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 Good

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. She provides a caring and homely environment, where all children and their families are warmly welcomed. Children show that they feel safe, happy and settled with the childminder. They are polite and friendly, and soon learn the boundaries and what is expected of them. Children are incredibly helpful, respectful and caring towards each other. For example, they cuddle each other and happily share and take turns with the resources. Children's behaviour and early relationships are very good for their age. They quickly become familiar with the daily routines. Children enjoy playing with the extensive range of high-quality toys. The childminder organises her home to support them to be highly active and independent learners.

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The provision is good

Children are motivated and eager to learn. For example, they play happily together as they enthusiastically explore the many items in the role-play area. They happily chat to the childminder as they play, naming the items as they put them on a plate. Children of all ages develop a love of books and enjoy listening to stories. They snuggle together with the childminder and enjoy pointing to the pictures and turning the pages of the book. The childminder makes good use of the local library, playgroups and parks to widen children's experiences and develop their social skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is well qualified and experienced, and consistently seeks further training opportunities to extend her skills and knowledge. She has a very good understanding of how children learn, and plans activities that build on children's previous experiences. She evaluates activities well and understands how she can help children make very good progress in their learning. n Children practise putting pegs on cards, which helps to develop their small hand muscles in preparation for early writing. They explore mark making using pens, crayons and chalks. The childminder routinely includes mathematical language in activities, such as counting and identifying colours and shapes. She recognises the important part she plays in preparing children for future learning and school. n The childminder skilfully adapts her teaching to ensure that all children remain highly engaged and motivated in activities. For example, children have great fun

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need to do better?

as they use tooth brushes to clean the teeth on a laminated picture. They use words such as 'up' and 'down' and 'side to side'. Children become aware of time as they use a timer to brush their teeth for two minutes. They count their teeth as they look at them in a mirror. n Parents are extremely happy with the care and progress their children make. They receive regular updates about their children's achievements and the activities they have enjoyed. This helps them to extend children's learning at home. Parents say that the childminder has a 'warm and friendly approach', and

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need to do better?

19 October 2022 appreciate that their children are 'in safe hands while they are at work'. The childminder also develops good partnerships with other settings children attend. She shares valuable information about children's development to help establish continuity in their learning. n Children have many opportunities to learn about the world they live in. For example, they plant sunflowers and watch them grow in the garden. Children enjoy many outings with the childminder, such as visiting the local museum. They regularly meet up with other childminders and attend playgroups in the community, which helps to develop their confidence and social skills. n The childminder encourages children to have healthy lifestyles. For example, they learn good hygiene routines and discuss healthy foods at mealtimes. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They develop their physical skills and learn to take manageable risks as they play in the

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need to do better?

childminder's garden, soft-play centre or at the park. n Children have regular opportunities to learn about numbers and shapes. For example, they enjoy identifying familiar shapes in their environment. Young children confidently point to their pizza, saying that it is like a circle. They persevere to build up the stacking cups in the correct order. n The childminder offers very good support as young children begin to develop their speaking skills. She continually talks to the children, describing what they are doing and extending their vocabulary. The childminder asks children questions as they play and explore. However, at times, she does not give children enough time to think and respond with their own thoughts and ideas.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have a good understanding of their role in safeguarding children. Regular training opportunities keep them up to date with any changes to legislation and local procedures. All adults living and working on the premises are suitably vetted. The childminder implements rigorous procedures and maintains detailed documentation to help ensure children are well protected. She shares these with parents, so that they fully understand her role and responsibility in protecting children from harm. The childminder ensures her home is clean, safe and well maintained, to ensure children can play and explore safely.

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should:

n give children more time to think, answer and respond to questions, to develop their language and conversation skills even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY284548 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10234808 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 13 Date of previous inspection 15 December 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Stevenage. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7am until 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. The childminder occasionally employs assistants. The childminder provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed children and the childminder taking part in activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

19 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

19 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

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

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