Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. They are enthusiastic learners and confidently try new things. They show that they feel exceptionally safe and happy. All children have a highly enjoyable time with the childminder and her assistant. They form excellent relationships with them and each other.

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The provision is good

Children behave extremely well. They have a superb understanding of the daily routines and expectations. They sensitively learn how to manage their own feelings and behaviours. They talk about what makes them feel happy if they are sad. For example, when a child becomes upset, her friend gives her a teddy to make her feel better. Children get along exceptionally well together and happily share and take turns.

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The provision is good

The outside area enables children to enjoy daily fresh air and exercise. This helps them to develop exceptional physical skills and supports their confidence, resilience and independence. They make houses for hedgehogs and hunt for insects. Children are incredibly curious and love to explore. They are fascinated when they find a peacock's egg. Children develop the skills they will need for when they go to school. For example, they make decisions about their play. They learn to manage their own personal care needs and quickly become independent.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has worked extremely hard since her registration to successfully develop her provision. She demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for her work and is exceptionally well organised. She works very well with her assistant. They share their skills to provide high-quality care and learning for children. n Children take part in a variety of activities to develop their language skills, including stories, rhymes and songs. The childminder and her assistant skilfully encourage them to pronounce words correctly and develop their vocabulary. For example, when exploring clay, they use words such as 'mould' and 'shape'. n Children develop a love of books and reading. The childminder and her assistant read with enthusiasm, changing their voices to bring the story alive. Children listen intently and enjoy answering questions about the story. They are developing superb early literacy skills. Young children confidently recognise their

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need to do better?

name. Older children proudly show how they can write the letters in their name. n The childminder encourages children to count, recognise numbers and explore colours. She uses their interests to develop their learning further. For example, during a topic about 'the dentist', they count their teeth and excitedly declare they have 20. n The childminder has an excellent understanding of the significance of children's

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need to do better?

25 June 2021 home lives and experiences. She prepares them exceptionally well when they move to another country. She shows them pictures and introduces them to words from other languages. Children love to learn about other countries. For example, they excitedly explore a shell that the childminder brought from her travels abroad. n Parents receive daily updates about their children's achievements. Their written feedback demonstrates the high regard they have for the childminder. One parent said that she is 'exactly what we wished for'. Parents particularly value the childminder's emphasis on learning outdoors. They describe the childminder and her assistant as 'wonderful, caring people, who put so much time and energy into making the environment fun and playful'. n The childminder has high expectations for all children. She ensures that her provision is fully inclusive. For example, she has discussions with parents about

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need to do better?

any additional needs children may have. This helps her to organise her provision and routines in a way that helps children to feel secure and safe. n The childminder reflects effectively on her practice. She values the views of parents and children to help her to identify areas for development. The childminder continues to develop her extensive knowledge through regular training. She would like to extend her knowledge even further of how she can support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The childminder plans many exciting and challenging activities for the children. They are motivated and eager to learn. However, some planned activities are not matched effectively to the younger children's abilities.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of all aspects of safeguarding. She works closely with her assistant to ensure that all children are very well protected. They are confident in recognising and recording concerns, such as any changes to children's behaviour. They keep their knowledge up to date by regularly accessing safeguarding training. The childminder skilfully uses current affairs to help children develop their understanding of how to keep themselves safe, such as rigorous hygiene procedures. She makes robust risk assessments both inside and outside. This helps her to ensure children's safety at all times while they are in her care.

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should:

n consider carefully the differing abilities of children when planning adult-led activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY555707 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10174686 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 12 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Baldock. She operates all year round from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3 and works with an assistant on a daily basis. She provides funded early years education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector 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 childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed children and the childminder taking part in activities and assessed the impact on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the childminder's house. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback

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Inspection activities

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

25 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

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