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 demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in this warm, homely environment. They arrive cheerfully and settle straight into the routines of the day. For example, children are excited to show their friends a story they have brought from home. They independently place it in the childminder's extensive book collection, ready for story time. Children form close relationships with the nurturing childminder. Babies giggle and smile while taking their first steps into her arms. Older children cuddle up to the childminder when tired and in need of reassurance.

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The provision is good

Children become deeply engaged in the age-appropriate activities the childminder carefully plans. Babies independently investigate a variety of sensory baskets. They explore the various textures, colours, and sounds of winter themed objects. Older children concentrate on constructing ambitious towers using the vast collection of construction blocks.

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The provision is good

Children show high levels of curiosity in their play. The childminder encourages this by asking age-appropriate questions to further develop children's critical thinking skills. For example, when exploring various vehicles, children comment on how the colours of cars are the same as traffic lights. The childminder expands children's knowledge by encouraging them to discuss what each colour means to the drivers.

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need to do better?

n Children are very polite and behave well in the setting. The childminder supports this with her consistent approach to behaviour management. She uses age- appropriate methods to support children's understanding of appropriate behaviour. Children are learning to take turns well in activities. The childminder offers lots of praise for children's positive behaviour, and reminds them of the impact not sharing has on others. n Parents speak highly of the childminder and the care she provides. They particularly value the close bonds she develops with children, and understands how this supports children's emotional well-being. Parents comment on the high- quality communication they receive about children's daily routines. They appreciate the ideas the childminder gives them to support children's development at home. For example, children are encouraged to develop literacy skills by taking home 'story sacks' to share with their parents.

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need to do better?

n The childminder engages well with parents from the start. She gathers vital information about children's interests and early experiences. The childminder uses this knowledge to provide new activities and learning opportunities for children. For example, the childminder plays an active role in running a group for local childminders. This supports children's social development. n Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The

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need to do better?

12 January 2023 childminder works closely with parents to ensure children enjoy healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. Children have access to a large, exciting garden area, where they explore numerous physical activities. They also enjoy daily trips to local parks and woods. n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She plans activities which children find enjoyable and engaging. For example, she develops children's early literacy skills by conducting exciting, interactive story sessions. Children set up scenes and use props to act out the stories the childminder tells. n Children are learning to become independent. The childminder encourages them to complete age-appropriate tasks, offering praise for their efforts and achievements. For example, children wash their own hands before meals and snacks and know to tidy away toys before selecting new ones to play with. n The childminder monitors children's learning well. She has good knowledge of

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need to do better?

children's abilities and learning needs, and uses this well to inform her planning. However, she does not always communicate her robust findings effectively to parents and other professionals to further support children's progress. n The childminder works closely with parents and other childcare professionals. She seeks feedback and uses this to enhance children's learning opportunities. However, she does not always reflect thoroughly on all aspects of the care she provides. As a result, she is not always swift to identify areas to further improve her practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms which could indicate a child is at risk of harm. She confidently explains the correct process to follow when reporting concerns to the appropriate authority. The childminder completes regular first-aid and safeguarding training in line with local authority guidelines. She completes regular risk assessments, both in the setting and when on trips out.

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should:

n enhance methods of written communication to ensure more concise information about children's progress is shared with parents and other professionals n implement effective methods of evaluation to identify areas for improvement within practice.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY415551 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10235453 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 5 Date of previous inspection 7 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 8am until 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children.

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Inspection activities

12 January 2023 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

12 January 2023 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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