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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this exceptionally welcoming and well-organised environment. They thoroughly enjoy being with the childminder. Children show that they feel exceptionally happy, safe and settled in her care. They become extremely engaged and highly motivated when taking part in activities. For example, younger children enthusiastically hunt for the animals hidden in the sand. They have great fun learning their names and making the animal sounds.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's health and well-being are given extremely high priority. Children are beginning to understand and talk about their feelings and emotions. They are consistently encouraged to feel good about themselves and receive lots of praise for their achievements. Young children show extremely high levels of curiosity and perseverance. For example, they try to match the shapes in the shape sorter and show a great sense of achievement when they are successful.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have many wonderful opportunities to experience the awe and wonder of the world. For example, they thoroughly enjoy walking through the bluebell woods. Children develop an exceptionally good understanding of growth and development. They plant bulbs and are delighted when the spring flowers begin to grow in the garden. They thoroughly enjoy learning about the life cycle of the caterpillar through the use of stories and puppets.

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need to do better?

n The inspirational childminder has an excellent understanding of her role and responsibilities. She skilfully plans and implements an innovative and challenging curriculum. For example, young children are fascinated as the childminder reads a favourite story. She uses different voices and highlights the repetitive phrases so that children can learn them easily. They demonstrate their love of books and listening to stories. n The childminder demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for her work and is exceptionally well organised. She has extremely high expectations for all children attending. The childminder expertly builds on what children already know and can do. Children make rapid progress in their learning and many exceed expectations for their age. n Parents are extremely complimentary about the care and education their children receive. They say that they are 'delighted with the service the childminder provides'. Others say that the childminder's house is 'warm and

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need to do better?

inviting' and their children are 'always excited to see her at the start of each day'. Some children have been with the childminder for many years, which demonstrates the excellent care she provides. n Partnerships with parents and other providers are exceptional. The childminder

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need to do better?

13 February 2020 uses highly effective ways to include parents in their children's learning. For example, she shares photographs of children's activities during the day. She also provides a detailed daily diary so that parents can continue their children's learning at home. The childminder successfully works with other settings and schools. This helps to promote a consistent approach to meeting children's care and learning needs. n The childminder promotes children's language and communication skills extremely well. She is very skilled at interacting with children during their play. The childminder models language and supports them in their pronunciation of words. She asks meaningful questions that help to develop children's understanding and knowledge even further. n Children develop superb early literacy skills. The childminder uses stories, poems and songs very effectively to support children's listening, understanding and

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need to do better?

speaking skills. Young children enthusiastically join in with actions as they sing their favourite songs and rhymes. Children are exceptionally well prepared with the skills they need for the next stage in their learning or their move to school. n Children have excellent opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles and be extremely active. For example, they enjoy playing outside each day and take part in digging, growing and caring for plants. Toddlers develop their balance skills as they play with ride-on toys. n The childminder strives for excellence at all times. She uses every opportunity to extend her highly comprehensive knowledge of how young children develop and learn. Her commitment to professional development is exceptional. It reflects her passion for providing the best possible quality of care and education. The childminder demonstrates an excellent capacity to sustain her outstanding

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder ensures she has a secure knowledge of ways to keep children safe. She is very confident in her understanding of safeguarding issues and clearly demonstrates her excellent understanding of what to do should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder regularly updates her training regarding all safeguarding issues and legislation. This includes the 'Prevent' duty guidance. The childminder proactively embeds British values. She meticulously records accidents and administration of medication, and keeps parents fully informed. Regular fire evacuation drills enable children to learn how to protect themselves in the event of an emergency.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY318791 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127146 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 1 to 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection 18 April 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in St Albans. She operates from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds qualified teacher status. She provides funded early years education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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. She 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 of training and the suitability of those living on the premises.

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Inspection activities

13 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

13 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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