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 are very comfortable in the childminder's home. They are warmly welcomed by the nurturing childminder. Children are happy, settled and very familiar with the environment and the childminder's expectations. They have established close, secure bonds with the childminder and her family. They demonstrate enthusiasm in the activities provided and are eager to learn. The childminder knows the children and their unique needs well. She ensures opportunities to support children's next steps in learning are available through the activities and resources she provides. Children make good progress. They have formed friendships and play well together. Children's behaviour is good.

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The provision is good

Young children happily learn the skills they need to be independent, through carefully planned activities. For example, children concentrate and persevere with dressing dolls. They practise undoing buttons and work out how to take clothes off. They apply these new skills with confidence as they get themselves ready to go outdoors. Children show fascination at the sound of the rain and listen intently to the noise it makes. They recall what they have previously learned as they talk about the geese and cats in the garden. They make good attempts at mark making using 'aqua mats' and show curiosity towards the different colours the pen makes. Children talk about the shapes they draw. The childminder introduces mathematical and positional language in their games. For example, they follow the childminder's instructions with ease as they build structures with bricks. They place bricks 'under' or 'on top' and have fun counting the bricks they use to make a tall tower.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is a good role model for the children. She poses open-ended questions and gives children ample time to think and respond. She engages children in meaningful conversations. The childminder considers each child's individual developing needs as she gently encourages them to participate in conversations at their own pace. The childminder is skilful in allowing children time and space to process information, to make sense of what they are learning. n The childminder understands the importance of continued professional development. She completes ongoing training to support her commitment to provide high-quality care and education. The childminder is aware of the positive impact this has on outcomes for children and the service she provides. n Children understand the childminder's expectations. They have formed friendships and generally play together well. The children have established secure bonds with the childminder, who speaks to them with kindness and

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need to do better?

respect. However, while the childminder is aware of the importance of supporting children's emotional development, there are fewer, focused opportunities for children to learn about emotions and the vocabulary they need

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need to do better?

5 December 2022 to express themselves. n Parents speak of their complete trust in the childminder. They comment that they are reassured leaving their children in her care and that the children are safe and having fun. Parents say the childminder communicates well regarding their children's day and their progress in learning. Parents comment that they feel their children's individual needs are fully supported. They speak positively of the healthy meals provided. n The childminder places a strong emphasis on being kind, considerate and respectful to others. Children learn through stories and activities about similarities and differences and the wider world outside of their local community. Children who speak English as an additional language are positively encouraged to use both languages at the setting and this is celebrated. n Children are making good progress. They are motivated and show curiosity and

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need to do better?

an eagerness to learn. However, while the childminder considers the curriculum she provides, there are fewer opportunities for younger children to regularly express their creativity through messy- and sensory-play activities. n Children learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The childminder provides them with well-balanced and nutritious meals. She provides regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children enjoy developing their physical skills at the park or on planned nature walks. The childminder encourages children to take care of their personal needs.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe. She is aware of possible signs and behaviours that may suggest children are at risk of harm. The childminder is also fully aware of wider issues, such as county lines. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow, and who to contact, should she have concerns regarding a child in her care. Appropriate contact numbers and flow charts of the procedure to follow are readily available. The childminder completes training to ensure her knowledge is updated. Children play in a safe environment. They are taught how to stay safe and healthy through planned activities.

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should:

n include more focused activities within the curriculum to support children's understanding of emotions and develop their vocabulary further, to enable them to express how they feel n provide more frequent opportunities for children to experience sensory and messy play to develop their creative skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 149207 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10263057 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 7 Date of previous inspection 19 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1999 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds a relevant 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 has 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 setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and secure. n The childminder explained her intentions for the children's development and how she plans and implements her educational programme. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children and parents during the inspection and took account of the views of parents. n The childminder shared some documents with the inspector.

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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

5 December 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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