letters with the sounds they make, in order to extend their early reading and writing skills. n Parents speak highly of the childminder as they refer to her as an extension of their family. Parents consistently praise the childminder for the healthy meals, regular routine and caring environment she provides.

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need to do better?

30 January 2020 n The childminder holds lively conversations with children throughout the day. She asks children open-ended questions and gives them plenty of time to speak, extending their vocabulary further. Children sing and dance along with the childminder, singing their favourite nursery rhymes. Children's vocabulary is increased as the childminder repeatedly sings 'Hop Little Bunnies', to their delight. n The childminder strives to provide high-quality care. She works hard to improve her practice through training, networking, reviewing and updating her policies, and purchasing new resources. n The childminder helps children to develop their hand skills and they show increasing control when using simple tools. For example, children successfully use tweezers to move small objects from one place to another. n Children are highly engaged in their activities. They show pride in their achievements and are confident to talk to others about things they have made.

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need to do better?

For example, when they have painted using their fingerprints, they shout proudly, 'That's me! That's my finger!'

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder regularly updates her safeguarding training and knowledge. She implements her policies and procedures consistently to keep children safe and secure. The childminder knows how to identify the different signs and symptoms of abuse. She also knows how to refer her concerns to the correct authority in a timely way. The childminder knows the correct procedure to report any allegations made against adults who work with children. The childminder helps children to stay safe while using digital technology. She carries out daily risk assessments to minimise the risks posed to children's safety and well-being.

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should:

n enhance opportunities for children to develop their literacy skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129791 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127030 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 to 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 29 April 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 1992. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has a relevant qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of all persons living and working on the premises. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder to highlight areas of strength and areas for improvement. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection to gain insight into their experiences. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided. n The inspector completed a learning walk with the childminder, to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents. This included evidence about safeguarding policies. n A meeting was held between the inspector and the childminder.

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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.

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Inspection activities

30 January 2020 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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

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