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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children show that they are happy in the childminder's care. They confidently select activities and the resources they need. Children seek support from the childminder and actively involve her in their play. Children speak confidently about the experiences the childminder organises for them. They recall visits to the seaside where they built sandcastles on the beach. They remember a recent trip to a local restaurant as a celebration for an older child. Children enjoy time at a local pick your own farm where they pick the ripe strawberries. Children know that they should not pick the green strawberries as these are not ripe and ready to eat.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They are polite and well mannered. Children share their successes and achievements with others and they are clearly used to being praised by the childminder. When walking along a short path, arriving at the small table, one small child smiles and raises his arms in triumph and everyone is delighted. Children have lots of opportunities to choose their activities. They talk to the childminder about what they want to do and the childminder provides a wide range of resources that children find interesting and inviting.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans purposeful experiences for children, using what parents tell her and what she learns from her observations and interactions with them. The childminder explains the updates to the 'Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage'. She confidently explains what she wants children to learn and the essential part good communication and language skills play in children's long-term future. n The childminder is continually observing and listening carefully to what children say. She immediately recognises a gap in a child's knowledge and has a plan to help. This shows that she is planning for children's learning based on their needs and interests. n The childminder understands the key skills and knowledge children need to help them succeed. She offers interesting experiences that enable children to broaden their horizons and further their knowledge of the world. Children look

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need to do better?

forward to a visit to a train station, where they are going to find out about the warning lights and safety barriers that help to protect pedestrians and vehicles. n Children demonstrate their excellent vocabulary as they play. They show that they feel confident to talk to unfamiliar people in the presence of the childminder. The childminder effectively promotes children's communication skills. She is a good role model, listening attentively and responding thoughtfully to children. n The childminder demonstrates effective interaction. She is as enthusiastic about the play as the children are. The childminder encourages and allows children to

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need to do better?

11 August 2021 lead the play. She uses effective questioning to challenge children's thinking and to help them recall information. The childminder shows children that she values their thoughts and ideas. They work together to make a shopping list of things they need for the small playhouse. The interaction between them demonstrates the close and caring relationship they have built. n The childminder knows the children well. She gathers relevant information from parents about children's care and about what they know and can do. The childminder uses the information to help her to plan for children's learning from the start. She skilfully splits her time and attention so that children continually get the support they need and know that she is interested and available to them. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They appreciate the good relationships and trust that has developed. Parents commend the childminder for the care she

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need to do better?

gives children and the support she has provided with home schooling for the early years children. n The childminder is proactive, seeking out relevant training, and is starting to apply what she learns to help raise the quality of interaction with children to an even higher level. She is beginning to focus on aspects of her practice for development and improvement.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has up-to-date safeguarding knowledge. She makes sure she knows about the possible signs of harm and what to do if she suspects a child is at risk. The childminder attends regular training to help her develop her understanding of wider safeguarding issues. She knows when and how to report concerns. The childminder is confident about working with other professionals to safeguard children.

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should:

n make sure reflection on practice is sharply focused to identify weaknesses and the priorities for improvement n make the best use of new knowledge gained through training to raise the quality of interaction with children to an even higher level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY357101 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10096268 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 13 Date of previous inspection 4 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) 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 and outside. 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 who use the setting and considered their views. The inspector spoke with children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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Inspection activities

11 August 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

11 August 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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