Stilwell, Kasha

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 extremely happy and content in this warm and welcoming setting. They are affectionately greeted by the childminder who takes a genuine interest in how the children are. Children have strong bonds established with the childminder which enables them to feel safe and secure in the provision.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are highly motivated learners and they quickly become deeply engaged in activities. They instinctively make their own choices from the inviting learning environment which is carefully catered to meet their individual needs. Children are articulate in communicating their interests as they explore the outside area. They become engrossed as they mix oats and rice crisps together, then transport it to a water tray. Children are resourceful as they discover new materials to transport. They use tools for purpose, such as spades and wheelbarrows, to carry soil around the garden.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder is especially respectful towards the children and is an excellent role model. This results in them being extremely well mannered and polite. Children show respect for their environment and each other as they play harmoniously together. They are praised in a consistent and meaningful way, which increases their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's teaching of the curriculum is of the highest quality across all parts of the provision. Activities are planned and sequenced so children's experiences are consistently arranged to build. Children have a strong voice in the setting. The childminder skilfully adapts her plans to allow children to follow their own lines of enquiry. This allows children to benefit from a wide range of learning opportunities that are appropriate for all ages of children present. Children develop skills to enable successful future learning, and as a result children make exceptional progress. n The quality of interactions with the children is exemplary. The childminder takes every opportunity to develop children's language and communication skills. They talk about the habitats of animals as they explore sea-life toys. They learn the words for animals, such as 'swordfish' and 'basking shark'. The childminder

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need to do better?

skilfully incorporates song into their play as they sing a song about pirates. Children learn the actions to the words as they sing. n The childminder ensures that her professional development is continually enhanced so that the level of teaching remains at the highest level. Rigorous evaluation of all aspects of her practice helps her to build further on the provision. Further training is sharply focused to support children's specific needs. For example, the childminder has recently completed a course to enhance

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need to do better?

28 July 2022 outdoor learning, using natural resources, which has supported the interests of the children she is caring for. n Children are offered an extensive range of experiences to help them develop an extremely positive attitude towards food and enhance their understanding of the world. Trips to the farmers' market to choose unusual foods encourage children to try new tastes and understand where their food comes from. Children thoroughly enjoy outings to the shops to buy ingredients for cooking. They prepare their own meals as they make pizza wraps for lunch, choosing their own ingredients for their toppings. n Parents give wonderful feedback. They comment that 'she offers a truly amazing childminding experience', where children are 'at the heart of everything'. The childminder develops highly effective, two-way communication to ensure that parents are kept up to date with their children's progress. A noticeboard keeps

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need to do better?

parents informed of daily activities, such as the 'phonic sounds of the week' which supports parents to continue their children's learning at home as they find words which start with 'o'. n Exceptional effort is implemented to ensure that children are fully prepared for school in all areas. Children are completely confident in communicating and meeting their own needs. They put their shoes on independently and learn about the importance of washing their hands. Activities, such as colouring, prepare children for early writing skills. The childminder works closely with schools to ensure information is concisely shared so that the needs of the child are met. As a result, children manage transitions to school extremely well.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe. She knows the signs and symptoms of abuse and/or neglect and the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about the welfare of a child. She keeps her training up to date. The childminder keeps her setting safe. She uses stair gates and child-proof locks on the doors. The childminder consistently supports children to develop strategies to independently assess their own risk as they play. For instance, she asks children to stop playing as they climb on a car and think about whether it is safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2571565 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10239188 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Letchworth Garden City. She operates all year round, from 7.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk. She talked to the inspector about the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. She discussed children's progress with the childminder. n The childminder and inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This includes evidence of staff suitability, record of attendance and safeguarding documents. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of written views.

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Inspection activities

28 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

28 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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