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 thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in the care of this dedicated childminder and her assistant. They choose where they want to play. Children have access to the kitchen, play room and garden. They have a wide variety of activities available to them, both inside and outside. Children concentrate as they play in an activity tray with penguins frozen in ice. They use a hammer to carefully chip away the ice to free the penguins. The childminder skilfully talks to the children about how ice is formed. She discusses what type of weather and season it is for ice to be on the ground. Children benefit from high-quality interactions and are given time to respond to questions. This supports the development of their speech and communication.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they have formed strong attachments with the childminder. They are keen to invite her to join them in their play. Children are treated with respect and warmth. The childminder and her assistant listen to children attentively and are highly responsive to their needs. Children are praised when they help to tidy up. They beam with pride when the childminder congratulates them on their achievements, such as when they correctly identify the different colours of the bears. This promotes children's self-esteem and well-being.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a very good understanding of the early years curriculum. She uses children's interests to help her to plan interesting learning opportunities. Children make good progress from their starting points. The childminder knows how to sequence children's learning. For example, she explains how she provides a range of different opportunities for children to develop their physical development. The childminder supports non-mobile children to walk by offering sturdy walkers and toy buggies to support their balance. n The childminder creates a highly stimulating learning environment. The indoor space is light and spacious. Resources are easily accessible, so that children can choose what they want to do. Outside, there are many opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. They play football, balance on scooters and master the steps on the slide. n Children snuggle up and enjoy listening to stories. They are encouraged to

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need to do better?

predict what might happen next in a story. Children enthusiastically discuss what the old woman will eat next and if all the animals she eats will fit in her tummy. This supports children to develop a love of literacy. n Children benefit from healthy meals and snacks. They have access to fresh drinking water all day. The childminder promotes healthy eating. She supports children to try new foods and is aware of any allergies and intolerances they

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need to do better?

20 December 2022 may have. This promotes children's health and well-being. n Overall, children behave well. They are learning to take turns and to share with their friends. The childminder gently reminds children to say 'please' and 'thank you' if they forget. However, there are occasions when children become frustrated while waiting for an activity. The childminder does not always fully explain to children how to express themselves appropriately. n Children are generally encouraged to be independent. They put on their shoes and wash and dry their hands before eating. However, there are occasions when children want something and will indicate this by making noises. The childminder does not always encourage the children to say what they want or encourage them to do things for themselves. n Children are taught mathematical concepts during activities. The childminder discusses the sizes of the bears. She asks the children to sort the bears by size,

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need to do better?

using words such as 'big', 'little' and 'medium'. She reinforces this learning by lining the bears up and explaining what medium means. n Parents speak highly of the supportive and caring childminder. They comment that they are happy with the care the childminder provides and the progress that their children are making. Parents are encouraged to share their children's achievements at home. n The childminder and her assistants plan for children's individual interests and abilities. They carry out regular assessments and communicate these with parents. Any gaps in children's learning are quickly addressed.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder fully understands her responsibilities in relation to keeping children safe. She keeps her safeguarding training up to date. The childminder ensures that she is familiar with new guidance for dealing with any concerns. She can describe the signs that might indicate a child is at risk of harm. This includes knowledge of safeguarding issues, such as radicalisation and grooming. The childminder understands the process to follow should there be an allegation made against her. She undertakes regular risk assessments, including on outings. The childminder is highly vigilant in her supervision of children.

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should:

n support children to understand the rules and boundaries of the setting and express their feelings in a positive way n provide children with further opportunities to allow them to be even more independent.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2602876 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10263003 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 12 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Stanstead Abbots, Ware. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded early years 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 childminder. n The inspector took account of parents' views through written feedback provided. n The inspector observed children during play and how they interacted with the childminder. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a planned activity with the childminder to assess the quality of education. n During the learning walk, the childminder discussed how she uses the premises and resources with the children. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises.

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Inspection activities

20 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

20 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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