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 are happy and content in the childminder's home. They are always laughing and smiling. They like to play alongside one another, and older children help younger ones by passing them toys that they cannot reach.

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The provision is good

Children behave very well and enjoy the mix of toys and activities offered. Play resources are renewed frequently throughout the day to keep children consistently engaged. The childminder goes out of her way to get to know the children and exactly what they like and do not like. This enables them to maintain high levels of concentration as they enjoy doing what they do. For example, children explore the pots and pans, banging them together to make sounds. Children have a positive attitude towards learning and are willing to have a go. During circle time, children effortlessly talk about some of the house rules. There is a strong emphasis on language development. Children respond well to instructions and like books. They hold them the correct way up, turning pages and talking as if they are reading.

p.2

The provision is good

The garden is well set up for the children, even in times when it has recently snowed and is very cold. Children wrap up warm and enjoy exploring snow on the builder's tray with sticks and pushing prams.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's practice is of a high standard. She puts a lot of emphasis on working with the children on their next steps in learning. She provides them with plenty of opportunities to practise these next steps. For example, children explore a Christmas-themed tray activity and look at the different types of decorations before counting them. n There is a strong emphasis on language development and supporting children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder purchases dual- language books to help children feel valued. It also builds up her own understanding. On top of this, she loans out books to parents to share with their children at home. n The childminder has a long- and short-term planning system in place. Certain events and traditions are part of this, with a heavy focus on arts and crafts. Children celebrate festivals throughout the year. For example, for Burns Night, children ate haggis, sang songs and made creative artwork.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes healthy eating and offers a cooked meal during the day. Over the course of a week, the children have a variety of different foods. Children's dietary needs are always considered where possible. n The childminder communicates and shares information with parents in a variety of different ways, such as online apps, monthly newsletters and when they collect their children. This keeps everyone well informed.

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need to do better?

14 December 2022 n The childminder knows the children and their families well. This allows the childminder to support the children and offer a helping hand when families need support. n The childminder has experience of working with vulnerable children and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She works sensitively with families to build trusting relationships and support children in the best possible way. n The childminder tackles unwanted behaviour by having a consistent approach. However, there is no explanation given to the children about why certain behaviour is unacceptable so that they can begin to understand and regulate their own behaviour. n The childminder keeps up to date with training, in person and via webinars. She has devised her own progress check for children aged between two and three years. Parents and outside professionals are involved. This enables the effective

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need to do better?

sharing of information about children's development. n The childminder takes the children out most mornings to socialise with others and broaden their learning experiences. Children enjoy visits to lots of local parks, forests, a library and toddler groups. Children also benefit from activities outdoors in the childminder's large garden, which they love to explore.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder knows exactly what to do and where to go if there are ever any concerns about children or allegations made against her. She knows the importance of keeping clear, precise written records. The childminder keeps up to date with safeguarding training and is aware of other key issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty. Before children arrive, the home is checked for any risks. Fire drills happen monthly so that everyone, including the children, is well prepared.

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should:

n support children in their emotional development, helping them to understand and regulate their own behaviour.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY481751 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10263377 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 28 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm from Monday to Wednesday, and from 8am to 4pm on Thursday and Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She has an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

p.4

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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language.

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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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