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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children show that they feel happy, safe and secure in the childminder's setting as they actively seek her out for physical comfort. They are confident to explore the environment independently and show that they feel safe to wonder about and play where they feel comfortable. The childminder follows children's interests. She ensures that there are always activities available to excite children, keeping them busy and happy throughout the day.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy playing together and often move between activities as they see what their friends are playing with. As disputes arise, the childminder talks to children about the rules and values within her setting. She ensures children are aware of her expectations of their behaviour. The childminder is very calm in her approach. She talks to children in a calm and friendly tone, supporting their emotional well-being.

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The provision is good

Children use their natural curiosity to explore activities, with the childminder close by to extend their learning. For example, in the garden, children go over to the pond to see what might be in there. They talk about the frogs they may see and what they look like. The childminder shows children the flowers growing around the edge. They talk about the snowdrops being a sign that spring is on the way.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is aware of every child's individual personality, background and needs. She spends time with families before they start attending the setting so she is aware of what children can already do. During activities, the childminder adds open-ended resources for children to investigate. For example, at the rice tray, children transport rice around using the large vehicles. The childminder adds small pots for children to explore as they fill and empty containers. However, the childminder does not always plan activities to achieve a desired outcome. This means that sometimes children move on from activities quicker than intended. n Children's communication and language skills rapidly develop in the language- rich environment. The childminder narrates activities to the children, describing what they are doing and introducing them to a wider vocabulary. For those children who are quieter and less confident in their talking, the childminder

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need to do better?

encourages them to repeat words back to her. This helps them to learn the correct pronunciation of words, developing their language skills. n At times, children are encouraged to be highly independent. They use the toilet and cut up their own fruit at snack time. At times, children cover their mouths and wipe their own noses. However, they are not always given opportunities to attempt tasks independently and develop their self-care skills.

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need to do better?

30 January 2023 n The childminder encourages children to be physically active and develop their large- and small-muscle skills. In the garden area, children climb up the steps to the slide. The childminder offers them reassurance in their abilities as they climb. Later children ride on the scooters, practising the motion of pushing off with one leg. The childminder offers lots of praise as they learn these new skills. n Parents speak very highly of the childminder and the progress their children make in her care. Parents feel actively involved in their child's learning with the communication and photos they receive throughout the day. The childminder is described as friendly and approachable. Parents feel supported in the choices they make for their children. Where there are concerns about a child's development, parents praise the involvement of the childminder and the support she offers them as a family.

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need to do better?

n The childminder evaluates her work well and attends a wide variety of training courses to keep her practice at a high level. When the training is completed, she quickly implements new ideas. For example, a recent course on behaviour expectations led the childminder to talk to families about behaviour expectations at home and the impact this has on children. As a result, she ensures her own expectations for behaviour are known by the children and their families.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder shows a good awareness of her safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of recording and reporting any concerns she may have. She is clear about the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and discusses the importance of knowing the children in her care well enough to spot any changes. The childminder is aware of the wider issues in society, such as county lines, and how this might impact on children. Regular training is completed by the childminder, and she ensures the ongoing suitability of the adults in her home.

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should:

n strengthen planned activity outcomes to ensure children remain engaged and learn the skills they need to learn next n extend everyday opportunities for children to develop their independence and self-care skills further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2614064 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10265105 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 3 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. She 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The manager showed the inspector documentation, including evidence of the

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Inspection activities

ongoing suitability of the adults in her home.

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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

30 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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