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 are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy spending time in this welcoming environment. They settle very quickly and choose what they would like to do next from the good range of activities available. Children develop close bonds with the childminder. She is loving and caring towards them and they enjoy her cuddles, comfort and reassurance. Children behave very well and are provided with consistent boundaries. They are actively encouraged to use good manners, be polite and say 'please' and 'thank you'.

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The provision is good

Children are provided with good opportunities to explore the local environment with the childminder. For example, they visit the local parks, the library and the animal farm. These visits help to support children's physical well-being and their understanding of the wider world.

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The provision is good

Children make good progress from their starting points. They have fun as they learn and are eager to try new things and investigate. This creates a good foundation for learning. Children develop good mathematical skills. They excitedly take part in an outdoor activity, searching for different-coloured baubles that are dropped by 'the reindeer' and counting them into their collection bags. They discover who has collected the most.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is keen to ensure children have stimulating opportunities to build on their current skills. For example, they enthusiastically explore a winter wonderland activity. Children find and name different items. They talk about how an ice block feels and how it is melting. n The childminder supports children's communication skills effectively. She speaks clearly and uses repetition to help younger children pronounce letter sounds. Children enjoy singing and recognise their favourite songs. n The childminder has high expectations for children and assesses their development consistently to ensure they make good progress. She completes regular observations of children. She uses this information to identify any gaps in learning and development, and plan effectively for their next steps. n The childminder provides a curriculum that focuses on children's individual learning needs. She reflects well on what children can do and notes these

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need to do better?

achievements in her assessments, which she shares with parents. n Children enjoy the freedom to make choices in their activities. The childminder skilfully supports them to acquire a good level of independence. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents report they are very happy with the range of activities, outings and experiences that their children are provided with. They are pleased with their child's developmental progress and the good

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need to do better?

27 November 2019 communication with the childminder. Parents receive regular updates on their child's progress and detailed daily information about their child's activities and care routines. n Children enjoy looking at books and listening to stories with the childminder. However, at times, she does not always make sure the books read are appropriate for the age level of children's understanding. n The childminder enthusiastically joins in with children's play by offering comments, introducing new words and asking questions to help children further develop their speech. Children enjoy sharing their ideas, remembering events and discussing their play. n The childminder keeps up to date with training and seeks opportunities to develop her practice and knowledge further, to build on the good quality of teaching. n Children learn new vocabulary as the childminder skilfully introduces new words during their play. They become absorbed in creative activities and show

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need to do better?

determination and concentration to complete an activity. For example, they enjoy using a recipe to make play dough together, and then use this to make their own snowman.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children and the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. She can identify when a child may be at risk and has a detailed safeguarding policy with relevant contact numbers she can access when necessary. The childminder maintains her knowledge of child protection by completing up-to-date training. Children are encouraged to keep safe within the environment, for instance by tidying toys away and sitting down when eating. The childminder's home and garden are well organised, and potential risks are identified and managed. The childminder closely supervises children as they play in the house and when on outings.

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should:

n review the planning of story time activities to enable children to better understand the meaning of the story and further enhance their enjoyment and experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY475997 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10075813 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 to 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 22 January 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Hitchin. She operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, during term time only, excluding bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector looked at all areas of the home used for childminding. n The inspector observed the childminder playing with the children during a range of activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector took account of the views of parents expressed in written responses. n The inspector discussed the childminder's policies, looked at children's records and checked evidence of the childminder's suitability. n The inspector discussed activities with the childminder and how the curriculum is organised.

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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

27 November 2019 27 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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