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 settled in the care of this kind and friendly childminder. The childminder creates inviting play spaces, both indoors and out. Children explore a range of activities and resources available to them. For example, children use tweezers to collect and sort small items into dishes. This helps to develop hand-to- eye coordination skills. Children benefit from daily outdoor adventures. They enjoy regular visits to the local library, park and zoo. During forest school sessions, children explore nature and toast bread on fires. This helps to broaden their experiences and learn about the world in which they live.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They learn to take care of toys and respect the childminder's home as they help tidy up. The childminder encourages children to use manners, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you'. Books are used well in the setting. Children choose books independently and take them to the childminder to read. The childminder extends children's interest in their favourite books as she recalls stories as they play. She uses 'small world' characters and vehicles to re-enact the events of the stories. This helps children to develop a deeper understanding of stories and promotes early reading skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses effective settling-in processes for new children. She gathers relevant information about the children from parents and through gradual settling-in periods. This ensures children's individual emotional needs are supported well. Parents comment that this provides them with reassurance. n The childminder knows the children in her care and their families well. She uses this knowledge to plan activities that support children's next steps in learning. As a result, children make good progress from their individual starting points. Children often lead their own learning with support and guidance from the childminder, who is always nearby. Children follow their own interests and desires within their play. This helps them to remain engaged for longer. The childminder tracks children's development closely and completes relevant developmental checks, which she shares with parents regularly.

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need to do better?

n Since the childminder's last inspection, she has strengthened partnership working with other settings children attend. Together they share strategies to promote further continuity in children's care and learning. This collaborative working provides a holistic approach to children's development. As a result, all children, including those who speak English as an additional language, make good progress. n Overall, the childminder supports children's communication and language skills well. Children are regularly exposed to new vocabulary as they play, such as 'horse' and 'crocodile'. The childminder speaks to them clearly and repeats

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need to do better?

31 January 2023 words and sounds back to them to support accurate pronunciation. However, on occasion, the childminder does not give children enough time to think and respond to questions to promote their critical thinking and communication skills. n Children are beginning to gain an understanding of healthy lifestyles. They develop their physical skills as they climb and negotiate challenging obstacles at play centres and parks. The childminder teaches children to wash their hands before mealtimes. However, she does not teach children about the importance of oral health and keeping their teeth clean. n Mathematics is part of all activities. The childminder encourages children to count and recognise colours at every opportunity. For example, as children join magnetic vehicles together along a track, the childminder teaches them to count. She uses simple mathematical language and challenges children further,

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need to do better?

such as 'you have two, we need one more to make three'. This helps to extend and build on what children already know. n The childminder is reflective of her knowledge and practice. She accesses relevant training to support the children in her care. The childminder is keen to develop her understanding of special educational needs and/or disabilities. n Parents are extremely positive about the care their children receive. They say the effective communication methods keep them well informed of their children's daily experiences. Parents say their children are enthusiastic to attend the setting. They talk about the exciting activities, such as learning about Chinese New Year and trying new foods.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and understands her responsibilities to keep children safe. She is alert to issues such as extremism and female genital mutilation. She is able to recognise when a child may be at risk of harm and knows the local procedures to follow. She undertakes regular training to update her knowledge. The childminder maintains a safe home environment. She has attended first-aid training. The childminder understands how to manage and document accidents and injuries. The premises are secure and well maintained, which contributes to keeping children safe.

p.3

should:

n allow children more time to think and respond to questions, to extend their critical thinking and communication and language skills further n strengthen children's understanding of the importance of oral health.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 123398 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10265118 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 11 Date of previous inspection 25 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in Harpenden. She operates all year round, from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, both indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n A joint evaluation of a teaching activity was carried out by the inspector and the childminder. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at a sample of relevant records and documentation. This included evidence of suitability and training.

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Inspection activities

31 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

31 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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