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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy to attend this setting and display a positive attitude to learning. Children form a very strong relationship with the childminder, who in turn supports their emotional well-being, self-esteem and resilience. Children are very familiar with the established routines. They navigate with interest and ease around the setting, choosing activities that spark their curiosity and excitement. For example, children enjoy exploring a large track on the floor, which helps them develop their hand-eye coordination and control. In addition, they practise colour recognition and colour matching while learning to share and take turns.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy books and develop a passion for reading. They ask the childminder with excitement to read their favourite story about a penguin who wants to change colour. They point at the pictures, name the colours and learn new words, such as 'fluffy'. Children engage in pretend play to further develop their imaginative skills. The childminder supports children's fine motor skills and creativity through exciting activities with chalk and paper. For example, the childminder engages in meaningful conversations with the children about fireworks, then shows them how to draw fireworks on their paper using colourful chalk.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers a rich environment with plenty of meaningful learning opportunities. Children make their own choices about what books they would like to read or activities they would like to explore next. They learn to share and take turns with ease and confidence. n Children behave well. They follow the childminder's instructions to help keep them safe. Children are learning to regulate their own behaviour. For example, they tell the childminder when they feel hungry or tired. Children continuously develop their independence. They pour their own drinks and clean their own hands or face with ease. This helps support their self-esteem and confidence. n Children form strong relationships with the childminder, who offers a calm, stable and nurturing environment. They feel secure in her care and readily ask for help when needed. This supports children's emotional well-being effectively. n Children have good opportunities to learn more about nature, such as animals

p.2

need to do better?

that live in the garden. The childminder helps children to consolidate prior learning about animals by encouraging them to recall what they already know and then building on this. For example, the childminder encourages an older child to draw a hedgehog while supporting a younger child to stick leaves on a picture of a hedgehog. This in turn supports their fine motor skills and creativity. However, the childminder does not use all opportunities to introduce new vocabulary in order to develop all children's communication and language skills to a high level.

p.2

need to do better?

1 November 2022 n The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of children's learning. She uses her assessment of what children can do to plan for the next steps in their learning. n The childminder's vision and ethos for her setting are ambitious. She continually looks for ways to improve the quality of care and education she provides to benefit the children. The childminder is experienced and takes part in regular training opportunities to keep her knowledge current and up to date. n Partnership working with parents is strong. They comment on how inclusive, robust and effective the childminder's approach to their children's learning and development is. The childminder shares good information with parents about their child's learning, Furthermore, she often advises the parents about how to extend their children's learning at home, for continuity of care and education.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, including wider aspects such as female genital mutilation. She has effective and accurate policies and procedures in place to guide her, which she reviews regularly and shares with the parents. The childminder understands the importance of following the correct procedures to report any concerns to relevant professionals, to protect children from harm. She completes regular training to keep her safeguarding knowledge current and up to date. The childminder takes steps to help to ensure that her home and garden are safe. She carries out regular risk assessments, and this helps to ensure children's safety and welfare.

p.3

should:

n find ways to engage children more effectively in challenging conversations and introduce new vocabulary to develop their communication and language skills to a high level.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2577514 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10250924 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 11 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Ware. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first inspection the childminder received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector and the childminder had a learning walk together. They discussed how the curriculum is organised and what the childminder wants the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and education and assessed the impact on children's learning. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder and household members.

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Inspection activities

1 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

1 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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