Childminder 130384

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 have a very enjoyable time with the extremely dedicated and enthusiastic childminder. Each child is highly valued and their welfare is at the centre of everything the childminder does. Children form strong attachments to the very kind and caring childminder. They clearly show their feelings of safety and security as they quickly gain high levels of confidence and independence. Children's health and well-being are given high priority. The childminder skilfully supports them in understanding their feelings and emotions. For example, when children move to a new house, she uses stories and videos to help prepare them for their move. They all enjoy looking at photographs of their houses.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiastic approach to outdoor learning. They relish being in her garden and exploring natural materials in the mud kitchen. They visit a garden centre to choose plants. Older children pick fruit at the local farm and make pies with it. They have trips on a canal boat, visit a castle and enjoy picnics with their friends. Children of all ages and abilities make outstanding progress in this stimulating and nurturing environment. They are confident, motivated and well prepared for their future learning and their eventual move to school.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has gained exceptional knowledge and experience over many years of working with children. She gives an enormous amount of thought to planning a rich, innovative and highly challenging curriculum. n The childminder takes time to get to know the children and their families from the start. For example, she visits the children at home as part of the settling-in process. She finds out about children's routines, interests, and their likes and dislikes before they start. n The childminder plans an exceptional range of activities inside and outside. For example, children delight in using props to act out a favourite story in the garden. They pretend to go through the 'long wavy grass'. They 'splash in the river' and 'squelch through the mud' in search of a 'bear'. They find his footprints, which lead to a 'cave'. They squeal with delight when they find the bear. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder has extremely high

p.2

need to do better?

expectations of all children and celebrates their individuality. She is an excellent role model and has a consistently warm, caring approach. She gives children lots of praise and encouragement, which successfully promotes their confidence and self-esteem. For example, when she thanks them for sharing the toys, they confidently reply, 'You're welcome'. n The childminder provides a language-rich environment. She skilfully supports

p.2

need to do better?

29 January 2020 babies' early communication by singing songs and modelling words. She introduces children to new words and asks meaningful questions that promote and extend their thinking. There is a wide range of books for children to enjoy. This significantly enhances their love of literacy. n The childminder has extremely well-organised daily routines. This means that children quickly develop their independence. They love to check in the mirror after washing their own faces. Even the youngest children are effectively supported by the childminder to wash their hands and dry them on their towels. n The childminder supports parents to be fully involved in their children's learning and development. She provides them with a vast amount of information about her provision. They appreciate the excellent ideas, which enable them to further support their children's learning at home. n Parents are extremely enthusiastic to share their very complimentary feedback

p.2

need to do better?

about the childminder. They comment that the childminder 'truly treats the children like they are part of the family'. Others say that 'every day is a special day' at the childminder's house. They conclude that the childminder is 'quite simply the most wonderful childminder on every level'. n The childminder sets high standards for her childminding service. She has established strong links with other childminders in the area. Together, they use their wealth of experience and knowledge to share outstanding practice. The childminder welcomes feedback from parents and children. She uses these comments to further enhance her practice and maintain the excellent level of care and education that she offers.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of her responsibility to safeguard children. She clearly demonstrates her understanding of what to do should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder's extensive safeguarding policies and procedures help to underpin her outstanding practice. She reviews and updates her documentation as required. The childminder has a broad understanding of wider safeguarding concerns. She is confident about her duty with regards to radicalisation and extremism. The childminder talks to older children about safe use of the internet to help them develop an excellent understanding about staying safe online.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 130384 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127047 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

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 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 26 November 2014

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in in Croxley Green. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, 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

29 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

29 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