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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the care of the childminder who is very passionate about her role. They are happy and confident. Children express their love for the childminder as they go to her for comfort and reassurance. They enjoy sharing their achievements with the childminder and smile proudly as she praises their efforts.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They have formed nurturing relationships with their friends and enjoy spending time with them. Children have fun working together to create firework pictures. They talk to each other about the coloured glitter they are using, adding to each other's pictures and sharing ideas. Younger babies are welcomed into activities with the childminder close by. The childminder skilfully teaches the older children how to support the babies, so they can be part of the activity. There is a real sense of family in the setting.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children are encouraged to be independent, learning the skills they need to be ready for school. At snack time, children readily tidy up the toys, relishing in the responsibility they are given for certain jobs. Before washing their hands, children help to clean the table and get it ready for snack. Children wipe their own noses and know to clean the germs off their hands.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has high expectations for the progress children make while in her setting. She confidently extends children's learning through their interests, building on the skills and knowledge they already have. For example, children are interested in tractors, so the childminder takes them on a visit to the farm. They watch as the tractor drives around the field, talking about the jobs it has on the farm. Later, they climb on board the tractor, looking at all the buttons and gadgets it has inside. Children talk joyfully of the tractor ride they went on. At the childminder's setting, she shares information books with children to help them relive their experiences. n The childminder uses her training and personal research to develop her expert teaching skills. She works with parents to always keep up to date with children's current interests, so she can plan exciting activities. The childminder uses

p.2

need to do better?

children's natural curiosity to plan new experiences. Children are given time to play with new resources before using them for specific activities. This enables them to explore and become inquisitive learners. n From a young age, children are taught the rules and values of the setting. Children understand the importance of being respectful of the toys, knowing they belong to everyone. Children learn to share with their friends and take turns. For example, the childminder supplies one glue stick at activities, teaching children to wait their turn. The childminder engages with other childminders to

p.2

need to do better?

2 November 2022 offer children opportunities to socialise with other adults and children. n Young babies concentrate on activities for long periods of time. They use trial and error methods to hang coloured rings onto a mug tree. Babies use the large space available to develop their physical skills. They crawl over to furniture of differing heights, pulling themselves up to stand so they can play. Later, they practise walking on the different surfaces in the garden. They seek help from the childminder when walking on the muddy grass and talk about how it feels. n Children's similarities and differences are celebrated by the childminder. They look at photographs of their families, proudly showing off their brothers and sisters. The childminder celebrates a wide variety of festivals to enhance children's knowledge of the world around them. n Parents overwhelmingly talk of the positive impact the childminder has on their

p.2

need to do better?

children. They praise her enthusiasm for creating inviting activities, which children talk about for a long time. The childminder regularly takes children out into the local area to visit the farm or local museums, which parents praise her for. Parents really appreciate the time taken to share activity ideas for them to complete at home. They describe her as 'a reliable, trustworthy and caring childminder, who goes above and beyond'.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibility in ensuring that children are kept safe from harm. She understands local reporting lines and is confident to report to the relevant professionals as required. The childminder is confident in ensuring the suitability of herself and other adults. She confidently discusses wider safeguarding issues, such as witchcraft and female genital mutilation. The childminder completes regular training to ensure her knowledge remains current and up to date on relevant issues that may arise in the local area.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2584300 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10251086 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in July 2020 and lives in Hemel Hempsted. She operates Monday to Thursday, 7am till 6pm, all year round, except for family holidays and bank holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has 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 premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this is having on children's learning. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6