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 arrive at the childminder's home excited and ready to learn. Children separate from their parents with ease. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the childminder's setting as they confidently engage with visitors. Children create friendships with other children and they enjoy playing alongside each other. For example, children explore the 'ball run' and 'castle' together in the playroom. Children make independent choices in their play and learning. They find books of their choosing and sit to look through them independently. The childminder shares books with the children and they invite her into their play.

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The provision is good

The childminder introduces children to the rules and values of the setting from a young age. This ensures they are aware of her expectations. Children know to tidy the toys when they have finished with them, before getting out something else. Children thrive on the responsibility the childminder gives them at 'tidy-up time'. They welcome her praise and this helps to build their self-esteem. The childminder displays children's work in the playroom. This provides children with a sense of belonging in the setting.

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need to do better?

n The childminder encourages children's independence from a young age. She teaches them to pull up their trousers when they are learning to use the potty. This builds the foundations for when they are able to access the toilet independently. Older children put on their coats and shoes, gradually learning how to fasten their buttons and zips. The childminder supports children's self- care development as part of her 'school ready' programme. n The childminder regularly tracks children's development and builds on their interests to create activities. She plans a wide range of experiences and understands the importance of repeating them to embed children's learning. This helps children to develop confidence in their own skills and abilities. The childminder allows children time to explore and investigate. She asks children questions and talks about the activities with them. However, at times, the childminder does not allow children time to think of answers to questions or

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need to do better?

develop ideas for themselves. n Children enjoy outings in the local community and learn about the world around them. They gain confidence in their climbing skills. They learn to take risks and try new things when they play in the local park. The childminder talks to children about safety around the water, as they walk alongside the local canal to feed the ducks. She reminds them that they must always be able to see her. Children often remind each other of the rules when out to ensure they are all safe. n The childminder runs a local playgroup each week and the children benefit from socialising with other children and adults. This supports children to become

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need to do better?

18 January 2023 comfortable in different surroundings. The childminder works closely with other childminders within the local area. This allows children to create friendships with other children who may go on to attend the same pre-school and school. n The childminder has created strong relationships with staff at local schools. She works closely with teachers to ensure her 'school ready' programme is consistent with the expectations of the school. For example, the teaching of letters and phonics. n Parent partnerships are strong. The childminder regularly shares information with parents to maintain continuity in their children's learning. Parents love the family feel of the setting. They comment on the rapid progress children make in their learning. Parents praise the detailed information the childminder provides as part of the two-year-old progress check. They say they find this helpful when talking with other professionals.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is very passionate about her work and takes time to complete regular training. She regularly reflects on her practice and makes improvements to her environment.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure knowledge of safeguarding and how to protect children in her care. She talks confidently about the signs and symptoms of abuse and understands the importance of recording and monitoring, and reporting to relevant professionals. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of wider child protection issues, such as county lines and the 'Prevent' duty guidance. Children learn how to keep themselves safe, both in the home and outside, promoting their well-being. The childminder understands her responsibilities regarding allegations against any adult within her home.

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should:

n strengthen support for children to give them more time to think and respond to questions, encourage their own ideas and promote their cognitive development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY393543 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10263901 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 6 Date of previous inspection 16 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Berkhamsted. She operates her provision all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant. She holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision including the aims and rationale for her curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the childminder. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their

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Inspection activities

views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

18 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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