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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children are happy and secure in the care of the childminder and her assistants. They are confident and excited to learn and play. Children grow in confidence and build strong relationships with the childminder, her assistants and other children. They play cooperatively with their friends in the role-play area, talking about the food they are making. They offer pretend cups of tea and tell the assistant that they are making them something special.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans many opportunities for children to learn about their local community through regular outings. They visit the local park, feed the ducks and explore the woodland. Children take part in celebrating festivals from different faiths and learn about the customs and beliefs of others. The childminder builds on what children already know and introduces new concepts and experiences. She supports their communication and language skills well. For instance, she talks to children about what they are doing and repeats the words young children say, sensitively highlighting the correct pronunciation. The childminder plays alongside children as they enthusiastically build a train track. They problem-solve as they skilfully fit pieces of track together alongside the hills and station.

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The provision is good

Children follow good hygiene procedures. They know that they need to wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. Children know the routine and what will be happening next. This helps children to settle quickly and gives them a sense of belonging.

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need to do better?

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. n The childminder has high expectations and strives to make learning fun and engaging for all children. For example, she teaches children about Christmas and the nativity story. She wraps figurines from the story in paper, and they play 'pass the parcel'. The children take it in turns to unwrap each parcel until they have found all the characters from the story. However, some activities that the childminder leads are not highly effective at meeting the learning needs of all the children, and they occasionally become distracted and disengaged. n The childminder introduces mathematical concepts into children's play. For example, she encourages children to create Christmas trees using triangles. She

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need to do better?

supports children to hold the pen and follow the shape. Children are developing skills for future learning. n The childminder supports children's behaviour well. She gently reminds children about sharing and explains to them about the consequences of their actions so

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need to do better?

13 December 2022 that they understand. As a result of this, older children show care and consideration to their younger friends. They are polite and well mannered. However, there are occasions when young children become over-excited or boisterous, and the childminder does not always talk to them and explain how their behaviour can have an impact on others. n The childminder encourages children to be independent. She provides a range of resources, and children have choices about where and what they want to play with. The childminder and her assistants have a good understanding of child development and how children learn. However, there are occasions when the childminder and her assistants interrupt children's play to complete care duties or to follow a set routine. This results in some children becoming upset and frustrated. n The childminder has a good understanding of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She sensitively discusses children's

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need to do better?

needs with parents and offers strategies and support. The childminder is aware of how to gain additional support so that all children achieve the best possible outcomes. n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles. She provides a variety of well- balanced meals and snacks. The childminder grows her own vegetables and herbs, which the children help with and pick. These are used in the children's meals, which supports their learning of where food comes from and the natural world. The childminder has a good understanding of how to support children with allergies and intolerances. She works in partnership with parents to ensure that children's health and well-being are promoted. 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

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. The childminder and her assistants complete regular training to ensure that their knowledge is up to date. The childminder recognises the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She is aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. The childminder has policies in place to follow should she need to raise concerns regarding children's welfare to other agencies. She understands how to deal with any allegations made against herself, her assistants or a member of her household.

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should:

13 December 2022 n focus on adapting adult-led activities for each child so that they remain highly engaged and focused in their learning n help children to understand and manage their emotions and feelings n plan activities and routines to minimise disruption to children's play and learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY480675 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10236441 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 17 Date of previous inspection 15 December 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Watford. She operates Monday to Thursday, from 7.30am until 5.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant who holds qualified teacher status. Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children is provided.

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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 provider. n The childminder took the inspector on a learning walk through all areas of the premises to explain how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The childminder completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the inspector. n The inspector observed the childminder and her assistants interacting with children. She held discussions with the childminder regarding what she wants children to learn. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises.

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Inspection activities

13 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

13 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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