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 are happy and settled in the childminder's homely environment. They listen attentively to the childminder and follow instructions well. Children enjoy taking part in activities with the childminder. For example, they work together to sort fruits into different groups. They talk about the colour of the fruits and are encouraged by the childminder to count them. Children develop early mathematical skills during activities. For example, the childminder skilfully models counting skills and young children repeat number names in order.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is excellent. They talk kindly to each other and wait for their turn during activities. Children follow daily routines well and develop independence skills. They learn how to find their own coat and attempt to put on their shoes.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder plans an interesting curriculum using the children's interests. She has a clear understanding of what she wants children to learn. She places a strong focus on literacy and mathematical development. Children enjoy various visits within the local community to enrich their experience of the curriculum.

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need to do better?

n The childminder takes the children on regular outings. Children enjoy learning about the natural environment and the local community. For instance, she takes children to the zoo, the farm and the museum. These experiences help to further develop children's social skills and confidence in new situations. n Healthy eating is actively promoted by the childminder. She provides a range of fruits and vegetables for the children's snack, and offers them milk or water to drink. Children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and physical activity. They regularly walk to parks and visit soft-play centres. n The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment. The children enjoy activities provided by the childminder. However, on occasions, children become disengaged. They do not consistently have sufficient opportunities to independently develop their own play and ideas. n The childminder reflects on and evaluates her practice well. She has completed

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need to do better?

relevant training to ensure that she keeps her knowledge and understanding up to date. The childminder has recently enrolled on a training course to obtain an early years qualification. She is proactive and keen to further build on her skills and knowledge. n Children's literacy development is promoted well. The childminder regularly reads age-appropriate books with the children. Children listen attentively and take an active part in the session as they lift the flaps and join in with key words. They show an interest in books by demonstrating high levels of concentration. This supports children to develop a love of literature.

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need to do better?

9 February 2022 n The childminder establishes positive relationships with parents. Parents praise the 'excellent' childminder and particularly value the wide range of visits the childminder takes the children on. The childminder communicates with them daily and keeps them fully involved and informed. She shares photos with parents of what their child has enjoyed learning. She shares helpful ideas with parents. For example, she provides suggestions about healthy eating and advice about toilet training. n The childminder develops children's communication and language skills well. She is an excellent role model when speaking and takes time to explain things carefully to the children. However, she does not work with parents to gain information about other languages the children speak. Therefore, children do not benefit from having opportunities to see or hear their home languages during their play and learning.

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need to do better?

n Since the previous inspection, the childminder now gathers information about the children's starting points and uses this information to carefully plan their next steps and future curriculum. The childminder uses this information to ensure that children make good progress from their starting points.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a strong understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She knows the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child. The childminder ensures that her premises are safe and secure. She keeps her knowledge up to date through online awareness courses. These have increased her understanding of wider child protection issues. The childminder supports children to understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, they take part in regular fire drills.

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should:

n review the organisation of the environment to ensure that children have a wider range of opportunities to make choices and be independent in their play n take reasonable steps to ensure that children who speak English as an additional language have opportunities to hear and see their home language during their play and learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY450258 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10106429 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 4 Date of previous inspection 29 April 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. She operates throughout most of the year from 7.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday.

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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 inspector invited the childminder to participate in a joint observation. She considered the quality of teaching during activities and the impact this has on children's learning. n A learning walk was carried out with the childminder, to discuss how she delivers the curriculum and ensures children's progress. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children. n Discussions were held with parents, and questionnaires from parents were reviewed in order to obtain their views on the service provided.

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Inspection activities

9 February 2022 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

9 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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