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

The childminder has warm, positive bonds with children. She shows them that she enjoys their company and responds to their obvious affection with attentive kindness. Children demonstrate that they feel emotionally safe and secure with the childminder. When younger children look to the childminder for comfort and support, she provides them with loving reassurance, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

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The provision is good

The childminder makes regular observations of what children know and can do. She uses these to help her to plan for what children need to learn next. Overall, children enjoy their learning. They choose resources freely and interact happily with the childminder. Children acquire good communication skills. Older children listen attentively to stories and speculate on where the story is going. The childminder takes children to the library where they choose books for themselves, which helps to build their interest in literacy.

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The provision is good

Children regularly attend toddler and activity groups where they gain social skills in a variety of different environments. This gives them the confidence they need for the next stage of their learning, including school. The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. She encourages children to share their games with other children and teaches them good manners. Children have gentle reminders to be polite and are praised for their achievements with a 'high five'.

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need to do better?

n The childminder attends mandatory training and has undertaken several additional courses that extend her understanding of safeguarding and infection control. However, the childminder has not focused her professional development on maintaining the quality of teaching at the highest level. Although she considers children's interests, she does not always challenge their capabilities. n The childminder fosters children's interest in mathematical concepts. She provides opportunities for older children to identify and match numbers, shapes and colours. Younger children learn about size and shape in practical ways. For example, they play with blocks of differing sizes and shapes. n The childminder encourages children to lead healthy lifestyles. She works well with parents to meet children's dietary needs and offers guidance on nutritious food choices. Children join in cooking activities that promote healthy food

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need to do better?

choices, such as making vegetable soup. The childminder ensures children have daily opportunities to be active and enjoy vigorous exercise in the fresh air. n Children spend time exploring the world around them. They visit local woods where they identify animals, such as squirrels, and take acceptable risks as they clamber over obstacles. The childminder teaches them about the weather and

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need to do better?

19 November 2019 the changes of the seasons to enhance their appreciation of the natural world. n Parents say they are extremely pleased with their children's care and learning. They comment positively on the range of activities and the childminder's cheerful outlook. The childminder works closely with parents when children first start. She offers flexible settling-in sessions to help children gain confidence and get to know her. Parents get daily feedback on their children's experiences. The childminder collates photographs and observations into a journal for every child. These make a wonderful souvenir for parents to keep when their children leave the childminder's care. n The childminder supports children to take some responsibility for their own care. She encourages young children to feed themselves and helps older ones develop their independence in using the toilet. Children have access to lots of resources,

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need to do better?

which enables them to independently choose what they want to play with. At times, however, the childminder does not make the most of children's capabilities to solve problems and do things for themselves.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder keeps up to date with her local authority child protection guidance. She understands the procedures she must follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare or safety. Children play safely because the childminder carries out daily checks of her home, indoors and outdoors, to ensure all areas remain clean and secure.

p.3

should:

n implement a stronger programme of professional development that extends teaching skills further n make the most of all opportunities to encourage children to solve problems, do things for themselves and extend their independence.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY298830 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127127 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 5 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 3 March 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Bishops Stortford. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education places for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the childminder and children as they played together to assess the quality of teaching and children's learning. n The inspector looked at essential documents, such as evidence of the suitability of household members and children's mandatory assessments. n The inspector spoke with children and the childminder during the inspection. She took account of the views of parents through written testimonials. n The inspector looked at areas of the home used by children and the resources available to them.

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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

19 November 2019 19 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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