Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 12 March 2019 Previous inspection date Not applicable

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Not applicable Effectiveness of leadership and management Outstanding 1 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Not Applicable

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This provision is outstanding

n The childminder provides an exceptional childminding service where every child is highly respected and valued. She is very well qualified and has a superb knowledge of how children learn. The childminder provides a vast range of very enjoyable activities for children to enjoy after their day at school. n The childminder teaches children the importance of looking after the environment. Children develop an extremely good understanding of the natural world and growth and development. For example, they explore the life cycle of caterpillars, and plant sunflower seeds and watch them grow. They learn care and concern for animals as they help to feed the childminder's rabbits, chickens, tortoises and pigs. n Children have a wealth of opportunities to learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles. For example, they grow vegetables and fruit, such as tomatoes and strawberries, and enjoy picking and eating them.

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This provision is outstanding

n The childminder sets exceedingly effective and consistent boundaries for children's behaviour, and this helps them to feel safe and secure. Children behave extremely well as the childminder teaches them to share, take turns and play happily together. n The childminder skilfully promotes children's speech and language. She makes excellent use of opportunities to extend their vocabulary and introduce new words. For example, she explains how her children's pet tortoises hibernate in the winter. n Exceptional partnerships with parents are established. The daily verbal exchange of information and termly meetings enable parents to be fully involved with their children's care and learning. Parents are extremely happy with the care their children receive. They say, 'The childminder provides a friendly environment where children feel happy and loved'.

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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 continue to make the most of professional development opportunities to enhance the outstanding practice even further.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector had a tour of the areas used for childminding purposes. She observed the activities indoors and the interactions between the childminder and children. 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 spoke to children during the inspection. 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 outstanding

The childminder offers an exceptional childminding provision. She is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and continually strives to extend her excellent skills and knowledge. This reflects her passion for providing the highest-quality care and education. Safeguarding is effective. The childminder thoroughly understands her role in protecting the children in her care. She continually refreshes her knowledge about who to contact in the event of a concern about their welfare. Children develop a very good awareness of personal safety. For example, they discuss how to keep safe when playing on the swings and slide in the garden. Robust risk assessments cover all aspects of the childminder's house, including the garden and the animals that live there. The childminder is fully committed to improving her already outstanding practice. She demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for her work, and she sets high standards for her

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

The childminder has a wealth of experience and an excellent knowledge of how children learn. Children's learning journeys are a delightful record of the many exciting activities they enjoy with the childminder. The childminder highly values children's views and accommodates their ideas for activities. As a result, children are happy and well motivated. The childminder's garden is exceptional. She has created a magical 'fairy walk', where children can cross the tiny bridge to 'fairyland'. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations. They delight in dressing up as princesses and engaging in fantasy play. They love to play on the swings, slide, trampoline and bicycles, which support their balance and coordination extremely well. They enjoy looking after the animals and watering the plants in the greenhouse. They eagerly take part in scientific investigations, such as exploring food dyes in water. They watch excitedly as the colours mix together.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

Children develop an appreciation of books. They enjoy listening to stories and looking at books in the attic of their playhouse. They demonstrate their creative skills when making a snail's house with natural resources such as stones, rocks and twigs.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children freely explore the exciting resources and activities in the childminder's welcoming and safe environment. They benefit from the excellent settling-in procedures. The childminder recognises and considers each child's individual needs exceptionally well. She has developed very close attachments with the children, helping to support their emotional well-being. She praises them for their achievements, which supports their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder provides children with excellent opportunities to learn outdoors and be physically active in the fresh air. She prepares highly nutritious meals and actively promotes children's good health. Mealtimes are social occasions where the children sit together and engage in conversations with their friends and the childminder. Children learn about differences in the world and have fun exploring the traditions and customs of others. For example, they try on traditional

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

clothes and taste a variety of foods from other countries.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY541562 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10090195 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 3 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Bishop's Stortford. She provides sessions for children after school and during school holidays. The childminder operates from 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Thursday. She holds qualified teacher status and 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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