Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children are very happy, confident and extremely well cared for. The childminder creates an exceptionally warm family atmosphere and children flourish in her care. Children form particularly close attachments with the childminder and her family. They show that they feel very safe and settled in her home and happily explore the excellent range of high-quality toys and resources. Children are highly inquisitive. They actively explore, investigate and learn how things work. For example, they quickly discover that by turning the handle, the jack-in-the-box will pop up. Children proudly show visitors how it works and giggle with delight. They play together exceptionally well. The childminder uses praise very effectively. She sensitively helps young children to develop their skills in taking turns.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children quickly develop a love of books. They enjoy snuggling up with the childminder as she reads stories to them. Toddlers listen attentively. They concentrate extremely well for their age and stage of development. All children relish their time in the childminder's garden. They have great fun exploring the natural materials in the well-resourced mud kitchen. They confidently use scoops and spoons to fill the containers. Children persevere to open the microwave by pressing the buttons. They develop their hand muscles as they use spray bottles to make marks with water. Children go on many exciting outings, such as to the farm, woods and zoo. All these wonderful experiences provide children with an abundance of skills that support them in their future learning and when they start school.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder uses her excellent understanding of how children learn to provide interesting and challenging learning experiences for them. She skilfully manages the balance between supporting and extending children's play and allowing them to develop their own ideas. Children have an extremely enjoyable time in her care and quickly become highly motivated and eager learners. n Children respond exceptionally well to the positive approaches the childminder uses to support them in regulating their own behaviour. The childminder shows enormous respect when talking to children, and she listens to what they say. She follows children's choices and is aware of the toys children like to play with. The childminder encourages children to value and respect one another's differences and celebrate each other's achievements. n The childminder often takes children on trips with other registered childminders. Children have wonderful opportunities to play together outdoors in the fresh air.

p.2

need to do better?

They thoroughly enjoy making Australian 'damper bread' in the woods. They excitedly watch as the adults cook it on a stick over the campfire. This provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn about fire safety.

p.2

need to do better?

27 June 2022 n Children have a wealth of opportunities to learn new skills and deepen their knowledge. The childminder uses themes to introduce new experiences, such as 'music week'. Children have fun exploring the sounds of real instruments, including a ukulele and a harmonica. They listen to music from other countries and identify instruments, such as the violin. n The childminder provides a language-rich environment. She is very skilled at interacting with children as they play. The childminder talks to them about what they are doing. She models language and supports children in their pronunciation of words. Toddlers enjoy copying words and make exceptional progress with their speech and language. n Children develop an exceptionally good understanding of the natural world and growth and development. They benefit from excellent hands-on learning experiences. For example, they plant tomatoes, pumpkins and sunflowers, and

p.2

need to do better?

watch them grow. Children learn about the life cycle of caterpillars and are fascinated as they observe snails and worms. They become excited when they find a spider's web in the woods. n The childminder develops very close and trusting partnerships with children's families. Parents comment that they particularly appreciate the many opportunities their children have to interact with other children. The childminder keeps parents extremely well informed about their children's progress. Parents share information about their children's achievements at home. This provides excellent consistency of care and enhances children's learning and development. n Since her registration, the childminder has worked exceedingly hard to develop her outstanding provision. She demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for her work and is exceptionally well organised. The childminder makes brilliant use of training opportunities to develop her excellent knowledge and skills. For

p.3

need to do better?

example, she has recently attended training to further support children's language and communication. This has had an extremely positive impact on the quality of her provision.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to keep children safe. She clearly demonstrates her understanding of what to do should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder has a strong understanding of safeguarding concerns. She is confident about her duty with regards to radicalisation and extremism. The childminder carefully considers the planning of activities to ensure the safety of all children. The extensive safeguarding policies and procedures help to underpin the childminder's outstanding practice. They are implemented exceptionally well, including those relating to children's welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2573892 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10239455 Type of provision Childminder Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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 that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector observed children and the childminder taking part in activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector, including evidence of training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

27 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6