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 feel happy and safe in this homely environment. They build strong friendships and are kind to one another. For example, children support their younger friends in tasks, such as putting on shoes. Young children have a close bond with the childminder. They cuddle up to her to listen to stories and seek comfort when tired. Children of all ages demonstrate high levels of confidence. They are friendly and polite towards visitors and talk enthusiastically about their time at the setting.

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The provision is good

Children have access to a wide range of interesting, age-appropriate activities, both indoors and in the secure outdoor area. They chat excitedly about past experiences in the setting, such as when they went on a 'Bear Hunt'. This demonstrates that they learn from the high-quality activities the childminder offers.

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The provision is good

Children show high levels of curiosity in their play. The childminder encourages children to ask questions and explore their interests further. For example, when the children find a slug in the garden, the childminder encourages them to investigate and examine its features more closely.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She uses their interests and past experiences to inform her planning. For example, some children have recently been on a camping trip and are excited to share what they did with friends. The childminder, therefore, planned activities around the theme of camping. n Parents speak highly of the childminder and the care she offers. They praise her nurturing approach towards children and the support she gives to the entire family. Parents state that their children enjoy the time they spend at the setting and the many activities the childminder provides. n The childminder monitors children's development closely. She plans exciting activities, which are aimed at enhancing children's knowledge and assessing their development. For example, during a scavenger hunt, the childminder supports children to identify previously unknown numerals. However, she does

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need to do better?

not always use spontaneous opportunities to extend mathematical development during activities. n The childminder uses age-appropriate methods to support children's understanding of good hygiene. Children know to wash hands before meals and after playing in the garden. They support one another to sing the song about washing germs away. n Children display consistently polite behaviour. They help their friends and praise one another's achievements. The childminder is a good role model. She is kind

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need to do better?

24 August 2021 and respectful to children and demonstrates good manners. n The childminder uses age-appropriate methods to help children understand their feelings. For example, she uses mood boards to support children to recognise their emotions. Young children are learning to express themselves appropriately. n Children have a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides a choice of healthy snacks and meals. Fresh water is available throughout the day, which children explain is important during the summer. The childminder provides a variety of opportunities for physical play. For example, children go on regular trips to the woods and the farm. n The childminder supports children to develop an understanding of their personal safety. Children acknowledge that certain rules are in place for their well-being. For example, children explain that when crossing a road, they do not talk to one

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need to do better?

another so that they are not distracted. n Children take pride in their accomplishments, which are on display throughout the setting. The childminder celebrates children's achievements. She is enthusiastic about their efforts and gives regular praise. n The childminder works hard to establish effective methods of communication with families. However, she does not always check that parents receive information, particularly that about their children's progress. This means that opportunities for parents to maximise their children's learning and development at home are, sometimes, not best supported.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has good knowledge of the signs and symptoms which may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. She understands the referral process to follow and the need to report concerns in a timely manner. The childminder attends regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date with changes in legislation. She completes regular risk assessments to ensure children are safe, both in the setting and during outings. The childminder uses age appropriate methods to support children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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should:

n use every opportunity to extend children's learning during activities n monitor feedback from parents to support children's ongoing development, both in the setting and at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY558296 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10190117 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 Welwyn, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday and from 7.30am to 9am Thursday and Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outside, and assessed the impact that this is having on children's learning. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the childminder. 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 and childminder discussed how the early years setting is organised.

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Inspection activities

24 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

24 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

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

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