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

The young children currently attending demonstrate they feel happy in the care of the childminder. They have familiar routines and show they know what is expected of them. Children listen and respond well to the childminder. They enjoy sharing books with her and point to pictures and make animals sounds in response to questions. Children enjoy finding toy animals to match pictures in books and this adds a deeper dimension to their learning.

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The provision is good

Children immerse themselves in activities and concentrate well. They are learning how to use tools, such as when they play with dough. Children use rolling pins and cutters to make shapes. The childminder uses clear words and simple sentences to describe what children are doing. This introduces them to new vocabulary to support their developing speech and language skills. Children are beginning to move from playing alongside each other to interacting with their peers. They are learning how to share and play cooperatively and children's behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The childminder gains detailed information from parents on what children can already do when they start at her setting. She uses this as their starting point in learning and develops a curriculum to support children to make good progress. The childminder is aware of where children are in their development. She observes them closely and uses her observations and assessments to identify what children need to learn next. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They say their children are very happy to attend her setting and are making good progress. Parents state children benefit from a wide range of activities and outings that broaden their experiences. n Children are developing good independence skills. They know where to find their belongings, such as finding their shoes to go outdoors. The childminder makes sure children have healthy diets. She is aware of when routines need to be changed in order to meet children's needs. For example, she provides lunch

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need to do better?

early when children are feeling tired. This results in children feeling content and settling themselves to sleep peacefully. n The childminder sensitively introduces children to mathematics. For example, she models how to count while they use threading beads. When children are using dough the childminder explains what shapes the cutters are and uses language relating to length. n Children demonstrate they have strong attachments to the childminder. They stay close to her for reassurance when they feel unsure of visitors in the house. The childminder's constant care and positive words give children confidence. They soon share toys with visitors and involve them in their play.

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need to do better?

22 February 2023 n The childminder talks about how she adapts her curriculum when she cares for older children. She provides more opportunities for children to learn and practise skills, such as those relating to early reading and writing. This helps to prepare children for their future education at school. n The childminder has strong links with other childminders. They meet together regularly and this provides the childminder with opportunities to hold professional discussions with others. She undertakes statutory training such as first aid. The childminder talks about how new knowledge impacts on her practice and skills. However, she does not routinely identify and use professional development opportunities to further extend her knowledge and teaching skills. n The childminder reviews her practice and looks at what she can develop and improve. She is currently considering how she can provide more learning

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need to do better?

opportunities for children outdoors. The childminder seeks the views of parents in order to enhance her evaluations of practice even more. She shares her policies with parents to enable them to understand her role and responsibilities. However, the childminder does not regularly review her written policies to enable parents to have the best possible knowledge.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding. She knows how to recognise any signs that children may be at risk of harm or extremist behaviour. The childminder knows how to contact relevant agencies in her local area, to seek advice or to make referrals. She has a clear safeguarding policy in place which she uses to underpin her good practice. The childminder undertakes regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge relevant and up to date. She regularly risk assesses her home and encourages children to tidy away toys they have finished with. This results in a safe learning environment.

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should:

n identify and use a wider range of professional development opportunities to further enhance knowledge and teaching skills n review written policies more regularly to ensure parents have the best possible knowledge and understanding of procedures and practice.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2581337 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10262814 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 2 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Croxley Green. She operates all year round, from 7.30am until 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 her and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of her home that she uses with children and discussed how she plans her curriculum and operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n A sample of policies and procedures was looked at by the inspector. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

22 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.

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Inspection activities

22 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.

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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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