Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this exceptionally welcoming and well-organised environment. The childminder demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for her work and sets exceptionally high standards for her childminding provision. She works very closely with her co-childminder. They are passionate and extremely dedicated to offering outstanding provision.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is exceptionally warm, caring and sensitive to children's individual needs. Children develop wonderfully close attachments with her and show that they feel safe, happy and valued. They are treated with courtesy and respect. The childminder is an excellent role model for children. She sets highly effective and consistent boundaries for their behaviour. Children's manners are exemplary.

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The provision is outstanding

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. She plans an exciting curriculum that skilfully meets their interests and extends their learning. For example, when children say they would like to visit a farm, the childminder plans an outing to a local farmyard. Children fondly remember the trips they have been on with the childminder and their friends. They use language extremely well to communicate their thoughts. For example, during their play, they say, 'I'm having a great time.' Children acquire exceptional skills and attitudes that prepare them extremely well for future learning and moving on to school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a wealth of experience of looking after children. Together with her co-childminder, they create a very child-centred and stimulating environment. Children have fun with the childminder as they learn. They can choose from a fantastic range of high-quality toys and resources inside and outside. n The childminder carries out extremely accurate and detailed observations and assessments of children's learning. This includes the mandatory progress check for children aged between two and three years. These assessments enable the childminder to quickly identify gaps in children's learning. She uses them to focus her activities on supporting children to make excellent progress. n Children happily talk to each other during their play. They are able to learn from each other and benefit from sharing ideas. The childminder asks all children to bring items from home to put in their 'language boxes'. They thoroughly enjoy

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need to do better?

talking about their special things, which supports them superbly well in their speaking and listening skills. n The childminder skilfully extends children's early literacy skills. She makes excellent use of stories and songs to capture and engage children's interests. For example, when reading a story, she asks what is happening in the pictures.

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need to do better?

25 November 2019 Children excitedly respond when they know the answers. Older children are extremely well supported to develop their early reading skills. For example, they begin to understand that print carries meaning. The childminder makes signs, such as 'open' and 'closed', for children to use when playing in the shop. n Children make excellent progress in mathematics. For example, younger children identify the numbers written on the balloons. They have fun counting the pieces of banana on their plates at snack time. The childminder gives them another piece and asks them how many they have now. n The childminder prepares highly nutritious meals for children and actively promotes their good health. She is vigilant about meeting their individual dietary requirements. Children wash their hands before they eat and have an excellent awareness of germs. Water bottles are available inside and outside for children

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need to do better?

to drink from as they need. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as they play in the garden or at the park. n Parents are actively encouraged to be involved in their children's learning. They are extremely enthusiastic to share their views of the childminder's provision. Their written comments are exceptionally complimentary about the quality of care and learning. They say that their children are 'loved, learning and happy'. n The childminder and her co-childminder have an excellent working relationship. They continually reflect on the valuable service they provide for families. Both childminders are extremely dedicated to maintaining the outstanding care for children. They observe each other and suggest helpful advice to enhance their already outstanding practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety is given extremely high priority. The childminder has a thorough knowledge about safeguarding procedures. She works very closely with her co- childminder to ensure all children are exceptionally well supervised at all times. The childminder has an excellent understanding about the procedures to follow to keep children safe from harm. She attends regular training to ensure her knowledge is up to date. She is aware of any new legislation, which she implements into her practice very effectively. The childminder's robust risk assessments cover all aspects of her house, including the garden and when they go on outings.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 130300 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127044 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 2 to 3 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 2 December 2014

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1989. She operates all year round from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises.

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Inspection activities

25 November 2019 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

25 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

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

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