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 Inadequate

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and have a good relationship with the childminder. They arrive with a smile on their face and warmly embrace the childminder before going to play. Children like to involve the childminder in their play. Together, they have fun with the building blocks as they try to fit them onto their fingers. Children are tremendously pleased when they succeed. They love the praise from the childminder, which makes them feel good.

p.2

The provision is good

Children develop important skills that help them to prepare for the next stage in their learning. The childminder helps children to feel confident and to be independent. Children carefully peel small oranges for their snack. They demonstrate their expertise in removing the skin and breaking the orange into segments. This helps children to develop the muscles in their hands ready for writing.

p.2

The provision is good

Children get along well together. Older children are kind to younger children and they share the toys willingly. Children behave well. They follow the childminder's good example by saying 'please' and 'thank you' when asking for and receiving things. Children understand the expectations and the simple rules that help them to stay safe, such as sitting down to eat their meals to minimise the risk of choking.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder maintains the improvements she made following her last inspection. The required documentation is available and up to date. The childminder and her assistant have completed the required training, including paediatric first aid, to help ensure children's safety. n The childminder understands the importance of supporting children with their development. She has a secure knowledge of the areas of learning. The childminder knows that the skills children learn in the first years of their lives help to provide a secure base for further learning. n The childminder helps children to learn about the natural world and the life cycle of minibeasts. Children are fascinated by the caterpillars and eagerly check their progress to the cocoon stage. Children know about the changes to expect and how to care for the creatures. n The activities that are available interest children and keep them well occupied.

p.2

need to do better?

Children show that they have a good level of concentration in line with expectations for their stage of development. The experiences and the relaxed interaction from the childminder support children to strengthen their knowledge and develop new skills. n The childminder supports children to share what they know. She values children's home experiences, the languages they use and the customs they

p.2

need to do better?

6 July 2021 follow with their families. The childminder encourages children to develop their speaking and listening skills. She provides children with lots of opportunities to talk as they play. n Children are happy and engage in worthwhile learning through play. The childminder plans experiences that capture children's interest. She describes exciting outdoor learning opportunities on the trips she organises with other childminders. The children particularly enjoy the large sandpit at a local farm where they use mechanical diggers to move the sand. n Parents appreciate the kind manner the childminder has with their children. They value the care she shows for their children's well-being. Parents are kept up to date about experiences that the children enjoy. They value the childminder's efforts to help children who have been affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic to get out into the community and meet new people safely. Parents

p.2

need to do better?

comment on the support the childminder provides and how this helps children's development. n Children make appropriate choices about what activities to try from the good selection available. However, the childminder does not always organise and plan activities well to help children develop a love of books and reading. n The childminder and her assistant have completed mandatory training. However, the childminder does not precisely target her professional development to enhance her knowledge and skills to the highest levels.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure knowledge of the possible signs that children may be at risk of harm. She is aware of wider safeguarding concerns and the action to take should she believe a child requires protection. The childminder knows how to record and report concerns to the appropriate agencies. She makes sure that her assistant has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and child protection. The childminder and her assistant attend regular safeguarding training.

p.3

should:

n encourage and support children to develop their interest in books and storytelling n seek further ways to precisely focus professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and knowledge to the highest level.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY232890 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10129849 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 6 Date of previous inspection 21 October 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2002 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 8.30am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. Occasionally, the childminder works with an assistant. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken this into account in the evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the provision for children's learning is organised. The inspector observed activities indoors. n The childminder and the inspector discussed a planned activity and the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to parents and read written feedback. Consideration was given to their opinions. The inspector spoke with children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

p.4

Inspection activities

6 July 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

6 July 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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