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 Met

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The provision is good

Children are happy and enjoy their time in this homely environment. They have access to a wide range of age-appropriate resources indoors and in the large secure garden. Children engage in interesting activities, which the childminder, generally, adapts to meet their individual needs. For example, children explore dried pasta and cereal. Older children are supported to count the hoops they thread onto spaghetti strands. Babies are excited to explore the various textures.

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The provision is good

Children form close friendships with one another. They are kind to each other and offer support in completing tasks. For example, children are learning to put their shoes on independently. They offer one another advice and clap and cheer their friend's efforts. Children have a close bond with the childminder. They cuddle up for stories and chat fondly about their past experiences in the setting.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate high levels of confidence. They welcome visitors enthusiastically, introducing themselves and their friends. Children are eager to engage in activities and delight in their achievements. Children explore puzzles and complete basic shape ones with ease. The childminder offers lots of praise and encouragement to support children to complete more complicated puzzles.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses age-appropriate methods to help children explore their feelings. During story sessions, she supports children to examine the emotions which characters experience. Children enjoy drawing with chalk in the garden. The childminder encourages them to discuss the happy and sad faces they create. n The childminder uses daily routines to support children's learning. For example, at lunchtime, children discuss the colours and shapes of their plates. They examine the features of these shapes and explore and compare the different shades of colour. n Feedback from parents is positive. They comment on the high-quality learning opportunities the childminder provides. Parents value the warm, nurturing approach of the childminder and how this supports children to settle swiftly. n The childminder is aware of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children's learning. She works hard to provide opportunities which children may

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need to do better?

have missed out on. For example, children enjoy regular trips to zoos and farms. They also attend numerous group sessions to help support their social development. n Children learn about healthy lifestyles in the setting. They enjoy nutritious meals and snacks and have plenty of opportunity for physical play. The childminder supports children's understanding of the effects a poor diet can have on them.

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need to do better?

12 May 2022 For example, children learn how to brush their teeth correctly. They talk about how sugary foods and drinks can damage their teeth. n The childminder works in partnership with parents to support children's development. For example, she offers support and ideas to provide a consistent approach when toilet training children. n Children are polite and helpful towards others. They work together to complete tasks, such as tidying up. The childminder is a good role model. She demonstrates good manners and is respectful towards children and adults. n The childminder establishes close relationships with parents and other professionals. She seeks their input and uses this information to support the needs of individual children. For example, she adopts a highly flexible approach to support children to settle well in her care. n The childminder supports children to develop an understanding of their personal

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need to do better?

safety. Children are aware that rules are in place to keep them safe. They explain that babies shuffle down steps on their bottoms, so that they do not fall and hurt themselves. n Children show high levels of curiosity in all activities. The childminder supports this by engaging well with children and asking age-appropriate questions. However, she does not always encourage children to explore planned activities at their own pace. Furthermore, she does not always allow children time to think and respond to her questions.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk of harm. She knows the importance of reporting any concerns to the correct authority in a timely manner. The childminder completes regular safeguarding and first-aid training to ensure her knowledge remains up to date with changing legislation. She completes regular risk assessments of all areas of the setting and supervises children well during activities.

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should:

n support children's independent learning further, for example, by adopting a more flexible approach in planned activities n support further children's critical thinking skills, for example, by allowing them time to respond to questions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129697 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10219419 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 31 August 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1999 and lives in Northchurch, Hertfordshire. She operates from 8am to 6pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during term time only.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to help assess the quality of teaching.

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Inspection activities

12 May 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

12 May 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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