Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision requires improvement

Overall, children do not receive a consistently good-quality education. The childminder has not developed her teaching skills enough to help children make good progress in their learning. However, children enjoy their time at the setting and show strong attachments to the childminder and each other. Children play well together and enjoy including the childminder in their discussions and games. They are confident to speak and use a wide vocabulary.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder is caring towards all children and shows this by being available at their level for cuddles and reassurance when needed. She puts out letter stamps, which children enjoy exploring. However, she does not explain the purpose of the activity or help children to recognise the letters in their name. This does not enable children to develop their early literacy skills in meaningful ways. Although the childminder takes children out to the local park and soft-play area every fortnight, she does not provide daily access to outdoor activities. This does not promote the essential development needed for children to make progress in their physical development. The childminder understands the importance of helping children to be ready for school. Children are gaining some of the key skills that support their future learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n Although the childminder knows her children well, she has not planned her curriculum effectively to ensure that it builds sequentially on what children know and can do. It is not suitably tailored for individual children's learning needs. Therefore, they are not challenged sufficiently. n The quality of teaching is variable. The childminder does not have all the necessary skills to help children make good progress in their learning. Although she has completed some training opportunities, her professional development is not focused on improving her teaching skills. n Children enjoy outings in the local community and are developing their understanding of the world, taking on small tasks to gather shopping items. However, the childminder does not provide daily outdoor activities to help children develop their physical skills. This means that they do not build on their understanding of the importance of physical exercise and how this contributes to

p.2

need to do better?

their good health. n Parents say that they are happy with the care the childminder provides and the information she shares with them about what their child is doing. They also say that she has made the transition for both them and their child easy and they do not worry about leaving their children with her. However, the childminder does not work closely enough with other settings children attend with regard to learning. This means there are fewer opportunities to consolidate and build on

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need to do better?

2 November 2022 what children learn elsewhere. n The childminder manages children's behaviour well. She gets down to their level to talk to them and takes time to explain why some behaviour is not acceptable. This helps children to understand what they need to do to keep safe or to play amicably with others. n Children enjoy looking at books and retelling the story. Their vocabulary is well developed and supported by close interactions with the childminder, which enables them to be confident communicators. n The childminder provides home-cooked meals with healthy options for children to choose from. She helps them to understand about the importance of a balanced diet. Children competently feed themselves, using cutlery with skill. They enjoy a social time as they chat to one another about their day. n Children take turns and share toys. They form firm friendships with one another and play together happily. Children play with a range of resources and choose

p.2

need to do better?

what they would like to play with next. This helps to support their growing independence. n Children thoroughly enjoy dancing to music, moving their bodies to the rhythm. They join in singing and the actions with enthusiasm.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has completed training that helps her to recognise the signs and symptoms of possible child abuse. She knows how to identify children whose welfare is at risk. The childminder understands the importance of following the correct procedures to report any concerns to relevant professionals, to protect children from harm. In addition, she knows what to do in the event of an allegation being made against a household member. The childminder takes steps to help ensure her home and garden are safe. She carries out regular risk assessments, and this helps to ensure children's safety and welfare.

p.3

Due date

provide children with access to outdoor activities on a daily basis to support their well-being and development 25/11/2022

p.3

Due date

2 November 2022 undertake appropriate professional development opportunities to increase knowledge and understanding of how children learn, and develop teaching skills to help support children in building on what they already know and can do 31/03/2023

p.3

Due date

develop the curriculum to ensure it clearly identifies what it is that all children need to learn, how this reflects their individual needs and offers appropriate challenge, to help them make at least good progress. 31/03/2023

p.4

should:

n work more effectively with other settings children attend, to ensure a two-way flow of information that helps support and build on children's learning.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2593247 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10251306 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Hatfield. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder told the inspector during the inspection about the views of parents and took account of their written feedback. n The inspector looked at documents relating to all those who live on the premises and the childminders first-aid certificate.

p.5

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

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