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 demonstrate that they are happy in this warm and friendly environment. They form close relationships with one another. They arrive smiling and run off to play with their friends. The childminder encourages children to celebrate each other's achievements. For example, they clap and cheer their friends when they succeed in tasks. Children feel safe and confident in the childminders care. They happily talk to visitors and engage in activities with them.

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The provision is good

Children have access to a wide range of learning opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. The childminder understands how children learn. She plans challenging activities based around children's interests. For example, she uses favourite cartoon characters to support children's ability to recognise colours. This has a positive impact on children's development.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy regular trips out of the setting. They develop new skills, such as den building and making 'journey sticks' on visits to the woods. Children also enjoy spending time at the local library. They share stories with their friends and access additional educational resources. For example, children use computers with age- appropriate activities to support their learning.

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need to do better?

n Parents speak highly of the childminder and the flexible care she offers. They value the variety of exciting activities their children are involved in. Parents appreciate the strong bond children have with the childminder and her family, and the nurturing environment she provides. n The childminder reflects regularly on her practice. She identifies areas for improvement and makes changes where necessary. The childminder monitors the results to ensure she continually meets the changing needs of the children in her care. n Children are learning about healthy eating. The childminder provides a variety of healthy snacks and meals. Children all sit together around the table along with the childminder, who joins in with their conversations. For example, at snack time, children talk excitedly about their favourite fruits and vegetables. n The childminder offers a wide range of high-quality learning opportunities. She

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need to do better?

supports children's developing curiosity by asking appropriate, well-thought-out questions. However, she does not always allow children sufficient time to respond. n The childminder places a sharp focus on children's early literacy and mathematical skills. She attends additional training programmes to enhance her knowledge. The childminder is passionate about the initiatives she has introduced and the positive effect this has on children's learning.

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need to do better?

20 July 2021 n Children make good progress in the setting. The childminder works with parents to establish children's starting points for learning. She carries out regular assessments to identify any gaps in children's development. The childminder plans activities to fill these gaps based on children's specific interests. n The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour. Children are kind and considerate to each other. They help their friends to complete tasks and demonstrate good manners. The childminder is a good role model. She is always polite when interacting with children and adults. n Children are learning to be independent. They pour their own drinks at mealtimes and are encouraged to put on their own shoes. This helps to prepare children for their transition to school. n The childminder supports children to develop an understanding of how to manage risks. Children use scissors and hammers appropriately. They explain

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need to do better?

why they must be careful and what could happen if they have an accident. n The childminder works hard to establish partnerships with other settings. She supports children in their transitions to school by attending settling-in sessions and shares developmental information where appropriate.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how to recognise if a child is at risk of abuse. She knows how to report any concerns to the correct authority in a timely manner. The childminder completes regular training to keep her knowledge up to date. She implements robust policies and procedures to ensure children are kept safe in her care. She completes regular risk assessments of the home and garden to ensure the setting remains safe for children.

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should:

n enhance children's opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills by allowing them more time to respond to questions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY552054 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10174055 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 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching, indoors and outside, to assess the impact on children's learning and development. n The inspector spoke to several parents and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of two children.

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Inspection activities

20 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

20 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

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

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