Walton Alison Margaret

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 warmly greeted by the kind and caring childminder. She shows a good appreciation for their individual personalities and care routines for eating and sleeping. Children, including those new to her care, settle well and show through their behaviour that they feel safe and secure in the childminder's home. Children welcome the childminder's interaction in their play, giggling when she demonstrates how wobbly jelly is on a spoon. When babies awake from a sleep, they enjoy cuddles with the childminder, who speaks gently to them and allows them to wake in their own time.

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The provision is good

Children are able to explore a variety of toys and resources that interest them. Babies enjoy toys and books that make noises, pressing the buttons repeatedly to hear an animal noise or song. They show good perseverance for their age to post shapes through the holes in a shape sorter. The childminder helps to build children's self-esteem and confidence by clapping when they successfully complete this. She role models positive behaviour, demonstrating turn taking and the use of good manners, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you', when young children are learning to share toys.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands how children learn and plans activities that help to build on what children already know and can do. She takes time to get to know children well when they first start. The childminder regularly assesses their learning to ensure children are making good progress for their age, identifying and acting upon any areas that need further support. n The childminder works well with parents and other childcare providers involved in the children's care. Information about children's time in the setting and the learning that is taking place is regularly shared between all parties. Parents comment that they feel their children are loved and looked after well. n The childminder promotes children's good health and hygiene. Children have regular opportunities to play in the fresh air and visit local parks for physical exercise. The childminder's home is clean and well presented. Clear hygiene

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need to do better?

procedures are followed when changing nappies and children clean their hands before and after eating food. Children have regular access to water to keep themselves hydrated and the childminder consistently offers drinks to babies. n Children are encouraged to be independent from an early age. Babies are given good opportunities to learn to feed themselves. Older children are helped to develop skills in self-care, such as undoing and taking off their own coat and shoes. Children are encouraged to have a go at activities. For example they thread laces through holes and explore new textures, such as jelly. n Children are encouraged to express their emotions and are learning how to

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need to do better?

22 February 2022 manage their feelings in a positive way. The childminder helps children to understand right from wrong and speaks to them in a calm way when dealing with any minor squabbles. n The childminder provides a safe and suitable play environment, where any risks to children are quickly identified and appropriate action taken to minimise them. This includes keeping her front door locked at all times to prevent access, and using appropriate restraints when children sit in highchairs. n The childminder talks to children as they play. She reads stories and sings songs, and they regularly hear nursery rhymes played on an electronic device. She repeats words to help young children build their vocabulary. However, very occasionally, she does not use the correct pronunciation. n The childminder shows a positive commitment to the continued development of her childminding service. The childminder reflects on her practice and considers

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need to do better?

the views of parents. She attends mandatory training, such as first aid, to keep her skills and knowledge refreshed. However, she does not always seek those professional development opportunities that will further benefit the learning experiences of the children in her care.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands how to safeguard children in her care. She is able to recognise many signs and symptoms of abuse, including the risks associated with radicalisation and female genital mutilation. The childminder is confident to report any concerns she may have about children to the appropriate authorities. She knows the steps to take if an allegation is made against herself or a member of her family. The childminder completes regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge refreshed.

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should:

n engage in professional development opportunities that focus more precisely on further enhancing teaching skills and, in particular, strengthen the programme for communication and language.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY244867 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10219427 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 1 August 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector in written documentation. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

22 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

22 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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