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

p.1

The provision is good

Children feel safe and secure in the company of the warm and nurturing childminder. They regularly check in with her when they are unsure of new people. The childminder gives constant reassurance, which boosts children's confidence. She forms a special bond with each child and as a result, children are happy and settled.

p.2

The provision is good

Children play with toy dinosaurs, comparing heights and using various platforms to put them on. The childminder listens sensitively to the opinions of children, and they are enthusiastic to share their ideas. Children are encouraged to 'have a voice' and discuss their feelings and wishes. The childminder frequently asks children what they would like to do and listens sensitively. Older children discuss their favourite colours as they spot them on a dice. They show delight as they share this with the childminder.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. They volunteer to to tidy up when they have finished using resources from an activity. Older children show younger children how toys work and help them to use them. Children play cooperatively with adults and their peers. The childminder models good manners to children. Children share toys with the childminder and say, 'you're welcome' after they are thanked. They show great consideration for others.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children have many opportunities to explore the world around them. They visit local wildlife parks, woodlands and various toddler groups. The childminder encourages children to be active and they have many opportunities to develop their large-muscle skills. Children learn about wildlife. For example, they make their own binoculars and use them to spot birds in the sky. n The childminder networks with other childminders to share ideas. She meets up regularly with them, and the children engage in messy activities and baking together. Children benefit from the social interaction with larger numbers of children, and as a result, they become confident in new social situations. n Children take a lead in their own play. The childminder provides activities based on what children are interested in. She follows children's social prompts, while teaching them the rules of the game they are playing. For example, children play

p.2

need to do better?

with counting bears and tweezers. They have to fill the cup to the top to be the winner. The childminder discusses different colours and numbers that are shown on the dice that they use. This helps to support children's understanding of numbers. The childminder represents numerals using her fingers, and children are praised when they guess the correct number. n The childminder knows the children well. She is able to clearly talk about what

p.2

need to do better?

15 February 2023 they are working on and what their interests are. For example, children sit at a table and thread different items onto a piece of string. However, some activities are not adapted so that all children are appropriately challenged. As a result, they lose interest quickly and do not have opportunities to build on their skills and knowledge. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder uses reliable methods to share relevant information with parents. This keeps parents updated about their children's progress and daily activities. Parents comment that they are happy with the childminder's care and feel that their children make good progress. The childminder carries out all relevant statutory development checks, which are shared with parents and relevant professionals. n Children are taught about how to lead healthy lifestyles. The childminder talks to them about oral hygiene and children pretend to brush their teeth using a toy

p.2

need to do better?

toothbrush. The childminder skilfully draws on their experiences and talks to children about their visit to the dentist. The childminder uses books to teach children about new experiences. She uses a good tone and animation in her voice to keep children engaged. n The childminder has previously completed some courses to further her professional development. For example, she has completed all mandatory training to keep children safe. However, the childminder has not accessed any new professional development opportunities to enhance practice and ensure that quality learning and development experiences continue for children.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder keeps children safe. She takes time to get to know the children and their families so that she can support them effectively, should they need it. The childminder has a good understanding of how to report and monitor any concerns. This includes knowing who to contact to seek advice and make a referral. The childminder is aware of wider safeguarding issues such as the 'Prevent' duty. She ensures her statutory training, including safeguarding and paediatric first aid, is up to date. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of what to do if she has a concern regarding children's welfare.

p.3

should:

n provide challenge during activities to ensure that children make the best possible progress n make greater use of professional development opportunities to ensure learning and development experiences for children are continually improving.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 129515 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10264624 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 21 June 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates the provision all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and have taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the childminders home. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity completed by the childminder. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

p.4

Inspection activities

15 February 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

15 February 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6