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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and independent and move confidently around the childminder's home. They show great interest in the good range of toys and craft materials on offer. They proudly tell visitors that they know how to put their shoes on and take them off. Children are well-behaved, polite and respectful of others. They learn, with some support from the childminder, how to resolve minor disputes when playing board games. Young children are very confident to ask others for help when needed, for instance, when they are unable to open a container.

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The provision is good

Children engage well in learning opportunities. They show very good focus as they purposefully write their name, proudly showing the childminder and visitors what they have achieved. Children show great skill and concentration as they enjoy using scratch art. They practise hand-to-eye coordination as they skilfully reveal and identify the colours 'blue' and 'pink'. Children learn to keep themselves safe. They talk about how they must wait for the green light at the crossing and are keen to explain that this is to keep them safe.

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need to do better?

n Children are closely supervised by the childminder. This helps to ensure that she is aware of where they are and what they are doing at all times. Children are given plenty of praise and encouragement, which they thoroughly enjoy. n Children eat well and enjoy a balanced range of foods. They are excited to choose the colour of their plate to use for dinner. Children talk about their favourite meals and have a go at tasting a tomato. They also show great curiosity as they explore other new foods, such as sweetcorn. n The childminder seeks information about children's care and learning from their parents prior to their start date. After completing her own observations, the childminder assesses each child's needs and identifies their next steps in learning. Policies, such as for safeguarding children, are shared with parents. n The childminder plans fun activities that interest and engage children to help

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need to do better?

them make progress. For example, children's physical development is supported as they use large play equipment and a selection of exciting craft activities. n Children learn about good hygiene practice. They are reminded to wash their hands at appropriate times, such as after using the toilet or before eating. Each child has their own towel to help prevent cross-contamination. The childminder makes sure that she keeps up to date about the signs and symptoms of childhood illness, including scarlet fever. n The childminder has high expectations for the children in her care. She provides an enjoyable and varied curriculum that helps to meet their individual needs. For instance, with older children she routinely initiates complex conversations linked to their interests. Regular observations and assessments enable the childminder

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need to do better?

8 December 2022 to ensure that each child continues to be suitably challenged. n The childminder provides a nurturing environment, helping her to successfully promote children's emotional well-being. As a result, children appear secure in her care. n Children learn about the world around them during trips in the local area. In addition, they develop an understanding of how to care for living things such as chickens. They enjoy spending time with them and help the childminder to collect eggs. n Parents say that the childminder is 'amazing' and that their children 'love coming here'. They comment that she is 'trustworthy' and that she has been 'really helpful, providing flexible care when needed'. n The childminder does not routinely share information about children's care and development with other settings they attend. This does not fully support their ongoing progress. n The childminder completes mandatory training opportunities. However, she does

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need to do better?

not continually build on her good understanding of teaching so that children make the best possible progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is committed to safeguarding children. She attends training to help keep her knowledge up to date. The childminder is able to accurately identify the potential signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. She knows the process to follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder carries out risk assessments of her home, equipment and outings. She takes action to promote the safety of children. For example, unsuitable toys and equipment are stored out of young children's reach.

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should:

n strengthen partnerships with other professionals who also care for the children to support consistency of care and learning n seek further ways to enhance professional development opportunities that focus more specifically on developing an excellent understanding of teaching and learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2602286 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10263828 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates all year round, from 9am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3.

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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 this was taken into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk of the childminder's home. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder, and together they evaluated this. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they were doing during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including the suitability checks of all adults living and working in the household. n The childminder spoke with the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

8 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

8 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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