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 adore attending this exciting, child-centred setting. They settle incredibly quickly due to flexible settling-in sessions and the warmth of the childminder. Children form strong bonds with the childminder. They feel secure from a very early age.

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The provision is outstanding

Children rapidly become confident explorers in areas that are full of exciting resources. They access activities and toys of their choice with ease. This is due to the child-led approach that the childminder adopts. All items are easily accessible for children to safely make choices. This helps children feel as if they have a voice and can become independent learners.

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The provision is outstanding

Children behave exceptionally well. They understand the rules and expectations from early on. Children learn to respect others and resources. They tidy up after themselves and take pride in being gentle with others when playing. The childminder sets clear instructions and follows a consistent routine each day. This means that environments remain calm. Transitions between activities run smoothly, as children know what to expect and what is expected of them.

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need to do better?

n Teaching standards are superb. This is because the childminder has an incredible knowledge of child development. She has created an ambitious curriculum that covers all aspects of learning. The childminder uses questions to challenge, such as 'What do you think will happen next?' She highly praises children for exploring ideas. Children respond positively, wanting to learn more. To extend topics, the childminder takes children to local shops, such as a post office or hairdressers, to learn about different jobs. She then provides role-play opportunities for children to become these types of workers. n Observation, planning and tracking processes are rigorous. The childminder supports children by observing their play. This helps her to assess their levels of development. The childminder then creates individual, achievable targets for children. With these in mind, she creates activities based around themes that

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need to do better?

children will enjoy. Children then take part in enjoyable learning experiences through play. n The childminder strongly promotes independence and responsibility. Children have a shelf that they place their items on and a peg for their coat. The childminder encourages them to find their shoes and coats and put them on to go outdoors. Children learn to wash their hands and take pride in tidying up after play. As a result, children become independent and respectful from an early age. n The childminder creates an environment rich in language. She adapts her

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need to do better?

13 October 2022 communication for each child to support with their early language. The childminder encourages children to learn words and phrases by modelling and repeating. She also provides opportunities for stories, songs and nursery rhymes daily. This results in children becoming confident communicators. They are able to make their interests, needs and requests known from an early age. n Opportunities for children to access the local community are outstanding. The childminder links with other childminders daily to go on trips and outings. Experiences for children include visits to a soft-play centre, toddler group, local library and wildlife walks. The childminders take turns to plan activities. They share solid practice while providing wonderful learning opportunities for children. This strongly supports children to become well-rounded learners. n Parent partnerships are commendable. This is because the childminder

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need to do better?

communicates regularly with parents, giving detailed feedback each day. Parents highly praise the childminder. They appreciate the variety of healthy, balanced meals provided. Parents love receiving weekly plans for outings and activities, as they know what to expect each day. They highly recommend the childminder to others. n The childminder strongly promotes a love of animals and wildlife. The two pet dogs on site are loving and friendly. Children adore petting them and learning how to look after them. They love finding wildlife while out on walks, learning about their natural habitats. These experiences result in respect and genuine care and concern for living things.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has strong knowledge and understanding of the core safeguarding principles, including any possible signs to look out for. She is confident in the processes of recording and reporting concerns to her local authority. The childminder is also highly aware of the types and signs of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk of being drawn into radicalisation. The childminder has up- to-date training in health and safety and first aid. She has robust fire evacuation procedures and clear risk assessments for the whole provision, indoors and outdoors.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY380943 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10235244 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 7 Date of previous inspection 4 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Hertford. She operates all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She currently provides funded early education for four-year-old children.

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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 setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk of the setting to discuss the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection, sharing their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including training certificates and safeguarding procedures.

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Inspection activities

13 October 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

13 October 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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