Childminder EY373780

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in the calm and supportive environment. They develop extremely close attachments with the childminder, her co-childminder and assistant. Children are exceptionally well cared for and show that they feel very safe, happy and relaxed. The childminder is an excellent role model. She encourages children to share, use good manners and take turns. As a result, their behaviour is exemplary.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are highly motivated and make outstanding progress. They listen attentively and concentrate extremely well for their age and stage of development. For example, all children excitedly join in at small-group times. Older children confidently identify their names. Babies giggle with delight as they proudly recognise photographs of themselves. They talk about the weather outside, and enjoy finding the picture of a 'foggy day'.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit enormously from the rich and stimulating environment. They are provided with an extensive range of experiences and activities that promote their learning extremely well. The childminder uses every opportunity to praise them for their achievements. Children develop superb confidence in their own abilities and are happy to take on challenges. For example, they have great fun as they learn new songs. Even the youngest children help to decorate the Christmas tree.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works exceptionally well with her co-childminder and assistant. They provide high-quality learning experiences for children. They regularly evaluate their service, taking account of the views of parents and children, to enhance the already outstanding provision. n The childminder works very closely with parents. She has excellent systems in place for sharing information with them. She keeps them very well informed of children's daily activities and their ongoing achievements. Parents are extremely happy with the care and progress their children make. They comment that it is such a 'happy environment' and that they would 'thoroughly recommend this wonderful group of childminders'. n Children and babies are extremely motivated learners. They enjoy practising new skills. For example, young children are beginning to use crayons, chalks and paintbrushes to make marks. They thoroughly enjoy shaking the bells as they

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need to do better?

sing Christmas songs. n The childminder skilfully develops children's communication and language skills as they play. She introduces them to new words and asks meaningful questions that promote and extend children's thinking. Toddlers babble and smile as the childminder continually chats to them. She introduces new words as they play. n Children have a wide range of experiences that help to further their

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need to do better?

5 December 2019 understanding of the wider world. They enjoy learning about different festivals and visit local places of interest, including the farm, library and shops. The childminder encourages them to think about other children. They generously donate Christmas boxes to children who are not as fortunate as themselves. n The childminder is extremely well organised. She provides a superbly resourced and highly stimulating environment inside and outside. The childminder demonstrates a determination to continuously develop her practice. For example, she has recently completed training on meeting the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The childminder helps children to learn about a healthy lifestyle through the well-planned daily routines. Mealtimes are relaxed and social occasions. Children are provided with highly nutritious meals and snacks. They are encouraged to

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need to do better?

become independent as they choose from the variety of items displayed on the breakfast trolley. Babies are supported to use a spoon and feed themselves. n Children learn about the importance of exercise as they play in the garden and when they go to the park or soft-play centre. They use the wide range of play equipment to extend their physical skills. They enjoy weekly movement sessions when they sing, dance and move to music. n Children enjoy visits in the local community, such as to the farm, park, library and lakes. They often go on nature walks in the woods, where they collect autumn leaves, fir cones and conkers. They talk about the changes in the seasons. Children enjoy singing songs and listening to stories about autumn time.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety is given high priority by the childminder and she has an excellent understanding of keeping children safe. For example, she has extensive knowledge of the current procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder has a detailed safeguarding policy, which she regularly updates to ensure all information is current and relevant. She works very well with her co-childminder and assistant to ensure children are well supervised at all times. The childminder teaches children from a young age about how they can keep themselves safe. For example, they learn how to cross the road safely.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY373780 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10059679 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 12 Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 30 Date of previous inspection 10 March 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008. She works with another registered childminder and assistant in the co-childminder's premises in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3. She provides funded early 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, including evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises.

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Inspection activities

5 December 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

5 December 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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