Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

This provision meets requirements

Children benefit from the warm and welcoming atmosphere in the childminder's home. The childminder creates an inclusive space, where all children happily take part in the activities offered. She works closely with parents to ensure that key information is shared to support children's emotional well-being. Children consider the feelings of others and older children show younger children empathy when they are sad.

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This provision meets requirements

Children settle very quickly and are happy. The childminder adapts her settling-in process depending on the individual needs of each child to ensure they feel confident in her home. Younger children's needs are met. The childminder ensures that an effective key-person system is in place to offer them the support they need.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are extremely confident. They express their wants and needs and delight in showing visitors their talents. For example, children plan and put on a show for the inspector. They use their imagination as they pretend to drum on tables and dance, while encouraging each other to take their turn in the performance. Children have regular access to different books, which they use for reference when they have learned something at school. Children of all ages are included, engaged and concentrate well on activities.

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need to do better?

n Children are confident to turn to the childminder for help, comfort or support, if needed. The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour in her home. Rules are displayed for children to see and often they remind each other of them. Children are highly respectful of each other and very polite. They behave well. Children offer praise and encouragement to each other during activities, for example while using watercolour paints to decorate a Christmas activity sheet. n The childminder teaches children to be respectful of others. She provides activities that teach children about diversity and life in modern Britain. For example, during the World Cup, children learned about the importance of the 'One Love' arm band. The childminder teaches children to celebrate each other's uniqueness. n Children are aware of the need for good hygiene practices, particularly before mealtimes. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling

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need to do better?

food. Children are offered healthy food and have access to fresh drinks. They sit down when they are eating and enjoy holding conversations about their school day. This encourages them to learn about the importance of healthy choices and

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need to do better?

14 December 2022 promotes their communication and language skills. n The childminder listens to children sensitively. She encourages children to talk about their day at school and lives outside the setting. The childminder monitors children's mental well-being and says this is highly important to her. n Children play happily together. For example, they take turns opening an activity calendar for Christmas and delight in talking about the rules. Children talk about shared interests, such as their favourite television shows. They enjoy each other's company and learn social skills that will support them in their future lives. n The childminder knows the children very well and supports their involvement in play. She engages in meaningful conversations and shows respect for children's ideas. For example, children are trying to explain what the word 'sassy' means. They use the childminder's piano and play the keys to demonstrate this. They

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need to do better?

explain that the sound they are making is the meaning of the word. This inspires younger children's ideas and gives them the confidence to have a go. n The childminder communicates well with schools to ensure that relevant information is passed on to parents. Parents are pleased with the service that the childminder provides. They state that she is 'the most caring, and creative childminder' and collectively talk about how their children are very happy and settled with her. n Children say they enjoy coming to the childminder's house and there are fun things to do. They comment that they particularly like the activities around Christmas time. Children say that they like eating the food and that the childminder makes things fun.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Regular training ensures that the childminder knows how to spot potential child protection issues and the procedures she needs to follow if she is worried about a child. The childminder uses some information systems which are internet based and, at times, children use electronic tablets to support their activities. Internet safety is well managed. The childminder teaches children that they can use screens for a certain amount of time and that it must be monitored. The childminder is aware of what procedures she needs to follow should the suitability of household members change.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY480955 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10236454 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 1 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in St Albans. She operates before and after school, during term time only, from 7.30am until 8.55am and from 3.10pm until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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Inspection activities

14 December 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

14 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

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