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 enjoy their time with the childminder. They show that they feel safe, settled and happy in her home. Children quickly learn the daily routines. For example, when they arrive, they hang their coats on their pegs and put their shoes tidily in the corner of the hall. Children develop close attachments to the childminder, who treats them with kindness and respect. She has high expectations for their behaviour and is a positive role model. Children learn about the importance of kindness, sharing and taking turns. They are skilfully supported to talk about their feelings and emotions.

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The provision is good

Children have a strong sense of belonging and are confident to explore and investigate the wide variety of resources. They enjoy solving problems. For example, children show perseverance as they work out how to complete number puzzles and find the pieces that will fit. The childminder extends children's learning by talking about the different numbers, colours and shapes. She introduces children to words such as 'triangle' and 'hexagon'. The childminder knows when to join in their play, which adds to children's enjoyment. She incorporates counting as part of children's early mathematical development. Children enjoy looking at books and listening to stories. They learn the skills that contribute to their readiness for the next stage in their learning, including school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's professional qualification and many years of experience of working with children support her understanding of how children learn and develop. She regularly assesses children's learning and is clear about the skills she wants children to learn. For example, the childminder plans many activities to develop children's fine motor skills, to prepare them for their early writing. n Children show enjoyment and quickly become absorbed in their learning. They choose from the wide range of toys and resources that spark their interest and curiosity. Children have good opportunities to be creative and imaginative. For example, they become engrossed in making pictures of snowmen, and confidently use glue to stick on the cotton wool and 'googly' eyes. The childminder gives children lots of praise for their achievements. This helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem. n The childminder uses every opportunity to enhance children's developing

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need to do better?

vocabulary. She repeats words that children encounter in their play, which enables them to hear the correct pronunciation. For example, children identify a fire 'extinguisher' as they complete a puzzle about 'people who help us'. They practise saying the word and proudly tell the childminder that 'it sprays water to put out fires'. n Children's physical well-being is given high priority. They enjoy playing outdoors

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need to do better?

13 December 2022 and benefit from being in the fresh air. Children develop their coordination and balancing skills using equipment at the park and soft-play centre. They have good opportunities to develop their small-muscle skills. For example, they peel the backs off stickers and practise using items such as scissors and glue sticks. n The childminder encourages children's understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. They wash their hands before eating and enjoy healthy snacks and drinks. The childminder encourages children to develop their independence. For example, they acquire good self-help skills such as using the toilet and washing their hands. n Parents are very happy with the childminder's provision and describe her as 'brilliant'. The childminder regularly shares information with them about their children's progress. This helps parents to continue supporting their children's learning at home. Parents say that their children have come on 'leaps and

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need to do better?

bounds' since being with her. Others state that their children have thrived under the childminder's care and that they see her as a member of their family. n The childminder reflects on her practice to identify areas for development. She meets with other childminders to share ideas to improve her practice. The childminder ensures that she keeps her knowledge and understanding of statutory guidelines and legislation up to date. She has completed online courses, which have helped refresh her knowledge of safeguarding and first aid. However, the childminder does not always make the most of ongoing training opportunities to further enhance her good teaching skills to an even higher level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's health, safety and well-being are given the utmost priority. The childminder has a very good understanding of all aspects of safeguarding. She can clearly identify the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. The childminder knows the procedures to follow and who to contact if she has concerns. She is aware of her duty to prevent children from being drawn into extreme views, and teaches them to have respect for each other. The childminder closely supervises children as they play in the house and on outings. Children learn about road safety when they go for walks in the local community.

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should:

n make greater use of ongoing training opportunities to update and extend knowledge and skills even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY485699 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10263911 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 16 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Buntingford. She operates Monday to Thursday, from 8am until 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare 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 setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence of training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed children and the childminder taking part in activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the childminder's house. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback

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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

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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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