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 demonstrate that they feel secure and settled in the childminder's care. They are very pleased to see her and engage in conversation as they walk home from nursery. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, such as when crossing roads. They know how to stop and look and listen for traffic. Children are independent and very keen to help the childminder. They take great pride in preparing their own lunch. Children's behaviour is very good.

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The provision is good

Children's mathematical understanding is developing well. They show how they are beginning to understand number and quantity. For example. they count three sticks, relate the number to their age and then find the numeral displayed on a poster. At other times, children use magnetic shapes to build with. They display strong spatial awareness as they fit them together to make buildings. Children build on their own learning, such as by finding small figures to live in their building. They show their good imaginations as they engage in play.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children very well and is aware of where they are in their development and how they like to learn. She observes them closely and assesses children's development to identify what they need to learn next. Children are making good progress. n Children thoroughly enjoy books. The childminder is aware of their favourites and they sit together to share stories. Children are developing good listening skills. They use factual books to gain information. They demonstrate their thirst for knowledge as they ask the childminder questions about pictures and graphs. n Children build close attachments to the childminder. They enjoy being in each other's company and have fun together. Children like playing games with the childminder. They understand rules and take turns well. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They state that their children are very happy to attend and thrive under her nurturing care. The childminder keeps

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need to do better?

parents updated on children's progress to help them to support their learning at home. n The childminder is aware of where there are gaps in learning and gives children targeted support to help close these. She supports parents to access external support, such as from speech and language therapists. The childminder interacts with children as they play so that she can build on their learning. She models language very well and this encourages children to engage in conversation and learn new words. n The childminder supports children to be ready for moving on to nursery and school. Children are beginning to understand letter sounds. They point out the letter their name starts with as they look at a displayed poster. The childminder

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need to do better?

6 July 2022 prepares detailed transition reports to share with children's new teachers. This promotes continuity in children's learning effectively. n The childminder regularly reviews her practice and identifies areas she wants to strengthen further. She networks with other childminders and talks about how they support each other to further develop their knowledge and skills. However, the childminder does not routinely seek the views of parents to enhance her evaluations of practice even more. n The childminder undertakes training and research to help her to continually develop her knowledge and teaching skills. She talks positively of how ongoing professional development has helped her to reduce paperwork and enhance her assessments of children's learning and development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding matters. She is alert to the possible signs that children could be at risk of abuse or extremist behaviour. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in protecting children from harm and of promoting their welfare. She knows how to contact relevant agencies in the local area, to seek advice or to make referrals. The childminder has a clear safeguarding policy, which she uses to underpin her good practice. She regularly undertakes child protection training to keep her knowledge relevant and up to date.

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should:

n gather more constructive feedback from parents, in order to further enhance evaluations of practice.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2525248 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10208250 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019. She lives in Oxhey Village, Watford. The childminder operates between 8am and 6pm on Monday to Friday, all year round apart from family holidays. The childminder is registered to provide funded early 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 her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a walk around the childminder's home, including all areas used with the children. They discussed how the childminder operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n A sample of policies and procedures was reviewed by the inspector, which included documents relating to safeguarding, complaints and the suitability of household members. n The inspector took the views of parents into account in her evaluations of the childminder.

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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.

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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.

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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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