Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder does not consistently plan activities and experiences that focus on what children need to learn next. The quality of interactions between the childminder and the children is variable. Sometimes, children run around and lack interest in the activities provided. Furthermore, the childminder sometimes makes decisions for the children about what activities and resources they should play with. This restricts opportunities for the children to explore, practise newly acquired skills and develop their own ideas and creativity. Additionally, the range of materials to support children's creative development is sometimes restricted to the use of stickers.

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The provision requires improvement

Children develop their hand-to-eye coordination and physical strength as they manipulate and mould dough. They use tools such as cutters and rolling pins. Children make pizza and sausages out of the dough, which they proceed to cook on the pretend cooker. They describe their pizza as 'yummy'. Children learn to count, and they develop their concentration skills as they colour pictures. They enjoy playing outside in the fresh air. Children develop their physical skills as they kick footballs into the net and manoeuvre wheeled toys. However, the childminder does not carefully plan a stimulating range of activities in the outdoor environment.

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need to do better?

n The childminder enjoys working with the children. She sometimes works with an assistant. The childminder completes required mandatory training. However, this requires further evaluation to ensure that she has the knowledge and skills to raise the quality of the learning activities provided and her interactions with the children. n The childminder does not always structure her curriculum to build on what the children know and can do. For example, when children become interested in their play, she does not always use the opportunity to spontaneously challenge children's thinking, ask probing questions and motivate their curiosity. Additionally, the childminder does not plan a wide enough range of activities in the outdoor environment. n Children form close bonds with the childminder and they demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. The childminder is kind and caring towards the children, which supports their emotional well-being effectively. Children develop

p.2

need to do better?

friendships with their peers. n Children are appropriately supported by the childminder to manage their feelings and behaviours. The childminder encourages the children to be kind and considerate to one another, to follow instructions and to share resources. Children receive praise for their efforts and achievements, which promotes their confidence.

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need to do better?

4 March 2022 n The childminder ensures that she obtains information about any special dietary requirements, preferences and food allergies that the children have before they attend. She ensures that children are provided with healthy, balanced and nutritious meals and snacks, including access to fresh drinking water. Children independently select their choice of fillings for their wraps and feed themselves appropriately. They follow good hygiene practice and regularly wash their hands. n Parents comment positively about the childminder and say that they are pleased with the care their children receive. The childminder regularly shares information with parents about their children's day and their progress. She includes suggestions about how parents can support children's ongoing learning at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands her role to keep children safe from harm. She knows the possible signs of abuse and what to do should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder completes regular safeguarding training. She understands the importance of implementing appropriate recruitment and induction procedures to ensure the suitability of her assistants. The childminder completes daily risk assessments to ensure that her home and garden are safe. Fire drills are practised regularly.

p.3

Due date

improve interactions with the children to ensure that they receive meaningful and challenging learning experiences that build on what they already know and can do 29/04/2022

p.3

Due date

ensure that professional development opportunities are used to identify gaps in knowledge and skills to raise the quality of the curriculum and learning activities provided for the children. 29/04/2022

p.3

should:

n extend opportunities that enable children to explore and develop their own play

p.3

should:

4 March 2022 and ideas in the outdoor environment.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY430613 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10229965 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory 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 October 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She operates Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant.

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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 showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector observed children taking part in activities with the childminder and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and the evidence of the suitability of persons living and working in the household. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback.

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Inspection activities

4 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

4 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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