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

The childminder provides a very welcoming and homely environment. She is loving and caring towards the children. Children settle very well. They show that they feel safe, secure and happy. Children thrive in the childminder's care, where they are free to play, explore and learn. The childminder's home is well resourced, and toys are easily accessible to promote children's growing independence.

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The provision is good

Children behave extremely well. They are confident and happily talk to visitors. Young children are familiar with the daily routines and respond well to the childminder's encouragement and praise. She sensitively helps children to learn how to share toys and resources. The childminder is a very good role model. She actively promotes tolerance, respect and kindness at all times.

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy being outdoors. They have great fun as they learn and are eager to try new things. For example, they excitedly explore natural materials in their well-resourced mud kitchen. Children learn about nature and show awe and wonder as they excitedly hunt for insects in the garden. Children learn to count and recognise colours. They have many opportunities to make marks and to be creative. Children are well prepared for the next stages of their learning, including starting school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has created a stimulating learning environment for children, both inside and outside. The interesting and challenging activities build successfully on children's achievements and abilities. The childminder is responsive to children's interests and has a flexible approach to planning. Children make very good progress. n Children develop a love of books. They can easily access their favourite books and enjoy listening to stories. They have many opportunities to practise their early writing skills during painting, drawing and chalking activities. Children proudly show the hearts and rainbows they have drawn. They are beginning to recognise and write the letters in their names. n The childminder supports children's early language development well. She asks meaningful questions to extend children's thinking. For example, children love the story about a princess who is lost in a blizzard. The childminder asks them

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need to do better?

how the princess can find her way home. She introduces them to the word 'compass'. She tells them it is like a clock and can show them the direction they need to travel to find their way home. n Children quickly become independent. They select the toys they want to play with and take the lead in their play. Children learn to manage their personal needs. For example, they peel their oranges and cut up strawberries for snack.

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need to do better?

22 July 2021 They help to set the table at lunch time, making sure that everyone has a knife, fork and spoon. n Children learn about healthy lifestyles. They enjoy nutritious meals, rest when needed and have daily fresh air and exercise. The childminder teaches them about the importance of washing their hands. She was particularly vigilant in providing a safe environment for the children and their families during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. n Parents are very complimentary about the service the childminder provides. She keeps them up to date with their children's development and shares photographs and messages of what they do each day. They describe the childminder as being 'kind, trustworthy and professional'. Parents particularly like the wonderful outdoor activities she offers. Their children enjoy long walks across the fields, explore the woods and visit the animals at the farm. n The childminder is committed to improving her provision. She regularly evaluates

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need to do better?

her practice and identifies ways to improve it further. She consistently looks for training opportunities to extend her teaching skills and knowledge of early years practice. She meets up with other childminders to share ideas and consider ways to enhance her provision. n The childminder regularly reviews the progress children are making. This enables her to identify any gaps in their development and their next steps for learning. However, she does not gather enough detailed information about what children already know, understand and can do when they first start.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures. She regularly attends training and is proactive in developing her understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as radicalisation and online safety. The robust policies and procedures are implemented exceptionally well, including those relating to keeping children safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The childminder shares them with parents to ensure they understand her commitment to promoting their children's welfare. Children learn how to behave in safe ways. For example, they talk about road safety when they go on outings and what to do in the event of a fire.

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should:

n gather more detailed information about the skills and abilities children already have when they first start, and use this information to more specifically plan for each child's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY552393 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10174792 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Bishops Stortford. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3 and occasionally works with an assistant. 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 their 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 this has 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.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided.

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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

22 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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