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 are happy and settled in this provision. They have exceptionally strong bonds with the childminder. She provides plenty of warmth and cuddles, which enables children to feel safe and secure. Children enjoy exploring an exciting learning environment, which enables them to follow their own interests. Children delight as they discover toy frogs in a water tray. They use tools to scoop them up and look at them closely.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning. They become deeply engrossed as they learn how to make play dough. They scoop flour, pour water into a bowl and take turns to mix it. They learn how colours can be mixed as they add food colouring to the dough and explore what happens as they squish and squeeze it.

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The provision is good

Children develop an understanding of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. They learn about the healthy foods they eat for lunch. They enjoy being physically active in the well-equipped outdoor area as they jump up and down in the water tray and ride scooters. Walks to the local parks and woods support them to develop their gross-motor skills, such as running and climbing.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans an ambitious curriculum for the children. She understands the needs of each child, gathering detailed information about their starting points. This supports the childminder to shape and sequence activities and resources provided to the children to promote focused development. For instance, children learn about 3D shapes, such as 'cuboids' as they mould play dough. n Children's language and communication is well supported. The childminder continually talks to the children and repeats words, speaking with clarity. This helps to enhance children's speaking skills even further. Children develop a passion for books. Opportunities to use literacy skills are weaved throughout the provision. An established reading corner provides opportunity for children to explore books independently. Children enjoy animated story time with the childminder as they learn about emotions. Children listen carefully and learn

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need to do better?

about the structure of stories. n Children are encouraged to be independent at every opportunity. They wash their hands and show determination when dressing themselves. Children's self- esteem is boosted as they receive positive praise from the childminder, when they put on their own t-shirts. This gives children the skills they need to be successful as they move on to the next stage of their education. n The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. However, at

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need to do better?

23 August 2022 times, she allows some children to take over the play which requires her to give more attention to some than others. This does not allow all children to consistently have the same experience and learning opportunities. n The childminder considers the children's experiences. She understands the opportunities that have been missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She works hard to support children to develop their social skills, by attending regular playgroups and outings. Children meet new people and learn to play alongside other children. This helps to raise children's confidence. n Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They comment about the wide range of activities offered, and how she has been helpful in providing support with toilet training and behaviour management. The childminder keeps parents up to date with their child's progress and offers extensive opportunities for children to continue their learning at home. For example, children are provided

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need to do better?

with books to encourage reading at home along with handwriting practice sheets and activities that are linked to children's specific next steps. n The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities. She has a positive attitude towards her training and professional development. She ensures all mandatory training is kept up to date and attends regular seminars to develop and further strengthen her quality of teaching. The childminder reflects on her provision well. She uses feedback from parents to improve practice and procedures. For instance, she has recently reviewed communication methods with parents and has implemented the use of an online system, which has been successful.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and or neglect. She has clear procedures to follow if the need arises to raise a concern to the relevant professionals. The childminder keeps her knowledge up to date with regular training. Thorough risk assessments are completed daily in the provision to ensure the safety of the children. The childminder teaches children about 'golden rules' to keep themselves safe when out and about, such as crossing the road safely and always staying in sight.

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should:

n find more effective ways to make sure that all children receive the support they need during their play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2544313 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10215481 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She operates from 7.30am to 5pm, all year round. She holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 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 included evidence of the childminder's suitability, training records and safeguarding documents. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from the written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

23 August 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

23 August 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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