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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in the care of the dedicated childminder. They all make outstanding progress and have an extremely enjoyable time with her. The childminder is wonderfully caring, nurturing and sensitive to children's individual needs. She forms exceptionally secure attachments with them from the start. New children settle very quickly. They show they feel safe and happy with the childminder.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder is a superb role model and is very calm, patient and kind. She gives children very clear and consistent boundaries to help them understand what is expected of them. They learn excellent social skills and are gently reminded to use their manners. Babies confidently use sign language to say 'please' and 'thank you'.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children love being outdoors. They especially enjoy growing plants in the childminder's garden. When they are ready, they harvest the fruit and vegetables and thoroughly enjoy eating them. Children enjoy highly nutritious snacks and meals. They are skilfully supported to develop their personal care skills from a very young age. For example, after lunch, children clean their teeth and wash their own face and hands. They are exceptionally well prepared with the skills they need for the next stage in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is extremely motivated and driven to provide the highest-quality care and education for children. She provides an extensive range of exciting experiences, which children thoroughly enjoy. Children become highly confident, independent learners in the childminder's exceptionally welcoming and well- organised home. Children have fun choosing their toys from a picture resource book. n The childminder skilfully adapts activities so that every child has high-quality learning experiences. Children thoroughly enjoy the many activities planned around their current topic about winter. For example, they explore ice and watch it melt in their hands. Older children recognise and count the different ice shapes, which helps to develop their mathematical skills. n Children develop their understanding of the natural world. They learn about the life cycle of butterflies and frogs. They hunt for insects in the 'bug hotel' in the

p.2

need to do better?

childminder's garden. Children notice the changes in the seasons, such as frost on the grass. They talk about how the birds find food in the winter. They make bird feeders and watch excitedly as a robin comes in the garden to eat the seeds. n The childminder can skilfully turn an activity into a wealth of learning. For

p.2

need to do better?

17 January 2020 example, she challenges the children to name and find letters during activities. She models the letter sounds as she writes their names on their drawings. n Children have a wide range of experiences that help to further their understanding of the wider world. They enjoy activities and outings to celebrate special events, such as Chinese New Year. They thoroughly enjoy a trip to a local restaurant where they try new foods. They visit a local farm where they have tractor rides, harvest pumpkins and dig up potatoes. This helps them to develop a sense of their local community. n The childminder works very closely with parents. She has highly effective systems in place for sharing information with them. She keeps them very well informed of children's daily activities and their ongoing progress. Parents say that she is 'an amazing childminder' and that they 'never worry about their children when they are in her care'. Their written comments show that she goes

p.2

need to do better?

above and beyond parents' expectations to provide continuity in children's care and learning. n The childminder demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for her work. She sets high standards for her childminding service. She continually strives to extend her excellent skills and knowledge. This reflects her passion for providing the highest quality provision.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to protect children. She has extensive knowledge of the current procedures to follow should she have any concerns about children's welfare. She has undertaken a considerable amount of safeguarding training to develop her knowledge. The childminder has a detailed safeguarding policy that she regularly updates to ensure all information is current and relevant. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment. The childminder teaches children from a young age about how they can keep themselves safe. For example, they learn about road safety when they go on outings.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 129175 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127023 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 0 to 5 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 10 December 2014

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1999 and lives in Hatfield. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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.

p.4

Inspection activities

17 January 2020 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

17 January 2020 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6