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

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The provision is outstanding

Children are highly valued in this exceptional childminding provision. They have an amazing time with the extremely dedicated and enthusiastic childminder and her assistant. They benefit from lots of love and individual attention, which helps them to feel happy, safe and secure. The childminder and her assistant are exceedingly kind and caring, and put the children at the centre of everything they do. They treat all children with courtesy and respect, and are excellent role models. The childminder consistently encourages children to feel good about themselves, and gives them lots of praise. This successfully promotes their confidence and self- esteem. Children play together exceptionally well and their behaviour is exemplary.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder's setting is a hive of activity; full of fun and laughter. Children thoroughly enjoy playing in the childminder's wonderful garden. They have a brilliant time exploring natural materials in the mud kitchen. Children quickly learn how to use the vast array of resources, including how to turn the water tap on and off. The childminder plans exciting activities and experiences that spark children's curiosity and imagination. For example, children create an exciting dinosaur landscape in the garden, using rocks, stones and leaves. They have very thoughtful conversations about who might live behind the magical 'fairy door'. Children leave the setting as confident and capable individuals, exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has gained exceptional knowledge and experience over many years of working with children. She demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for her work and is extremely well organised. The childminder works very closely with her assistant. They have highly ambitious expectations for children. The rich, innovative and challenging curriculum helps to ensure that all children make excellent progress. n Children quickly develop a deep appreciation of books. They are enthralled as they listen to stories. They often choose their favourite books. When looking at a book about dentists, children are encouraged to talk about their own experiences. Their language and communication skills are extremely well supported. During their conversations, children learn new vocabulary and begin to understand that print carries meaning. n The childminder recognises the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on some of the children in her care. For example, she identified that some children

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need to do better?

struggled to settle when they first attended, and they became anxious in large- group situations. The childminder works closely with parents to develop strategies to support this. She also plans outings to the local farm, zoo, woods, parks and toddler groups. These outings have had a very positive impact on

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need to do better?

29 June 2022 children's confidence and social skills. n Children enjoy being creative and making marks using different media. They explore the texture of dough as they squeeze and manipulate it. They excitedly use rollers to paint on large sheets of cardboard. Children dig in the sandpit and confidently use large brushes to paint the fence with water. These activities support children extremely well to develop their large and small muscles in preparation for their early writing. n The childminder has an exceptionally close and trusting relationship with parents. She regularly shares information with them, such as the activities children enjoy and the next steps in their learning. This helps parents to further support their children's development at home. Parents particularly appreciate the outdoor lifestyle the childminder offers and the delightful outings their children enjoy. They are immensely impressed by the exceptional progress their children

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need to do better?

make and how they flourish in the childminder's care. n Children have many wonderful opportunities to experience the wonders of the world in which they live. They visit a forest school once a week, where they can freely explore and learn about nature. Children experience what it is like to walk through the woods and sit under a canopy of trees. They develop a superb understanding of the natural world as they experience the changing seasons and play out in all types of weather. n The childminder has an excellent working relationship with her assistant. They continually reflect on the valuable service they provide. The childminder and her assistant observe each other and suggest helpful advice to enhance their already exceptional practice. They are extremely dedicated to maintaining the outstanding provision for children and their families.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety and well-being are given the highest priority. The childminder and her assistant have an excellent understanding of all aspects of safeguarding. They fully understand their responsibilities to report any concerns about children's welfare. The childminder maintains meticulous documentation to help ensure children are protected exceptionally well. She ensures that she, and her assistant, regularly update their training regarding all safeguarding issues, including the 'Prevent' duty guidance. The childminder and her assistant proactively embed British values. They create an extremely safe and secure environment for children to play and learn.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2568627 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10239196 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 11 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Bushey, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 4. She provides funded early years 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 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 childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises. 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 inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

29 June 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

29 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

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