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 that they feel safe and secure in the care of the childminder. They seek comfort when needed and smile as they receive praise. They are highly confident and engage others in their play. Children talk to the childminder about what they are playing with and develop strong communication and language skills from a young age. The childminder names objects for babies, while older children engage in role play with her and talk about ice creams.

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The provision is good

The childminder's curriculum is mostly delivered outdoors and in the community. Children benefit from visits to places of interest, such as local woods, the abbey, play parks and toddler groups. Children learn to take risks in the outdoors as they explore ditches and balance on tree trunks. Activities in the home support children's learning further. The childminder plans activities based on the individual interests of each child. For example, children enthuse as they create roads using felt-tip pens and talk about how roads lead to places, such as St Albans and London. Children are caring and considerate towards their peers. The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour, and as a result, they show high levels of respect towards each other. They use their manners when asking for things. Older children share pieces of ribbon with babies and put the fabric into a pretend washing machine. The childminder models how to share so that children

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need to do better?

n Children learn about healthy lifestyles. They understand the importance of washing their hands before snack, after being outside and after using the toilet, which they do without being asked. The childminder talks about the healthy foods they are eating. She explains why they are healthy and names the fruits for younger children. The childminder helps children understand the benefits of regular exercise. Children engage in a morning exercise session and enjoy regular time in the garden throughout the day. n The childminder skilfully introduces children to mathematics as they engage in their play. This has become embedded, and children use mathematical language spontaneously throughout their day. For example, children independently compare and discuss the various sizes of stepping stones in the garden. They draw roads on paper and add roundabouts to their designs, discussing whether they are circle or oval shaped.

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need to do better?

n Children are independent. They put their coats and shoes on by themselves before going into the garden. At snack times, babies and older children have knives to cut their own fruit. The childminder encourages children to choose what they would like to play with and how they like to do things. However, some resources are not easily accessible for children. This means some children miss

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need to do better?

8 November 2022 opportunities to be able to lead their own play and develop their own interests. n The childminder is committed to inclusive practice. She teaches children about the values, beliefs and lifestyles of others in the community. For example, children learn about Diwali, and the childminder invites families to talk to the children about their religion. Children visit the local abbey, where they engage in various activities and talk to the vicar. This helps children show understanding and compassion for people who have needs and values that are different to their own and prepares them for life in modern Britain. n Children show an enjoyment of books. They enjoy sitting and looking at the pictures and then telling the childminder what comes next. The childminder develops this passion by re-enacting parts of the story using props. For example, children giggle as the childminder puts on a monkey mask and pretends to be a

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need to do better?

monkey. n Generally, the childminder has a good relationship with other professionals. She works closely with local schools and shares relevant information with parents. However, the childminder has not yet developed relationships with some other settings that the children attend. This means that children's care and learning information is not always shared effectively between settings. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They say that she 'goes above and beyond' and has 'supported the children'. Parents feel very relaxed leaving children in her care and know that they have a great time. They are pleased with the communication that they receive about their children's day.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder knows how to keep children safe and secure. She takes advantage of training opportunities to deepen and develop her knowledge of child protection. The childminder understands who to contact if she has any concerns about the welfare of a child. Children play and learn in a safe and secure environment. They are encouraged to take risks and the childminder discusses potential dangers with them. For example, she talks to them about the importance of holding a knife correctly when cutting fruit. The childminder maintains all required documentation. For example, she records children's attendance and keeps records of any accidents and the first aid she administers to children.

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should:

n develop relationships with other settings that the children attend, to provide continuity of care and learning n make resources more visual for children so that they can make their own choices and explore their own interests during play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY390298 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10235288 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 6 Date of previous inspection 20 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in St Albans. She operates all year round from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk of the playroom and garden. n The inspector observed activities in the house and garden. She spoke to the childminder and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n A joint evaluation of an activity was completed by the inspector and the childminder. n The inspector assessed the quality of education provided by the childminder. n Written feedback from parents was taken into account by the inspector. n The inspector looked at a range of documents, including evidence of the suitability of the childminder. Records of accidents, planning information and qualification certificates were also viewed.

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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

8 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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