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

When children start in the childminder's care, they embark on a rich journey of security and emotional stability. They take part in a wealth of vibrant experiences that help them to gain exceptional life skills. Children recognise themselves as unique individuals with a sense of worth, who have their views and preferences listened to and valued.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

From a young age, children show a consistently positive attitude to learn and sustain high levels of concentration. Indoors, children prepare birthday celebrations as they set out a tea party. They add plates, balloons and scatter decorations to prepare for the occasion. As they explore outdoors, they are keen to join in with the imaginative play of others. For instance, children add sand to water to represent cooking ingredients. They carefully mix carrots, broccoli and peas in with their pasta. Older children are eager to demonstrate the extensive skills they have learned to the younger children.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children are kind, thoughtful and develop considerable respect for others. They follow the childminder's high expectations for behaviour with ease. Older children feel safe in their environment as they talk to the childminder about any worries that they have, such as deadlines for homework. Younger children show their love and affection for the childminder as they regularly run to her for cuddles.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder shows a clear vision and strategy for providing high-quality, inclusive care for children. She conducts online research, attends face-to face courses and makes full use of the local children's centre facilities to help continually build on her already excellent skills. The childminder has attended recent courses through the local authority that have helped her recognise her exemplary practice. n The childminder plans an ambitious curriculum for all children that enables them to achieve the best possible outcomes. For example, she has successfully helped children to exceed their expected rates of development. The childminder works closely with key staff from the other settings children attend to help ensure this superb level of progress is maintained. n Interactions between the childminder and children are of a consistently high quality. She adeptly plans challenging targets for every child. For example,

p.2

need to do better?

during a simple cooking activity, children of all ages have opportunities to weigh and measure ingredients; they explore numbers, size and volume. Children fully immerse themselves in these activities with the childminder, who recognises the importance of the process as much as the end result. n Children use language with increasing fluency. They are eager to tell visitors

p.2

need to do better?

16 January 2020 about the places they like to go with the childminder and share photographs of past activities they particularly enjoyed. Children become animated as they engage in conversation about family members, new siblings and the other children who attend. n Children receive a rich set of experiences to explore their community and the outside world. For example, they regularly visit a café with the childminder that is run by adults with specific learning needs. Children enjoy weekly visits to the library where they listen to rhymes and stories and choose books to read. n Children have marvellous daily opportunities to access fresh air and exercise. These include walks around the local area to observe sheep in the fields, feeding the ducks and sharing picnics in the meadow. The childminder has made the most of nearby building works to allow children to learn from real-life experiences. n Children show high levels of independence and manage their own personal

p.2

need to do better?

needs incredibly well. They make informed choices about how they spend their time and know when it is cold outside they need to wear their coat. Children recognise when they are in need of a drink, snack or rest and are confident to request these things. n Children show an excellent understanding of risk. As they feed hay to the family's pet rabbit, they are careful to keep their fingers and faces away from its mouth. Even the youngest of children know that when they use a mouthpiece instrument it must be cleaned after use. n Parents describe the childminder's practice as exemplary. They say she is professional, enthusiastic and has a genuine love for those under her care. Parents value the ongoing support she provides them with through significant and emotional challenges.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an extensive knowledge of child protection issues and the wider aspects of safeguarding. She recognises the many signs and symptoms that may indicate a child who is at risk of harm and the times when children or families may find themselves more vulnerable. The childminder places a high priority on ensuring her understanding of local safeguarding issues and the procedures to make a referral remains up to date. Children's occasional use of the internet is monitored closely. The children are made aware of guidance they must follow to keep themselves safe.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY244015 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127101 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 2 to 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 10 February 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Standon. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is registered to provide funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector discussed the curriculum with the childminder and completed a joint evaluation of the activities that she provides for children. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n The inspector spoke to, and interacted with, children during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

p.4

Inspection activities

16 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

16 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