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

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The provision is good

Children have formed warm and close bonds with the childminder. They are happy, confident and feel safe. The childminder embraces children's individuality and they are making rapid progress under her nurturing care.

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The provision is good

The childminder strives to offer children as much knowledge as she can to help them to move to their next stages in development successfully. Children soak up everything that she teaches them. They are thoroughly engaged and absorbed in their learning.

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The provision is good

Children grow huge sunflowers in the garden. The childminder uses her experience of how children learn to extend their knowledge. For example, she teaches them that watering plants makes them grow. Children begin to learn about comparison and size as they measure which sunflower grows tallest. Older children help the childminder to search online and find out how to extract the seeds from the flowers. They understand that they can grow new flowers from the seeds.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides children with a wide range of varied experiences out in the local area. They regularly visit local parks and attend playgroups where they meet with friends and other childminders in the area. Children are adventurous and the childminder supports them as they discover new things on their own.

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need to do better?

n The childminder carefully considers the activities and experiences that she provides for children. She makes precise observations to gain insight as to what sparks their interest throughout the day. Children benefit from interesting resources indoors. The childminder skilfully teaches children new words and extends their vocabulary. However, she does not always use everyday opportunities to count with them in order to build on their early mathematical understanding. n The childminder regularly assesses children's development and plans effectively to support their next steps in learning through stimulating activities. They enjoy playing in the sandpit, filling containers and squishing the sand through their fingers. n The childminder has established strong partnerships with parents and communicates well with them and other settings that children attend. This provides continuity for children and helps them to make good progress. The

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need to do better?

childminder does not always gather enough detail about children's home lives in order to help them understand what makes them unique. n The childminder updates her knowledge and skills to a good level and researches any areas where children may need support through training courses

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need to do better?

2 September 2019 and online publications. She liaises with other childminders in the area and they share knowledge, ideas of good practice and keep up to date with any new legislation. n Children are highly motivated and inquisitive learners. They are fiercely independent, which the childminder encourages. Children are very kind towards each other and clearly enjoy spending time with each other. Older children tickle babies and they giggle delightedly. Babies are learning how to share and take turns as the childminder quickly resolves issues fairly and consistently. n Children are confident and are brave in taking risks and challenges in their physical development. Very young children confidently jump on a small trampoline and climb expertly through equipment in the garden. Older children are independent and care of their own needs. For instance, they know how to put on their own shoes to go out into the garden, and competently attend to

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need to do better?

washing their hands before eating. n Settling-in procedures are individually tailored to the needs of the child and their parents. Children receive warm, reassuring cuddles from the childminder. Through conversations with parents and her own observations, she supports children to succeed right from the start and make progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her knowledge up to date. She regularly attends training and completes online courses. She knows the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm and the procedures to follow to report any concerns.

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should:

n make the most of all opportunities to extend children's mathematical knowledge to help them develop an early understanding of numbers n gather more detailed information about children's home lives to help them gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between themselves and others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY284947 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063559 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 3 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 13 July 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Hitchin. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the areas of the childminder's home that children use. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children indoors and out in the garden. n The inspector spoke to children and the childminder at convenient times. n The inspector took account of parents' views through feedback and written references. n The inspector and the childminder discussed children's learning and progress, and evaluated a learning activity together.

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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

2 September 2019 2 September 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.

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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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