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 Good

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The provision is good

Children develop very caring relationships with the childminder. They show that they feel safe, secure and happy in her care. This helps them to settle quickly and enjoy their time with her. The childminder listens to children and is very attentive to their individual needs. She recognises when they are hungry or tired and gives them cuddles and reassurance. Children happily follow the well-established daily routines and develop good independence skills. For example, they confidently take their coats off when they arrive. The childminder helps children to share, take turns and be kind. She is a positive role model and children's behaviour is very good. Children receive lots of praise for their achievements. This helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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The provision is good

Children develop a keen interest in the natural world. They enjoy many visits to the local wildlife centre. Children have exciting opportunities to see exotic and endangered species, including lions, tigers, meerkats and lemurs. They often choose to look at books about animals. All children develop a love of books and enjoy listening to stories. They learn to count, recognise numbers and explore colours. Children have many opportunities to interact with others. They develop their social skills and self-confidence. This helps to prepare them for the next stage in their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children well. She gathers information from parents about what they already know and can do when they start. She uses this information to build on their existing skills. The childminder has high expectations of what she wants the children to achieve. This ensures that all children make good progress from their starting points. n Children's speech and language are developing well. They enjoy singing familiar songs and rhymes. The childminder plays alongside the children. She shows interest in what they have to say, encouraging them to use language confidently. Children happily recall their visits to the park. They excitedly talk about playing with the dinosaurs in the sand. n The childminder encourages children to join in as she reads stories to them. She asks questions about the pictures. This gives children the opportunity to name the animals, make animal sounds and describe why they are being sent back to

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need to do better?

the zoo. Children learn new words, such as 'fierce' and 'scary'. The childminder introduces them to letter sounds such as 'f' for fierce, which helps to support their early literacy skills. n Children regularly visit local playgroups with the childminder. They have a wealth of opportunities to use their imagination in role-play situations. Children pretend to speak on the telephone in a telephone box. They love to go 'shopping' with a

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need to do better?

1 February 2022 trolley and put the items back on the shelves. This encourages children to use their imagination and develops social skills while they have fun. n The childminder offers a very inclusive environment for children. She teaches them about different cultures and festivals around the world. Children have fun taking part in craft activities linked to Chinese New Year. They enjoy making a collage of a tiger as part of their topic. This helps to broaden their awareness and respect for other cultures and beliefs. n Children enjoy lots of physical exercise and being in the fresh air. They develop their coordination and balancing skills in the childminder's garden, at the park and at the soft-play centre. Young children use their small muscles as they tear coloured paper and stick it on their collage of a tiger. Activities with crayons, paint and dough help to develop their mark-making skills. n Parents are extremely happy with the childminder's provision. They describe her

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need to do better?

as being very kind, approachable and flexible. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their children's progress. They are given ideas and information to help support their children's learning at home. Parents say that they are lucky to have found such a 'fun and lovely childminder'. They would highly recommend her. n The childminder attends mandatory training. For example, she has completed online training to refresh her knowledge of first aid and safeguarding children. However, the childminder has not fully explored ways to continually build on the quality of her practice to enhance her good knowledge and teaching skills to an even higher level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. She regularly completes training to ensure she has an effective understanding of her role and responsibility to keep children safe. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms that a child may be at risk. She knows the procedures to follow and who to contact if she has any concerns. The childminder's policies and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure they are kept up to date with any changes. She was particularly vigilant in providing a safe environment for the children and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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should:

n identify professional development opportunities to strengthen existing knowledge and further enhance the quality of teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY398873 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063610 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 5 Date of previous inspection 21 October 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Hertford. She operates from 7.45am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday, during term time only, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. 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 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 of 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. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback

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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

1 February 2022 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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