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 demonstrate that they feel happy and settled in the childminder's care. They warmly welcome visitors and are keen to involve them in their play. Children are learning how to play cooperatively, share and take turns. They readily help each other, for example to change from shoes into slippers. The childminder affirms children's good deeds by talking about how it is kind to help others. Children's behaviour is very good.

p.2

The provision is good

At every opportunity, children choose to be outside. The childminder's newly landscaped garden is an exciting learning environment. Children enjoy playing with sand and constantly talk about making sandcastles and birthday cakes. They find small sticks to use as candles and count them correctly. The childminder adapts her teaching according to children's interests. For example, when children choose not to go inside for an activity, she takes it outside. Children immediately engage in rolling dough and cutting out shapes. They explore what happens when they carefully layer different colours of dough. Children are excited with the end result of stripy shapes and are keen to show others how to do it for themselves.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children very well. She is aware of where they are in their development and how they like to learn. She observes children closely and assesses their development to identify what they need to learn next. Children are making good progress. n Children thoroughly enjoy using books. They sit together to share stories with the childminder and are developing good listening skills. Children learn about different people and events from the childminder's carefully chosen range of books. For example, they talk about the Platinum Jubilee for the Queen. The childminder clearly explains that 'platinum' means 70 years and a 'jubilee' is a celebration. n Children build close attachments to the childminder. They enjoy being in each other's company and have fun together. Children often go to the childminder for a cuddle when they need support or are feeling tired. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They state that their children are

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need to do better?

very happy to attend and flourish under her nurturing care. Parents say they are pleased that their children are learning how to take care of the world, such as why bees are important. The childminder keeps parents updated on children's progress to help them to support their learning at home. n Children's speech is developing well. The childminder is aware of where there are gaps in learning and gives children targeted support to help close these. She interacts with children as they play so that she can build on their learning. However, at times, she is too enthusiastic in her use of questions. This results in

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need to do better?

24 May 2022 children not having time to process information and to think of an answer. n Children's pencil skills are developing very well. They use pens to make marks, such as lines and circles. Children talk about what they are doing, giving meaning to the marks they make. They are beginning to be interested in writing their name and have a good attempt at the first letter. When the childminder writes children's names for them, she sounds out the letters clearly. This helps children to start to understand phonics. n The childminder regularly reviews her practice and identifies areas she wants to strengthen further. She is very proud of her newly developed outside area and is continuing to explore how it can be used to further support children's learning. The childminder undertakes some training and research to help her to continually develop her knowledge and teaching skills. She recognises a need to

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need to do better?

develop further knowledge of how to support children's communication and language skills. However, she has not precisely identified how to use ongoing professional development to support this area of her practice.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is alert to the possible signs that children could be at risk of abuse or extremist behaviour. She has a clear understanding of her role in protecting them from harm and of promoting children's welfare. The childminder knows how to contact relevant agencies in the local area to seek advice or to make referrals. She has a clear safeguarding policy which she uses to underpin her good practice. The childminder undertakes regular child protection training to keep her knowledge relevant and up to date.

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should:

n slow down the use of questions in order to further support children's listening and thinking skills n enhance the programme of continuous professional development to further develop skills and knowledge.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2531440 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10208474 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Bushey, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is registered to provide funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector looked at the areas of the home that are used for childcare and discussed with the childminder how she operates her practice and implements her curriculum. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. They discussed the needs of individual children and talked about the progress they are making. n A sample of documents was looked at by the inspector, including the suitability checks of household members and safeguarding and complaints policies and procedures. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

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

24 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

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

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