Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely settled and well cared for in this experienced childminder's home. They thrive and make excellent progress in their learning. Children have access to a range of high-quality activities and resources which promotes a highly ambitious curriculum. Experiences offered by the childminder allow children to grow in confidence. Children dance and sing together at a music class. The childminder instinctively provides reassurance to shy children, who swiftly develop the confidence to join in and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

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The provision is outstanding

Children quickly acquire excellent independence skills as they learn how to complete tasks by themselves. They put their shoes and coats on independently and learn the importance of washing their hands. They have plenty of opportunities to use tools for a purpose. For example, they capably cut up fruit for their snack under the watchful eye of the childminder.

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The provision is outstanding

Children play harmoniously with each other. They have respect for each other and share toys and resources exceptionally well. For example, they share coins as they play a shopping game. Children are very happy and feel thoroughly secure due to the close bond they have with the childminder. They are continuously encouraged by her attentive and caring nature. Children thrive on praise from the childminder, which further raises their already high self-esteem as they share their achievements

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows children and their families remarkably well. She gathers comprehensive details about each child when they start, which helps her to understand what is unique about that child. This allows her to accurately identify what each child needs to learn next, which is the foundation of her planning and exceptional teaching. n The childminder skilfully ignites children's interest in promoting their own robust health, for example through activities involving healthy eating and keeping their teeth clean. Children play with model teeth and toothbrushes, exploring how to brush the teeth to keep them clean. The childminder speaks to children about the importance of keeping healthy. For example, children look at pictures of healthy and unhealthy foods and discuss which foods are good for them. The childminder expertly weaves the promotion of healthy choices through other activities offered. For example, children decorate pancakes with fruit and are

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need to do better?

encouraged to try different tastes and textures at snack time. n The childminder supports children to follow their interests. They think of their own games, such as 'going shopping' or 'looking for treasure'. She uses these opportunities to promote children's language and to broaden their vocabulary.

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need to do better?

3 March 2022 For instance, children very quickly grasp an understanding of the context of words. For example, the childminder describes a metal detector as children pretend to look for treasure. The childminder sings a 'welcome song' to the children and they delight in hearing their names. n Children show remarkable concentration as they conquer new skills. The childminder sequences children's learning to present further challenge. For example, children develop their early writing skills as they draw over the letter 'P' and proudly show the childminder when they have achieved it. Younger children are carefully supported to use scissors and they develop hand skills to help them hold pens and pencils. n The childminder is committed to providing outstanding quality of care for the children. Working closely with families, she quickly identifies any gaps in a child's learning and development. The childminder undertakes lots of training to

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need to do better?

support children. The impact of this commitment is clear in the superb progress the children consistently make. n The childminder skilfully teaches children about difference and diversity and encourages them to develop an understanding of cultures of those beyond their immediate experiences. In a recent cultural celebration, she included the entire family in exploring different foods and the children took the activities home to share with their families. n Parents and older children give excellent feedback. Parents report that the childminder has 'bundles of love and energy and huge enthusiasm' and comment on how she goes 'above the line of duty'. Older children express how they feel cared for when they are in the childminder's home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a superb understanding of local safeguarding procedures and demonstrates an excellent awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about the welfare of a child. The childminder ensures that she keeps herself up to date with a wide range of safeguarding training. Thorough risk assessments are carried out to keep the setting safe for children. The childminder is diligent in keeping children safe when out and about. She reminds children to hold hands in the car park. She supports children to understand how to stay safe online.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2539380 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10215310 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 8 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Watford. She operates during term time from 7am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder holds qualified teacher status.

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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 joined the inspector on a learning walk. She talked to the inspector about the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors. She discussed children's progress with the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of suitability, the complaints record and safeguarding documents. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their written views.

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Inspection activities

3 March 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

3 March 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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