Conlin Tracy Jane

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the childminder's care. They join in the simple, but highly engaging activities with great enthusiasm. Children concentrate for very long periods, becoming fully engrossed and excited in their learning. They are exceedingly quick to work out solutions to problems they encounter. For example, children spend time feeding balls down carpet tubes that are on the stairs. When balls get stuck, they quickly work out that the bend in the tube is the problem. Children have great confidence in their own abilities. They show high levels of self- esteem as they declare how happy they feel when they have fixed problems by themselves.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have tremendous fun with the childminder and are very happy, settled and independent. They radiate confidence in a safe and secure environment and they form a close bond with her. Children show immense care for the childminder; they regularly ask her if she is feeling happy and remind her to sit and eat with them. Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder has the utmost respect for each and every child. Children display a strong connection to countries their families are from. They are highly excited to show visitors their 'special things', such as pictures and pottery from countries where their relatives live.

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need to do better?

n During the COVID-19 pandemic, the highly creative childminder prioritised and supported the health and emotional well-being of the children. They created a fairy trail in local woodlands, adding more artwork and resources each time they went. The childminder reports how this inspired the whole community to get involved. Children were exceedingly excited to visit and explore. This creative endeavour gave children and community residents great enjoyment and purpose through this difficult time. n Children make excellent progress. The childminder has first-rate knowledge of what children can already do, what they need to master next and how they like to learn. She plans an ambitious curriculum that keeps children wonderfully engaged and enthusiastic in their play and learning. n Partnerships with parents are highly successful. The childminder gains a wealth of information from parents about their children. Parents state that they are

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need to do better?

extremely well informed about children's care and progress and they know how to continue this at home. Parents have complete trust in the childminder and have the utmost praise for how she supports their children and themselves. n Children are becoming confident, independent learners. They make excellent use of the freedom they have to explore the wonderful resources and to choose their own play. All children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are articulate and use a vast range of vocabulary in their

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need to do better?

25 February 2022 conversations. They are exceptionally confident in speaking and making their own views and opinions heard. n The childminder skilfully supports children to develop their thinking skills. A simple game using plates and oranges is of great excitement to children. The childminder shows them how to clap out a rhythm and watch what happens when she removes an orange. Children immediately grasp what they have to do, such as put a gap in the rhythm where an orange is missing. Their quick- thinking skills and hand-eye coordination are superb. n Books are an integral part of the childminder's curriculum. Beautifully hand created photo books show the inspiring activities children take part in. Children's high level speaking skills are truly displayed as they delight in recalling their experiences. Children and the childminder take turns to share their favourite story books. They listen intently as each take their turn to tell the story in their

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need to do better?

own unique way. n The childminder's way of reflecting on her practice is to use a journal. She describes herself as a visual learner, words and pictures inspire her creative mind. She is constantly looking at ways to improve all aspects of her practice. Her highly impressive training log demonstrates how she precisely targets her training to children's needs. This has a positive impact on children's learning and contributes to the superb progress they make.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding matters. She is aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm or extremist views or behaviours. The childminder knows how to refer concerns about children's welfare. She is very efficient and highly organised and works relentlessly to keep abreast of the wider safeguarding remit through completing training and research. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures that she uses to meticulously support her excellent practice. She shares these with parents to enable them to have the best possible knowledge of her role and responsibility to keep children safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY308123 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10127137 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 8 February 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, 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 her and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of her home that she uses with children and discussed how she operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n A sample of policies and procedures was looked at by the inspector. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector discussed the needs of individual children with the childminder and talked with her about the progress they are making. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

25 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

25 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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