Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely enthusiastic learners who enjoy attending the calm, homely and nurturing environment created by the childminder. Children show very high levels of engagement during activities and delight in their own achievements. For example, they enthusiastically create a game where they throw balls into buckets and cheer for each other as they do it. Children's behaviour is excellent. They talk politely, using one another's names, and have wonderful manners. Children receive endless praise and encouragement, which is extremely effective in developing their self-esteem. They are kind to one another, and readily share with each other. Children remind each other of how to take turns during activities.

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The provision is outstanding

Children form very secure attachments with the childminder. Less outgoing children know that she is close by to offer support and security. The childminder encourages children to talk about their feelings and emotions, and she encourages social interaction with peers to develop their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder encourages children to have good manners and to say 'please' and 'thank you' appropriately during the day. The children learn to share with others and to respect other people's differences.

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need to do better?

n The childminder gives the children the best possible learning experiences. She has carefully designed a curriculum that is broad and diverse. For example, the children delight in telling visitors about the names of dinosaurs while playing at a dinosaur tray, following a trip to a dinosaur experience at the park. Children's learning is further extended during extremely well-planned activities around the local community. For example, they visit the bicycle park, local playgroups, aerospace centres and local points of interest. These visits provide stimulating and varied learning opportunities for children to explore, investigate and experience real-life learning. n Children develop excellent language and literacy skills. They speak in sentences and feel able to give ideas and suggestions. Children who speak English as an additional language are very well supported, and the childminder uses their spoken language during play to support them. Children have a love of books and

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need to do better?

are challenged to think during stories. For example, the childminder asks children how many ladybirds are on each page, as they read the story of '10 Little Ladybirds'. Children make observations and discuss whether a caterpillar is light or dark green. n The childminder knows the children extremely well. She has a breadth of understanding about each child's unique personality and personal interests and passions. This includes a detailed understanding of what each child has already mastered and their next steps for learning. For example, she allows extra time

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need to do better?

6 September 2022 for more reserved children and encourages confident ones to take turns while speaking. n Feedback from parents is fantastic. They say 'the communication channels are strong' as well as saying that their children are making great progress and activities are well planned. Parents comment that their children are 'delighted and excited' to spend the time with the childminder. n Older children are very well prepared for their move to school and other settings. The childminder skilfully teaches children how to be independent and complete tasks for themselves. They wash their hands independently while singing and put on their own shoes and coats. Children demonstrate a 'can-do' approach to tasks and show high levels of resilience. For example, with the encouragement from the childminder, children swap their shoes over when they are on the wrong feet. n The childminder is wholly dedicated towards her own continued professional

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need to do better?

development. She attends a wealth of specialist training to ensure that she is highly competent in her ability to meet every child's needs. All the required documentation is in place to ensure the children's safety and welfare.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is highly experienced and fully understands the signs that may indicate a child is at risk, including from being exposed to extremist views or behaviours. She regularly attends safeguarding and child protection training to keep her very good knowledge updated. The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of how to provide a safe indoor and outdoor environment for children to play. This includes actively supporting the children to learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder also ensures the suitability of everyone who lives at the premises.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY482765 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10236525 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 3 Number of children on roll 2 Date of previous inspection 5 October 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Croxley Green. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, 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 the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n Written feedback was provided by parents and reviewed by the inspector. n The inspector and the childminder evaluated a joint observation of an activity. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation, on request. n The inspector observed the quality of education and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

6 September 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 September 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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