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 happy in the care of the childminder. They settle quickly and show a strong sense of belonging both in her home and with her family childminder's family. Children know where to find the resources they want to use and engage in their chosen play extremely well. The childminder gives children many opportunities to freely explore. This results in them concentrating for prolonged periods of time. Children use construction straws to make models. They describe what they are making and are very pleased when their models turn out as they planned.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's behaviour is excellent and they consistently use impeccable manners. When minor disagreements occur, children know how to deal with them. For example, they suggest the childminder sets the oven timer so that they can have equal time to play with their favourite trains. Children's speech and language skills are developing well. They enjoy chatting to the childminder at mealtimes. Children freely express their ideas and use good vocabulary as they play. They use words, such as 'direction' as they move trains around tracks they have built.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is aware of where children are in their development. She observes them closely and uses her observations and assessments to identify what children need to learn next. Children are making good progress. n The childminder makes good use of her garden to provide a wide range of outdoor opportunities for children. She provides areas for active play and areas for children to play imaginatively, such as in the mud kitchen. The childminder talks about how she uses facilities in the local community to extend children's experiences, such as attending toddler groups and fruit picking. n Parents are complimentary about the childminder. They say their children are making good progress and comment how happy they are to attend the setting. Parents value the information and advice they receive, as it enables them to know how to support children's learning at home. n Children receive good support to develop their personal, social and emotional

p.2

need to do better?

skills. They learn to share resources, take their turn and show care and consideration for others. Children have a can-do attitude to learning. They try very hard to solve problems they encounter before they ask the childminder for help. n The childminder helps children to recognise and deal with their feelings and emotions. She acknowledges when children feel angry or frustrated. Her calm, but firm response, enables children to deal with their frustrations. They choose to stay close to the childminder until they feel ready to re-engage in play and learning.

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need to do better?

14 July 2022 n Children are gaining vital skills that prepare them for future learning. They notice letters and words in the environment and ask the childminder what they say. Children sound out the letters in their names very well. They learn about space and shape and use positional words as they skilfully fix train track together. n The childminder has some awareness of what children are learning about at other settings they attend. She gains knowledge from parents, such as the books children enjoy at nursery. However, she has not fully considered how she can work in closer partnership with other settings to promote further continuity in children's learning. n The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to her work. She reviews her practice and looks at what she can develop and improve. The childminder networks with other childminders. This enables her to hold professional discussions with others and; feels this is important to her ongoing development.

p.2

need to do better?

However, the childminder is not sufficiently focused on identifying and using professional development opportunities to further extend her knowledge, teaching and skills.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder knows how to keep children safe and promote their welfare. She has a good understanding of how to recognise any signs that children may be at risk of harm or extremist behaviour. The childminder knows how to contact relevant agencies in the local area, to seek advice or to make referrals. She has a clear safeguarding policy in place which she shares with parents and uses to underpin her good practice. The childminder undertakes regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge relevant and up to date.

p.3

should:

n review ways to broaden partnership working with other settings children attend to promote continuity in their learning n build on professional development plans to further strengthen knowledge, teaching and skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2539697 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10215325 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Wheathampstead. She operates from 7.45am to 6pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 her and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of her home that she uses with children and discussed how she plans her curriculum and 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 The inspector discussed the needs of individual children with the childminder and talked with her about the progress they are making. n A sample of policies and procedures was looked at by the inspector. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the

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Inspection activities

childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

14 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

14 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

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