Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision requires improvement

Children enjoy exploring the many activities and resources that the childminder provides. The childminder plans interesting activities, which focus on children's individual learning needs. For example, children enjoy group music sessions, which support their social development.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder supervises children well. She interacts with children in their chosen activities to support their development and safety. However, the childminder does not ensure that vital information regarding children's welfare is easily accessible. Furthermore, information detailing accidents, injuries and the administration of medicines is not recorded in the manner outlined in the childminder's policies and procedures.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children demonstrate that they feel secure in this nurturing environment. They form close bonds with the childminder, who is extremely attentive to their emotional needs. For example, when children feel nervous in new situations, the childminder is swift to offer reassurance and affection.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children show high levels of curiosity during their play. The childminder supports this by asking age-appropriate questions during activities. She allows children time to respond and test their theories. For example, children are curious about how binoculars work. They guess which end to look through to make objects look larger or smaller. The childminder then encourages children to have a go and see if they are correct.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder seeks regular feedback from parents. She uses this information to inform her planning and provide flexible care for families. However, the childminder does not reflect thoroughly on all aspects of her practice. This means that she is not always able to identify weaknesses in administrative procedures. n Children are learning to be independent. The childminder supports this by encouraging them to complete age-appropriate tasks. For example, children help to prepare snacks by cutting up various fruits. However, when children use equipment incorrectly, the childminder does not consistently support their understanding of why these actions may be hazardous. n Children have plenty of opportunity for outdoor play. They explore a variety of age-appropriate play equipment in the secure garden. Children enjoy regular trips to parks and enjoy exploring the environment. For example, children recently hunted for various snowmen statues hidden around the local area.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder monitors children's development well and completes

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need to do better?

17 January 2023 assessments to a high standard. This supports her to keep her knowledge of children's abilities up to date. The childminder regularly shares her findings with parents, allowing them to continue children's learning at home. This supports children to make good progress. n Parents are complimentary about the childminder and the care she offers. They comment on how children look forward to attending and enjoy the time they spend with the childminder. Parents deeply appreciate the childminder's nurturing approach. They acknowledge how this enables children to settle swiftly in her care. n Children behave well in the setting. They are polite and follow instructions promptly. The childminder encourages these positive behaviours with lots of praise. For example, children delight at the applause and cuddles they receive when they help to tidy up before lunch. The childminder is a positive role model.

p.2

need to do better?

She consistently demonstrates good manners and is polite and respectful towards children and adults. n The childminder demonstrates good knowledge of how children learn. She plans engaging activities based upon their interests. For example, children are excited to identify shapes they create in a modelling dough activity. In sessions of free play, the childminder applies her in-depth knowledge of individual children. She skilfully adapts her teaching to support children in their chosen activities. n Children's learning is well sequenced. The childminder provides age-appropriate activities, which build upon what children can already do. For example, babies and toddlers explore simple peg puzzles and the textures in sensory books. Older children confidently complete more complicated puzzles and enjoy a variety of storybooks. n The childminder supports children's mathematical development well. She uses children's daily routines to develop their understanding of concepts such as size

p.3

need to do better?

and shape. For example, at lunchtime, children count various fruits and place them in order of size.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk of harm. She demonstrates sound knowledge of the process to follow when reporting concerns to the appropriate authority. The childminder completes regular first-aid and safeguarding training. This ensures that her knowledge remains up to date with changes in legislation. She completes regular risk assessments of her home and supervises children well during activities.

p.3

Due date

ensure all records relating to children's safeguarding and welfare are easily accessible and kept in accordance with the childminder's policies and procedures. 28/02/2023

p.4

should:

n enhance methods of evaluation in order to identify areas of improvement within your practice n develop children's knowledge of personal safety by supporting them to explore why certain actions can be hazardous.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 149593 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10263476 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 3 May 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000. She lives in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.5

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 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

17 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

17 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

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