Childminder EY403255

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children show that they are exceptionally happy, secure and content. They thrive in the childminder's sensitive, nurturing care. Children benefit immensely from the excellent procedures the childminder uses to find out about their needs and to build a comprehensive understanding of each child as an individual. The childminder makes excellent use of this knowledge to offer children exciting play opportunities and highly effective support and guidance. Children demonstrate exceptionally positive attitudes and swiftly develop the skills that support their ability to learn successfully. Children readily work together and use excellent language skills, enabling them to explain their play and learning. For example, children competently explain their imaginary game and invite others to join them, allowing them time and consideration to add their own ideas.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder skilfully supports children in recognising differences. For instance, children help the childminder to make books and eagerly refer to the positive images in these. They show a mature understanding and respect for one another and demonstrate their excellent knowledge of how to manage their own behaviour. Children recognise that others will be upset if, for example, toys are taken away from them. They willingly share resources and capably organise fair turn taking.

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need to do better?

n The experienced childminder is committed to the continuous development of her practice. She carries out research and completes an extensive range of training. She readily shares her knowledge and other practitioners report that they appreciate her strong empathy and are inspired to develop their own practice further. n Thoughtful use of local facilities supports children in developing their knowledge. For instance, their regular attendance at a surplus food project helps them understand the importance of recycling and offers them opportunities to extend their understanding of healthy eating. n Children benefit from the childminder's excellent planning. For example, they develop their enjoyment of books as they listen to a favourite story and explore the props. They concentrate intently as they ably sequence the wrapped packages in number order and excitedly open these. They eagerly remember the story and use language from the book, readily describing the 'fierce lion' and the

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need to do better?

'grumpy camel'. n The childminder expertly extends activities to support children in building on their knowledge. After enjoying the animal book, children wear masks and move like animals, eagerly using new vocabulary such as 'scurrying'. They use scissors to cut out animal pictures, developing their creativity as they make up stories while sticking these onto paper. They are so inspired by the activity that they

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need to do better?

11 February 2020 decide to decorate envelopes for their pictures. n The childminder perfectly understands children's experiences and offers them stimulating opportunities to build on these and extend their skills. For instance, children use books and internet searches to research what they might find when they visit a nearby river. They develop their skills in exploring as they use fishing nets to discover creatures in the water. They return home and compare their findings to their predictions. n Children develop a strong sense of belonging. For example, they take part in national and local initiatives, such as counting garden birds. The childminder skilfully supports them in extending their knowledge further as they make their own tally charts to compare the number of different birds they watched. n The childminder conscientiously reviews her work. She introduces resources that engage children and successfully support their learning. For instance, children

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need to do better?

take descriptive cards out on walks and use these words, such as 'spiky, tiny' and 'stripy', to describe the things they see. n Children gain a highly practical knowledge of how to keep themselves safe. They competently assess risks, such as how they can safely climb trees and logs. n The childminder builds highly effective partnerships with parents and other childcare settings. For example, she provides practical information and resources that enable parents to extend children's activities at home. Parents have exceptionally high regard for the childminder. They report that they greatly appreciate her excellent communication and the extensive variety of activities she offers children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates an excellent, up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding. She reads associated articles and completes regular training to support her in this area. The childminder is fully aware of the signs that may indicate a child's welfare is at risk and competently explains the procedure for reporting any concerns. She has an exceptionally secure understanding of the risks posed to children by exposure to extreme behaviours and views. The childminder understands the risks associated with use of the internet and takes very effective action to protect children from these. She sensitively supports children so that they understand how to use the internet safely.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY403255 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127207 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 2 to 4 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 2 December 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Letchworth. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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 inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. She carried out a tour of the home with the childminder to discuss and understand how the early years provision is organised. n The inspector talked with children and the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She reviewed an activity with the childminder. n The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of household members. She discussed the childminder's self-evaluation and viewed a range of other documentation, including the safeguarding procedures. n The inspector spoke to a small number of parents. She also viewed written feedback from parents and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

11 February 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.

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Inspection activities

11 February 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.

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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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