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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children behave well and they develop firm friendships. The childminder provides appropriate support and encourages children to use their 'kind hands' during their play. This helps children to learn about appropriate ways to behave, such as how to share resources and take turns. Children respond well to the childminder's positive feedback. They smile happily as she praises them for good sharing. The childminder uses spontaneous opportunities to develop children's interests. For example, they become quickly engaged in musical play as she extends their interest in making sounds.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They confidently approach the childminder for a cuddle during activities and are happy in their surroundings. For example, children giggle excitedly as they play and interact with the childminder and their peers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder has adapted her setting and curriculum to focus particularly on promoting children's communication and language development. Spontaneous stories, singing and modelling of words are methods used consistently by the childminder. Children hear the words spoken and repeat them with confidence. They develop an enjoyment of books and stories. Children listen attentively as the childminder reads their favourite books again and again to them. This has a positive impact on children's speech and language development.

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need to do better?

n Despite the pandemic restrictions previously in place, the childminder supported children and families while they were away from her care. She helped children's learning to continue through home-delivered activities and regular opportunities for them to come together, using technology. This helped reinforce children's sense of belonging and on return to the childminder's care they resettled, leaving their parents and carers with ease. This has had a positive impact on children's personal, social and emotional development. n The childminder plans activities and experiences that help children to develop individually across all areas of learning. She uses her own observations and assessments to identify children's next steps and uses this information, along with some chosen themes, to inform her early years curriculum. This helps children to make good progress. However, the childminder does not consistently

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need to do better?

recognise when to adjust her teaching during interactions, to provide further learning for the most-able children. n Children are independent. They cut their own fruit at snack time and confidently make choices about their play. Additionally, the childminder encourages children to get ready for outdoor play, which includes trying to do up and undo their coats. This helps children prepare for their next stage of learning, including their

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need to do better?

21 March 2022 move on to school. Children develop strong physical skills. They enjoy drawing and making pictures with stickers and glue sticks. Children confidently persevere as they try to do things for themselves. n Children are creative and imaginative. They spend time creating their own games in the sand. The childminder thoughtfully questions children and joins in appropriately, encouraging them to test out their ideas. Children experience regular opportunities to develop their understanding of the world around them, with outings to woodland areas and green spaces. However, the childminder does not promote children's understanding of mathematical concepts enough. n The childminder promotes children's safety. She effectively supervises children and completes regular risk assessments to ensure they remain safe in her care. Children show awareness of possible risks around them. They manoeuvre their

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need to do better?

way around the garden on wheeled resources, knowing where and when they need to stop. This demonstrates children's good understanding of risks and personal safety. n Partnerships with parents, grandparents and carers are strong. Their feedback is positive about the care and education the childminder provides for their children. The childminder shares children's progress and achievements with parents on a regular basis and she supports parents to extend what children do with her, at home. This effective two-way communication supports children's learning and development. n The childminder reflects on her practice. She regularly considers and updates her own knowledge and understanding and is aware of her curriculum strengths and areas for improvement. This helps to improve the service she provides.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of how to keep children safe. She understands the importance of identifying where children may be at risk of harm and she is aware of the procedure to follow if concerns arise. The childminder is able to identify possible signs and symptoms that may indicate concerns about a child's welfare, including wider safeguarding issues. She understands the importance of referring her concerns in a timely manner, helping to promote children's safety.

p.3

should:

n explore further ways to enhance children's mathematical development during everyday activities and experiences n consider how to use opportunities that arise to extend the learning of the most- able children to the highest level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549540 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10173981 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 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder. n The childminder and the inspector held a learning discussion together to understand how the curriculum is organised. The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the childminder's interaction with children during adult- led activities and discussed this with the provider. The inspector spoke with children throughout the inspection. n The inspector took into account parental views and feedback. Grandparents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector reviewed a sample of the childminder's documentation, including their first-aid qualification. Together, the inspector and childminder discussed

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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

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

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