Bowden Nicola

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 arrive happy and are excited to start their day. The childminder provides a comfortable and inviting environment, in which children explore freely. Children are motivated to learn. They are curious and investigate the toys available in a variety of different ways. Children are independent and have opportunities to make their own decisions about what they would like to play with. They use their imagination as they make cakes out of play dough. They skilfully cut the dough with scissors to create candles and decorate the cakes. Children have access to the garden where they play on the climbing frame, learning to master the steps, ride balance bicycles and scooters. Children are acquiring the skills they need for future learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder focuses on children's language development. She reads familiar stories and encourages the children to use their imagination and predict what will happen next. Children enjoy singing nursery rhymes and familiar songs. They form good relationships with the childminder. Children are comfortable interacting with the childminder. She is nurturing and supportive, promoting children's well-being. Children are learning to be independent. They help to tidy away their toys and select what they would like to eat for lunch.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands how young children learn. She carries out regular checks on their development and discusses their progress with their parents. Parents are very complimentary in their praise of the childminder for the care and learning their children receive. Parents say that the childminder 'supports their individual children' and that they are 'pleased' with their children's progress. n Children make good progress from their starting points. The childminder works closely with parents to settle in new children and establish what children already know so that she can plan for their future learning. n The childminder follows the children's interests when planning the activities. For example, she provides them with problem-solving puzzles. Children concentrate as they learn to open the locks on each flap and reveal the picture behind it. n The childminder introduces the children to mathematical concepts. They play

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need to do better?

with boxes with cut-out slots to thread lolly sticks into. The children push the sticks into the slots, competently counting how many they have. n Young children are given the opportunity to explore. They are given a variety of different materials to investigate. The childminder ruffles the paper, describing it as the sound of leaves. They explore the materials and hide objects to look for later. n Children behave well and are learning to manage their emotions. They are engaged in their learning and are respectful. Children say 'please' and 'thank

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need to do better?

4 November 2022 you' and are aware of the childminder's expectations. n The childminder provides a safe environment for children where they feel comfortable and relaxed. They are learning to be independent and do things for themselves. However, she does not always allow children sufficient time to complete tasks themselves before offering support, or encourage children to persevere when taking part in more challenging activities. n Children have various opportunities to explore the wider community. The childminder takes them on regular outings, including visits to the woods, and local parks. They spend time attending groups where they can mix with other children, further developing their social skills. n The childminder regularly reflects on her provision, recognising how she can improve her practice. She completes regular training to keep up to date with changes in legislation. She works closely with other childminders, sharing ideas

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need to do better?

and seeking advice. n The childminder encourages the children to follow good hygiene procedures. She talks to the children about risks and how to keep themselves safe. However, when children have coughs or colds, there are occasions where the childminder does not encourage the children to cover their mouths, or explain to children about germs and how they spread. n The childminder promotes healthy eating. Children are learning which foods are good for them, and those which are not. The childminder has a good understanding of children's allergies and preferences, and this helps to promote their health and well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a strong understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She completes regular training to ensure that her knowledge is up to date. The childminder recognises the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She is aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. The childminder has policies in place to follow should she need to raise concerns regarding children's welfare to other agencies. She understands how to deal with allegations against herself or a member of her household.

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should:

n support children further to develop their independence and persevere when completing more complex activities n strengthen children's understanding of good hygiene practice and how this can contribute to their good health.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY254443 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10234703 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 5 Date of previous inspection 6 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2013 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 7am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 4.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector had a tour of all areas of the premises used for childminding. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children. She held discussions with the childminder regarding what she wants children to learn. 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.

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Inspection activities

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

4 November 2022 4 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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