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 are very settled, confident and happy in the childminder's home. They play in a home-from-home, nurturing environment. Children are eager to investigate their surroundings and show good levels of confidence as they invite visitors to join in their play. They join building blocks together to create different structures. Children work out that they need a larger block at the base to enable their creations to balance. They understand the boundaries the childminder sets. Children take pride in helping the childminder tidy up what they have finished playing with, before independently selecting another activity. The childminder's praise for children's achievements helps to promote a strong sense of self-esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

Children persevere to solve problems. They work out the most effective way to push the plunger down on a large syringe they fill with dough. Children discover how new colours are made as they mix different coloured dough together. They laugh and jump up and down with excitement as the childminder sings them their favourite songs. Children suggest changing the words to familiar songs. They learn the correct pronunciation of words as the childminder sensitively repeats these back to children correctly.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children she cares for well. She uses her regular observations and assessments of children to monitor their individual learning needs effectively. Children benefit from a rich and varied curriculum that consistently reflects their interests. They make good progress from their starting points. n Children develop a strong love of books. The childminder reads stories to children with such enthusiasm. This immediately engages their attention. Children use complex sentences to describe what they see on the pages and make predictions. The childminder runs her finger underneath the words as she reads. This helps children to learn the pattern of reading. n Children benefit from regularly attending organised groups with the childminder. They grow in confidence and learn social skills as they play with larger groups of children. The childminder places a high priority on supporting children to follow

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need to do better?

a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy the freshly prepared meals the childminder provides. They learn about the positive impact that the food they eat has on their bodies. For example, children talk about how cheese gives them calcium. The childminder ensures that children have ample opportunities to develop their stamina and physical skills using apparatus at the park and in the childminder's garden. n The childminder calmly manages any minor disagreements that children have with each other. She uses a range of activities to support children to understand

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need to do better?

26 May 2022 their own and others' emotions in order to regulate their own behaviour in the future. n The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continuing to develop her knowledge and skills. She completes regular training and meets with a close network of local childminders to share and learn new information. The childminder is currently learning about the benefits of providing children with more natural and authentic resources within their play. n Parents are positive about the care that their children receive. They comment how well their children have progressed since being in the childminder's care. The childminder keeps parents informed about children's experiences and new skills they are working towards. However, she does not offer precise ideas for parents on how they can support children's learning at home, to help children to make the best possible progress. n Children benefit from regular outings in the community with the childminder that

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need to do better?

help them to learn about the wider world. They explore how the natural environment changes throughout the seasons and learn about the bugs and insects that they find. Children collect natural items, such as leaves, feathers and sheaves of wheat. The childminder uses these to build on children's understanding of the natural world within her home. Children compare the different sizes and shapes of leaves before including them in creative activities. They enjoy sticking these onto paper. However, at times, the childminder over- directs children's creative ideas. This limits opportunities for children to make independent choices and develop their own creative thinking.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibility to protect children from harm. She undertakes regular training and has relevant literature and information to hand to refer to. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse, including issues such as county lines and the risks to children of being exposed to extremist views and domestic violence. She understands how to refer any concerns about children's welfare to the local safeguarding children partnership. Therefore, she provides children with a safe and secure place to play and learn.

p.3

should:

n enhance the support offered to parents to aid them in extending children's learning at home n increase opportunities for children to make independent choices to express their own creative ideas.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2536605 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10208589 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

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 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Bishop's Stortford. She operates from 7.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She provides funded early education for three-year- old children.

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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 her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and in the childminder's garden. She assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the childminder's policies and procedures. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection. She took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

26 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

26 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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