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 love attending this stimulating and supportive setting. They settle quickly and develop close bonds with the childminder and her assistant. Children are encouraged to welcome and respect others. Older children instinctively support younger children to develop confidence and access activities. Children show genuine care for each other, checking their friend's welfare when they become upset. They delight in praising friends for achievements, such as dancing alongside others for the first time. As a result, children develop exceptional behaviour and attitudes towards others. The childminder is passionate about teaching the different types of family dynamics, all of which are celebrated. This further develops children's respect for others who may be different from themselves.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children develop care and respect for living things in their environment. They delight in feeding the local birds in the garden. Children have opportunities to learn the names of birds. They confidently mark on a chart each time they see a certain type of bird. The childminder has a friendly dog on site. Children love taking the dog on walks with them to explore the environment. They learn about how best to care for pets and wildlife through their shared experiences. Children are also taught about risks and safety when out of the setting. Therefore, they can enjoy outings safely.

p.2

need to do better?

n Teaching standards are exceptional. The childminder and her assistant have deep knowledge of how children learn. They challenge children to think deeper and gain stronger understanding. Learning intentions are clear and cover many aspects. Activities are differentiated to be accessible to children of all ages, in a language-rich environment. As a result, children thrive. n Independence is a main focus and children are highly praised for achievements. They learn to cut fruit safely and wash their hands. Children as young as one are able to make sandwiches, self-serving foods of their choice. Mealtimes are sociable, exciting times. Staff engage in conversation with children, extending learning to think about what they are making. A child requested to eat dinosaur meat, so the childminder adapted the mealtime to make sandwiches that dinosaurs would eat. As a result, children loved the experience and spoke freely

p.2

need to do better?

about dinosaurs. n The atmosphere is calm, and rules and expectations are clear and embedded. Children learn the core ethos that 'all are welcome here', which is taught daily via stories and conversation. Routines are clear and consistent. As a result, children know what to expect and what is expected of them. The childminder and assistant work incredibly effectively together, communicating well and being superb role models of kindness, respect and manners.

p.2

need to do better?

6 July 2022 n Children make incredible progress, as the childminder and assistant know the children and families very well. Children have individual targets that are challenging yet achievable. The childminder shares good practice with other childminders in her area to improve provision. As a result, all children are well supported and learning opportunities are maximised. n Partnerships with parents are commendable. Parents are regularly invited to special events, such as a graduation ceremony when children leave for school or another setting. The childminder uses these opportunities to update parents on their children's development. Parents highly appreciate these occasions, as well as information on activities that is shared online. They feel that their children are highly supported and settled. Parents recognise the vast progress their children make. n Activities and planning processes are remarkable. The childminder gives children

p.2

need to do better?

opportunities for self-choice. She plans activities according to children's interests and developmental needs. For example, two children are soon to become older siblings. The childminder set up a 'baby station' with dolls, baths, clothes and stories about becoming a big brother or sister. As a result, children become knowledgeable and ready for the changes. n Children who are bilingual make incredible progress. This is due to the childminder's precise planning and engaging them in conversation. The childminder obtains stories in children's home languages and in English. She works closely with families to obtain information and phrases in their home languages. As a result, children embrace both languages and become confident in sharing stories about their home life. They enjoy teaching others the phrases that they confidently speak in their home language.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have strong knowledge and awareness of the core safeguarding principles of keeping children safe. They have stringent processes for reporting concerns within the setting and beyond. They are confident in recognising early signs for the wider aspects of safeguarding, such as the risk of being drawn into the transportation of drugs. Clear and precise accident forms are used and shared with families, and children's attendance is closely monitored. The childminder has robust risk assessments for areas of provision and when out in the local community. Children are made aware of safety and risks effectively, and follow rules closely to stay safe.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2569192 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10239468 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

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 2020 and lives in Bishop's Stortford. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 4. She works with a qualified assistant. The childminder supports funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk of the setting to discuss the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint observation of activities. n The childminder's assistant and the children and parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection, sharing their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and evidence of the suitability of staff.

p.4

Inspection activities

6 July 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

6 July 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