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 demonstrate they feel happy and safe in the care of the childminder. They warmly welcome visitors and invite them to join in with their play. Children's speech and language skills are good. They are learning how to use words to make their needs known and to hold conversations. As children use pens, they talk about the colours they are using and discuss who their favourite television characters are. Children hold and use pencils well, as they make distinctive marks. This helps them to develop and practise skills they need for their future education.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder encourages them to use good manners and to tidy away toys they have finished playing with. Children benefit from many opportunities to be outside. They enjoy trips to the park, where they are able to be active and use their large muscles. The childminder talks about how she thinks carefully about where she takes children. For example, they go to parks where the equipment is suitable and the space is secure. This allows children to explore freely, learn how to take risks and to develop skills to keep themselves safe.

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need to do better?

n The childminder interacts well with children as they engage in play and learning. She observes them closely and clearly identifies what children need to learn next. The childminder gathers in-depth information to help her complete children's two-year progress checks. She also gains information from parents on what children are doing at home. This helps her to really know where children are in their development. Children are making good progress. n Children are developing a good understanding of space and shape. As they complete puzzles, they quickly identify where the pieces fit. Children have a can- do attitude to learning. They ask the childminder not to help them, saying they can do the puzzles by themselves. Children persevere until they have completed their task and are pleased with their achievements. n The childminder helps children to understand how to develop strong hygiene practices. As children play with toys relating to dentists, she talks to them about

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need to do better?

how to clean their teeth. Children talk about the times they need to wash their hands, such as after using the bathroom and when they return from playing in the park. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They are pleased with the progress their children make. The childminder actively encourages parents to share with her what children are doing and learning at home. This helps to promote continuity in their development. n Children thoroughly enjoy books and listen well as the childminder shares stories with them. They are learning how to gain information from looking at pictures

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need to do better?

2 November 2022 and talk about what they can see. Children know how to use interactive books; they are excited to see what happens when they lift flaps and move circular parts around. n The childminder has a strong record of professional development. She actively seeks training and undertakes research on areas of practice she identifies she needs to develop. The childminder has recently undertaken training based on children's starting points. This has helped to increase her understanding of the importance of building on children's early experiences and identifying what they need to learn next. n The childminder reflects on her teaching methods, resources and environment to ensure they meet the needs of the children attending. She has recently installed a log cabin in her garden. This makes the space outdoors more accessible to children all year round. However, at times, it is difficult for children to freely

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need to do better?

access some toys and resources they enjoy. This is because they are stored in closed boxes to keep the pieces all together and tidy.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how to recognise any signs that children may be at risk of harm or extremist behaviour. She knows how to contact relevant agencies in her local area, to seek advice or to make referrals. The childminder has a clear safeguarding policy in place. She shares her policies with parents to help them to know how she endeavours to safeguard children. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments which cover all aspects of her home, pets and outings.

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should:

n continue to develop the learning environments to enable children to fully benefit from the opportunities available to them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY343987 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10235060 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 1 Date of previous inspection 4 November 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Watford. She operates all year round, from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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 provider and has taken that into account in her evaluations. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of the house that are used for the care of children and discussed how the childminder operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. They also discussed the needs of individual children and talked about the progress they are making. n A sample of policies and procedures was looked at by the inspector, which included documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector took into account the written views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

2 November 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

2 November 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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