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 Not Met (with actions)

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The provision requires improvement

Children are happy and settled. They like to be with the childminder and her husband. If children are upset, they have a cuddle or are distracted with toys until they feel reassured and ready to play. Children are not consistently offered a challenging variety of experiences to help them make the best possible progress. However, children enjoy a game of 'peepo' with the childminder. They laugh with surprise when she covers and uncovers their face as she helps them to take off wet clothes and to put on dry ones. Children like to play outside. They are interested in the garden and the plants that the childminder's husband is growing.

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The provision requires improvement

Children are vocal; they like to chat as they play. Babies make lots of sounds and have a few recognisable words. Young children repeat what the childminder says. They use simple sentences to ask for things and to tell others what they are doing. Children are imaginative; they enjoy putting their dolls in prams to 'take them for a walk'. They pretend to feed the dolls and rub their backs, copying what the childminder does.

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need to do better?

n The childminder does not have a good enough understanding of the knowledge and skills that children need. She lacks knowledge of how to plan and deliver experiences and activities that are precisely matched to children's learning needs. For example, she does not encourage children to be independent. She feeds them from a spoon, rather than giving them the chance to feed themselves. n The childminder has improved her knowledge of safeguarding. This helps to ensure that children are protected should they come into contact with persons wishing to harm them or expose them to harmful views. n The childminder has plenty of resources and provides children with appropriate toys for them to explore. She offers some suitable experiences, including time outdoors and visits in the local area to fruit-picking farms and splash pools. n The childminder teaches children good manners. She encourages them to say 'thank you' when they are given an item. Children are kind to each other. When

p.2

need to do better?

the childminder offers children a mid-morning snack, young children make sure that babies have some of the strawberries. n The childminder shows appropriate concern for children's safety. For example, she takes great care to protect children from the sun. She makes sure that children put on hats and sunscreen when they are going outside to play. n The childminder has some very positive testimonials from parents. She keeps in contact with families who have moved away from the area. n The childminder gathers some useful information from parents to help her understand children's routine and care needs. She makes sure that babies have

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need to do better?

22 June 2022 their nappies changed and a chance to sleep during the day. However, the childminder does not gather information about what children know and can do when they first start attending to help her plan what children need to learn next. n The childminder listens to what children say; she responds positively and asks questions. However, the questions are not always appropriate to children's level of understanding and, sometimes, the childminder answers the question before children have had time to think for themselves. n The childminder has not kept up to date with changes to the 'Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage' and the expectation to provide a well-planned curriculum. The childminder cannot describe what she wants children to know and do, or how she plans to help children build on what they already know. n The childminder has the required documentation in place to help her manage

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need to do better?

day-to-day organisation, such as recording minor accidents and maintaining a record of children's attendance.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant attend training to help them improve their knowledge of wider safeguarding concerns, including 'Prevent' duty and female genital mutilation. The childminder knows the possible signs that children are suffering from harm. She is aware of how to make a referral to the local authority if she has concerns about a child's well-being. The childminder has a safeguarding policy to which to refer, and this helps her to follow local procedures.

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Due date

improve knowledge and understanding of the early years foundation stage, with a particular focus on the areas of learning to be taught and the way in which young children learn 30/09/2022

p.3

Due date

consider the individual needs, interests and development of each child and use this information to design and implement a curriculum that delivers challenging and enjoyable experiences for each child in all areas of learning and development. 30/09/2022

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 149299 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10237487 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 0 Date of previous inspection 2 July 2021

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000. The setting is open from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

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 this into account in the evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the provision for children's learning is organised. n The inspector observed activities indoors and outside. n The inspector looked at written testimonials from parents and considered their views. The inspector spoke with children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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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

22 June 2022 22 June 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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