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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are confident, happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy their time in the home-from-home environment. Children show good levels of concentration and attention as they play with small model animals. They talk about the animals' facial features. Children thoroughly enjoy when the childminder joins in play and asks, 'Where are my eyes and nose?' They laugh and giggle as she pretends her nose makes a beeping sound when they touch it. Children sit on her lap to share a story and enjoy discussing the events and images. They share warm and close relationships with the childminder.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder organises walks and outings to provide new and enjoyable experiences for the children. These include visits to the allotment, regular 'welly walks' and taking the bus to visit the town centre. This helps them learn to be comfortable in unfamiliar places and supports their physical development. Children make good progress in their development. The childminder finds out about children before they start, so she can cater for their individual needs and follow home routines. Children are enthusiastic to learn and develop good independence skills. For example, they receive lots of encouragement to use cutlery to self-feed at lunchtime.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder supports the children well to independently take care of their personal needs. Younger children receive good support to learn how and why it is important to wash their hands. Older children show that this is embedded in their daily self-care routines. Children learn how to keep themselves healthy. They enjoy nutritious snacks, and the childminder talks to them about making healthy food choices. n The childminder knows the children in her care well and has strong bonds with them. She gives children plenty of praise and encouragement, which helps them build good levels of self-esteem. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure, for example when they seek out the childminder for cuddles should they need reassurance. n The childminder is a positive role model. Her approach and interaction with children are sensitive and caring. She teaches them to learn to be kind to each other and share, take turns and help to tidy up.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a good knowledge of where children are in their learning, the progress they have made and how to help them move forward. She establishes effective partnerships with the other settings that children attend. This means that they consistently work together to support children in the next stages of their learning and development. n Parents are very positive about the childminder. They state that they feel well

p.2

need to do better?

23 February 2022 informed about the progress their child makes and what they enjoy doing. n Children enjoy listening to stories. They snuggle up close to the childminder as she reads to them. Young children remain engaged as they point at the pictures and help to turn the pages. The childminder asks children age-appropriate questions as she reads. However, she does not always make the best use of questioning to encourage them to express their thoughts and develop their communication and language skills further. For example, when giving children clues to guess what animal is in the book, she answers the question before giving them enough time to think and respond. n Overall, children develop their mathematical skills well. They learn the names of colours and shapes. However, at times, the childminder does not extend older children's learning when they are eager to count higher and solve simple number problems.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder provides a good range of experiences for children to learn about the world around them. They enjoy local walks, trips to the bakery to buy bread to make their lunch and visits to the allotment. Children learn about different festivals throughout the year. The childminder teaches them about similarities and differences in people. n The childminder understands the importance of developing her practice to further develop her knowledge and skills. For instance, she has completed specific training to help support children through significant changes in their lives.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder ensures that she has up-to-date safeguarding knowledge. She can recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, including the risks to children of being exposed to extreme views and behaviours. The childminder knows how to refer to relevant agencies in the event of any concerns about a child or adult. She makes effective use of risk assessments and continually reviews the environment for potential hazards to children's safety. This includes appropriate use of safety gates and regularly monitoring sleeping children.

p.3

should:

n give children enough time to think and respond to questions n strengthen the programme for mathematics to enhance learning opportunities for children to count further and solve simple number problems.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY489251 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10076478 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 8 Date of previous inspection 11 July 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Hertford. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5pm each weekday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 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

23 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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