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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy as the childminder collects them from their early years or school setting. They converse warmly with the childminder about their day. The children have strong attachments with the childminder. They confidently enter her home and access activities and resources. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are given the freedom to make choices during their time with the childminder. For example, they choose a bowling game that they would like to play and the childminder responds warmly to their suggestion and facilitates this request.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. They know what is expected of them from the childminder and they respond to her instructions cooperatively. Children are independent. For example, as they enter the childminder's home, they remove their shoes and put them in the correct place and during snack time they learn to spread butter using a knife.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a great understanding of how young children develop language skills. She ensures children make the best possible progress in their speaking and listening by teaching specific skills that they need for the next stage of their development. For example, she uses nursery rhyme puppets to sing songs and models key-words to young children learning single words. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported by the childminder. She uses her knowledge of child development to raise any concerns about children who are not reaching key milestones. The childminder works closely with other settings and professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for children. n Parents are very complimentary about the service the childminder provides. They feel well informed about what their children do each day and how they are progressing with their learning. Parents report that their children enjoy the

p.2

need to do better?

range of activities the childminder provides, including baking, art activities and sensory play, such as with sand and water. n The childminder is aware of the children's current interests and builds this into her curriculum. For example, children complete a craft activity using a mermaid theme. She has a good knowledge of the early years foundation stage curriculum and provides a range of activities to ensure she covers much of the curriculum. However, the childminder does not currently ensure children get enough opportunities to develop their skills as they explore and learn outside. n Children extend their literacy skills. The childminder provides a wide range of

p.2

need to do better?

13 July 2022 age-appropriate books, both stories and information texts for the children to access and enjoy. For example, a young child turns the pages accurately and presses buttons for the book to make a sound. Also, the childminder provides opportunities for children to develop writing skills as they play. For instance, children use clipboards and pencils to record what they have made using a construction set. n The childminder ensures she teaches children about diversity and positive self- image. Children understand that people have different abilities and show a respectful attitude towards others in their community. The childminder teaches children to be kind and considerate. n Children have opportunities to develop mathematical development. During snack time, they count and discuss their calendar naming the days of the week, months of the year and the season. Young children sing songs about number

p.2

need to do better?

and can count backwards from five to zero. n The childminder recognises the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children. She supports families to ensure children quickly get the right support if they have missed any health check-ups, such as the one year check. She concentrates her current curriculum on developing children's personal and emotional development and their communication and language skills. n Children are given opportunities to use and develop their imagination. For instance, children become engrossed as they role play a cafe scenario using the play kitchen. Children carefully write down adult's orders and become highly engaged.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has completed safeguarding training and understands her responsibility to keep children safe. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, including if children are being drawn into radicalisation or extremism. The childminder is aware of the local procedures and she knows when and where to report her concerns. She implements effective risk assessments for her home and outings. The childminder maintains appropriate records for administering medication to children. The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe. For instance, children learn about road safety on their walk home from school.

p.3

should:

n implement the planned improvements, so that children have opportunities to develop skills as they explore and learn outdoors.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2559362 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10232113 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 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in the Shephall area of Stevenage. She operates all year round from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 4.

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector took part in a joint observation of an activity. They discussed and evaluated the quality of education. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder and the inspector had a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

13 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

13 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