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 settle quickly into the childminder's care. Babies form strong bonds with the childminder and respond happily to her compassionate interactions. For instance, they smile at her while she meets their personal care needs. Older children communicate well and speak openly to visitors. They confidently talk about their time with the childminder. For example, they speak to the inspector about how they created a wreath using leaves that they had collected.

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The provision is good

Children understand the rules in place and interact positively with one another. Older children learn how to care for babies. They talk to them kindly as they pass them toys to play with. They learn about the importance of keeping the babies safe. For example, children know to keep toys with small parts away from babies so that they cannot put the items in their mouths.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy the range of interesting resources to choose from. Older children know where to find things and independently select from the toys on offer. They eagerly engage the childminder in the games they choose, remaining focused for lengthy periods. Babies begin to develop their concentration as they explore toys, which the childminder offers them based on her strong knowledge of their interests and stages of development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder successfully helps children to develop their social skills. She recognises the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children's interactions with others. The childminder actively seeks out opportunities for children to meet with others their own age. For example, she takes them to local groups and on trips to the park. This helps children to form friendships and builds their confidence in social situations. n Parents are very happy with the service that the childminder provides. They receive daily updates on what their children have been doing. Parents comment positively about the progress their children have made since they have been with the childminder. The childminder discusses children's next steps with parents. This supports parents to build on their children's learning at home. n Children enjoy music and movement activities with the childminder. Babies explore the instruments on offer, while older children use the instruments and

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need to do better?

purposefully play along to familiar nursery rhymes. Children move their bodies as they dance around to music during a game of musical statues. They stop and balance on the spot when instructed to. This helps them to develop the muscles in their body. n The childminder reflects on the provision she offers. She is able to clearly identify areas for development and has a plan to implement any changes. She

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need to do better?

17 November 2022 manages her time effectively. For instance, she prepares meals before children arrive so that she can maximise the time she has to interact with them. The childminder develops her professional knowledge through reading online articles and researching on relevant websites. n Children become resilient learners. The childminder encourages them to persevere and keep trying if they find things tricky. She gives them clear guidance and uses positive praise to help motivate them. Children demonstrate a sense of pride when they achieve things successfully for themselves. n The childminder presents children with a wide range of information through engaging activities. For example, she talks to children about the importance of dental hygiene as she shares a story with them. However, the childminder does not provide children with opportunities to share their knowledge with her so that she can check what they know and understand. For instance, she does not ask

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need to do better?

children what they think may happen next in the story. This limits the childminder's ability to provide children with challenging extensions to their learning to build on what they already know and can do. n The childminder has formed professional relationships with staff at some other settings that children attend. These relationships are not yet consistently strong with all settings. As a result, the childminder is not able to discuss all children's progress with other professionals or build on the learning children receive at other settings they attend.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has completed relevant training to support her to recognise any possible signs of abuse or neglect. She is aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as how to identify children who may be at risk of exposure to extreme views or behaviour. The childminder has relevant policies in place which she updates regularly. She knows how to raise any concerns regarding children's welfare to the relevant authorities. The childminder understands what to do should someone make an allegation against herself or a member of her household.

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should:

n support children to share what they already know and use this information to provide challenging opportunities for children, to extend their learning even further n extend two-way communication with other settings that children attend to consistently share information regarding all children's progress and build on their existing learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY410454 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10235412 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 9 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Redbourn, St Albans. She provides care Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used for childminding. n Written feedback from parents was provided to the inspector. She took their views into consideration. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children. She held discussions with the childminder regarding the curriculum she provides and her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector viewed a range of documentation, including suitability information for the childminder and members of her household.

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Inspection activities

17 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

17 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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