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 are extremely happy and feel a strong sense of belonging in this exceedingly welcoming and homely setting. They have developed exceptionally secure attachments with the childminder and thrive in her affectionate and nurturing care.

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The provision is outstanding

Children settle very quickly and become confident and independent learners. They engage in meaningful conversations with each other to develop a diverse knowledge and understanding of people and families beyond their own. For example, they use photographs of their own homes to discuss who they live with, their pets, and how many grandparents they have. Children display an excellent attitude to learning and are highly motivated to explore the wide range of resources provided. They thoroughly enjoy their play in the wonderful outdoor area. They use their imagination and concentrate fully in the small-world play with the farm animals. Children learn mathematical language as they count and group the family of animals into 'big for daddy' and 'small for baby'. The childminder captures every available opportunity to enhance their learning and supports their ideas. For example, they learn to identify colours and shapes as they choose jewels

p.2

The provision is outstanding

to stick on their crowns. Children persevere in doing things for themselves. They feel superbly safe and secure.

p.2

need to do better?

n The experienced and skilled childminder completes precise and accurate observations of children's learning. She uses these to plan and provide highly stimulating activities that capture the children's attention extremely well. Children remain focused and engaged in what they do and take an active role in their learning. They show extremely positive can-do attitudes towards learning. All children make excellent progress from their different starting points. They are exceptionally well prepared for the next stages of their learning. n Children behave impeccably. The childminder has exceedingly high expectations of them. She brings out the best in children. The childminder is calm, patient and kind. She gives children gentle and consistent reminders to help them understand what is expected of them. They have remarkably good manners for their age and have an excellent understanding of how to manage their feelings

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need to do better?

and emotions with others. n Children have enormous fun developing their physical skills. They are excited as they immerse themselves in role play with the childminder when 'going on a bear hunt'. She captivates their imagination. For example, they recognise colours and count the paw prints as they place these in position and use maps to follow the experiences on their journey. They recall and act out every part with glee and laughter.

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need to do better?

27 February 2020 n The childminder encourages children to develop their early literacy skills throughout all activities. For example, children take part in physical development sessions where they practise a range of precise movements linked to supporting early writing skills. They have an excellent understanding of letters and the sounds they represent as they look at and talk about alphabet posters and pictures around the setting. They are learning to recognise and write their own names. n The dedicated childminder meticulously evaluates and reflects on her practice and the quality of her setting. She continuously looks at ways to enhance her already excellent expertise and skills. The childminder accesses a range of professional development opportunities. For example, she attends many training courses that cover a wide range of topics. She continues to meet with local childminders, where she shares updated knowledge and good practice.

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need to do better?

n Partnerships with parents are outstanding. They comment that she goes above and beyond expectations. Parents give very high praise for the care and education the childminder provides for their children and the support given to individual families. They value the excellent communication, and all hugely appreciate the progress and development their children make in her care. n The childminder provides rich opportunities for children to learn about themselves, the local community and beyond. They have amazing experiences as they explore the world around them. For example, they have fabulous days out to the seaside, the local fire station and the ski centre. They learn about animals and nature on regular trips to woods, parks and the zoo. Children celebrate many festivals and visit the cathedral to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and beliefs.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has highly effective procedures in place to keep children safe. She has completed a wealth of child protection training and has exceptional knowledge of child protection issues, including wider safeguarding concerns. The childminder has a superb understanding of where she can seek advice if she is concerned about a child's welfare or should an allegation be made. She implements rigorous procedures and maintains meticulous documentation to help ensure children are protected extremely well.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 130105 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127040 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 10 March 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 1992 and lives in Oxhey, near Watford. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed all areas of the childminder's home that children use. n The inspector invited the childminder to participate in a joint observation. She considered the quality of teaching during activities and the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector took account of parents' views through written references. n The inspector sampled a range of relevant documentation, including training certificates, suitability checks for household members and children's learning records.

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Inspection activities

27 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

27 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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