Wright, Vikki

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 they are happy in this warm, homely environment. Babies giggle with delight at the stories which the childminder reads. Older children talk excitedly about the activities they are looking forward to doing in the setting. Children of all ages have a close bond with the childminder. They approach her for cuddles when tired or needing reassurance.

p.2

The provision is good

Children interact well with one another. They understand the need to take turns and help one another complete tasks. In a musical activity, children pass one another the various instruments. They dance together to the sounds they are making. Children enjoy regular trips out of the setting. They visit the local library and choose books to support their early literacy skills. The childminder plans trips to provide learning opportunities children may otherwise not receive. For example, children visit the zoo as well as the local aircraft museum.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder engages well with the children in all activities. She encourages their curiosity by asking age-appropriate questions. She then allows children plenty of time to respond. When cooking in the role play area, the childminder examines the food with children. She asks them questions to support them to identify vegetables to put in their 'soup'.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder celebrates children's achievements. She offers regular praise for children's efforts in activities. Children take pride in their artwork, which is displayed within the setting. The childminder supports children's confidence further by encouraging them to pass on these skills to their friends. n Children have a positive attitude to learning. They engage well in activities which the childminder plans around their interests. For example, children focus well during an activity aimed at supporting their language development. They are engrossed in identifying animals by their sounds. n The childminder adapts activities well to meet the developmental needs of all children in the setting. For example, in a sorting activity, babies throw balls into various sized boxes. Older children are encouraged to sort the balls by colour. n The childminder extends children's learning well in all activities. Once she has

p.2

need to do better?

established what children can do, she adapts the activity to develop their knowledge further. For example, children are playing with a shape sorter. Once they can achieve this, she encourages them to name the shapes and their colours. n Children are encouraged to be helpful. The childminder devises age-appropriate methods to engage them in tasks. For example, she supports children to tidy up by turning it into a vehicle sorting activity.

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need to do better?

8 November 2021 n The childminder supports children's well-being in new situations. She gently reassures children about what is happening. She then allows them plenty of time to ask questions and familiarise themselves with the activity. n The childminder establishes strong connections with families from the start. Parents and carers provide comprehensive information about children's routines and early experiences. The childminder then plans exciting learning opportunities to support children's development. n Children develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides nutritious, home-cooked meals for children to enjoy. Children also have lots of opportunity for physical play. They visit the zoo regularly, where they get to investigate the outdoor space. Children also visit soft-play areas to develop their climbing skills. n The childminder seeks regular feedback about her practice from families. She

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need to do better?

provides questionnaires for parents and carers to gain an understanding of young children's interests. The childminder has adapted this for older children to complete independently. This ensures she provides a stimulating environment for all children in her care. n The childminder works hard to establish close links with other settings. She shares information about children's development with local pre-schools. This allows her to provide activities to complement their teaching and support children's learning. n The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour. She reminds children how to behave appropriately in the setting. However, she does not always give explanations for her requests. This means that children do not have consistent opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of why certain behaviours are unacceptable.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates good understanding of what to do if she has concerns about a child and the referral process to follow. She has robust knowledge of the signs and symptoms which could indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder follows comprehensive policies and procedures aimed at keeping children safe in her care. She completes regular risk assessments of her setting and is mindful of the changing needs of children.

p.3

should:

n support children's behaviour further by encouraging them to understand possible consequences of their actions.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2506033 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10191578 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 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Berkhamsted. She operates from Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6pm.

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector and the childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector and the childminder discussed how the early years setting is organised. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

8 November 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

8 November 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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