Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children have a good relationship with their caring childminder. The childminder supports children well. She helps them to feel confident and secure. Children show that they enjoy being in the childminder's home. They confidently express themselves. Children decide what they would like to eat for lunch. They make their choice from the healthy selection offered by the childminder.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are polite and well behaved in the childminder's care. They show that they understand how to behave towards others. Children follow good hygiene routines to help maintain their health. They demonstrate that they understand why this is important when they include this in their role play. Children pretend to clean up the sink when they finish their make-believe play.

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The provision is good

Children benefit significantly from the opportunities the childminder provides within the local community. They learn about the boats on the river and how they are kept in good condition. They watch with interest as boats at the marina are lifted from the water and cleaned with jets of water.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children receive effective support from the childminder to gain good independence skills. She encourages them to try things for themselves, and is on hand to support with advice and practical help. n Children have good opportunities to lead conversations and play. The childminder attentively listens. She shows children that their views and opinions deserve respect. This gives them lots of chances to show what they know and can do. The childminder is really interested in children's ideas. She is an enthusiastic participant in their activities in the 'challenge room'. n The childminder is positive in her interactions with children. She helps them to achieve their goals. The childminder is encouraging and a good role model. She easily and sensitively corrects minor mistakes in mathematics and speech. For example, the childminder repeats what children say, changing to the correct words. This means children hear the right words and phrases.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands what children need to learn. She knows what they should achieve by the time they complete the Reception year in school. The childminder works hard to provide interesting learning opportunities for children. This allows them to develop new knowledge and improve their skills. n The childminder offers a wide variety of experiences in the local area. These help to broaden children's understanding of the local community and the natural environment. Children have been able to see new life first hand when out on walks by the river. They look at the geese and see how the goslings are growing during the early summer.

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need to do better?

9 June 2021 n Most aspects of the childminder's teaching are effective. However, the background music sometimes distracts children and interrupts their concentration. This detracts from their learning. n The childminder works closely with other professionals. This ensures consistency in children's care and learning. The childminder helped children keep up with their learning when schools were closed during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Children worked together with the childminder on lessons and activities provided by schools. n The childminder completes the necessary paperwork to ensure the safe day-to- day running of her setting. She uses an online system that automatically shares relevant information with parents. For example, accident reports go directly to parents and this helps to ensure they are well informed about their child's care. n The childminder keeps parents up to date with children's learning. They talk

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need to do better?

about children's progress and any new interests. The childminder is flexible and makes arrangements that provide continuity of care. She travels to collect children from school and returns them home each day. The childminder consults parents about arrangements to ensure they agree what works well. n The childminder completes appropriate training to support her care of the children. She is able to put into practice the knowledge she has gained. This helps to ensure children's well-being.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding practice and procedures. She recognises the possible signs that children may be at risk of harm. The childminder is extremely clear about the action to take if there are any concerns about children's safety. She keeps her knowledge of safeguarding up to date and completes regular training. This helps to ensure she has the latest information about safeguarding, including extremism and child protection.

p.3

should:

n consider how music is used and ensure it does not detract from children's ability to concentrate when they are engaged in purposeful learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY557502 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10175113 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 0 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in a village near Ware. She operates all year round from 11.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time and 10am to 6pm in school holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk to understand how the curriculum is organised. n The childminder and the inspector reflected on an activity. Together, they assessed the quality of education and the impact of teaching on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children and the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the written feedback from parents. n The inspector checked documents relating to the suitability of household members and the childminder's qualifications, including paediatric first aid and safeguarding.

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Inspection activities

9 June 2021 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

9 June 2021 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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