Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

Children play happily in the safe and secure environment the childminder provides. They form close bonds with the childminder and seek her out for comfort and affection when tired or upset. Children who are new to the setting are beginning to settle. The childminder allows them to explore the environment independently at their own pace. This means that there are periods of time when children do not benefit from meaningful interactions with the childminder.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children enjoy continuous access to outdoor play. They develop their physical skills on various climbing equipment and by riding scooters in the secure garden. Children help themselves to a variety of age-appropriate toys and resources in the homely indoor area. Although the childminder plans activities which children enjoy and engage in, she does not fully consider how they meet children's individual learning needs.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children enjoy regular trips out of the setting. The childminder provides opportunities for children to take part in activities within the community. Children attend childminder play groups to support their social development. They also enjoy trips to local parks and farms.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder builds close relationships with families from the start. She uses settling-in sessions to gather essential information about children's interests and abilities. However, she does not always use this knowledge to plan activities aimed at supporting children who are new to the setting. n The childminder completes regular risk assessments of her setting and reflects on past activities. For example, she has removed small buttons from a sorting activity, so babies cannot swallow them. However, the childminder does not use the same robust methods of reflection to evaluate her practice and identify areas to improve her teaching. n Children have access to a wide variety of books. They cuddle up to the childminder on the sofa for story time. However, these sessions are not well planned or executed. The childminder interrupts reading with one child to read a different book to a second child. Children are unable to fully engage in stories.

p.2

need to do better?

This does not support their literacy development. n The childminder supervises children well in activities. She interacts with them and is swift to intervene when their actions may be inappropriate or hazardous. However, the childminder makes no attempt to support children's understanding of the impact their behaviours and actions may have on themselves and others. n Children are polite and follow instructions well. For example, they are swift to help when asked to tidy toys away before lunch. The childminder is a good role

p.2

need to do better?

15 September 2022 model. She demonstrates good manners and is respectful towards children and adults. n The childminder extends children's learning well during sessions of free play. She seeks out additional resources to encourage their development. For example, children are playing with coloured pasta shapes. They use various utensils to pour the shapes into containers. Once they are secure using spoons and ladles, the childminder encourages children to pick the pasta up with tweezers. This develops their fine-motor skills in preparation for writing. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents speak highly of the childminder and the warm, homely environment she provides. They value the daily verbal communication regarding children's routines and comment on the numerous pictures they receive throughout the day. Parents appreciate the support the childminder offers when there are concerns about children's behaviours or

p.2

need to do better?

development. She shares ideas and offers reassurance, seeking additional support where necessary. n The childminder encourages children to be confident. She offers lots of praise for their achievements and efforts during activities. For example, children smile proudly when the childminder praises them for identifying animals pictured on stacking blocks.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms, which could indicate that a child is at risk of harm. She is aware of the correct procedure to follow when reporting these concerns and the importance of doing so in a timely manner. The childminder completes safeguarding and first-aid training in accordance with local authority requirements. This ensures her knowledge remains up to date. She conducts regular risk assessments and supervises children well in the setting.

p.3

Due date

consider the individual needs of children when planning activities to sufficiently challenge and support their development. 20/10/2022

p.3

should:

15 September 2022 n enhance self-evaluation methods to identify areas where practice can be improved and strengthen knowledge in these areas to improve the quality of teaching n improve the quality of interactions with children, specifically focusing on children who are new to the setting n develop children's ability to manage risks by supporting them to explore why certain actions can be hazardous.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 149234 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10234250 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 31 October 2016

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000 and lives in Stevenage. She operates Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 provider. n The inspector and childminder discussed how the early years setting is organised. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

p.6

Inspection activities

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.6

Inspection activities

15 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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