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, secure and confident with the childminder. They are curious and motivated to explore and learn. Children investigate the toys available in a variety of different ways. They are independent and have opportunities to make their own decisions about what they would like to play with. Children use their imaginations as they play with the role play kitchen. They make pretend cups of tea and serve pieces of cake for the childminder and visitors. Children's behaviour is good. They are respectful of the childminder and their friends. Children are acquiring the skills they need for future learning. Children form good relationships with the childminder. She is supportive and nurturing, and promotes children's well-being.

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The provision is good

Children follow good hygiene procedures. For example, they know to wash their hands before eating and after they have been to the toilet. Children are learning to be independent through tasks such as helping to tidy away their toys. They develop their language skills when listening to stories. Children look at the pictures and describe what is going to happen next. They count the animals and insects in the story. Children are being introduced to numbers and mathematical concepts.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a sequenced curriculum that builds on what children already know and can do. She carries out regular checks of their development and discusses their progress with their parents. She identifies what the children need to learn next and skilfully plans activities based on the children's interests. This keeps them wonderfully engaged and excited to learn. n The childminder is skilful at adapting the activities she provides to benefit the different ages of children in her care. For example, when discussing animals, older children say what animals they are and count them. Younger children practise making the animal noises. n Parents are happy with the care the childminder provides. They find her to be kind and compassionate. The childminder communicates with parents about the children's activities throughout the day and their learning and development. The childminder works closely with parents to settle-in new children and establish

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need to do better?

what they already know. n The childminder introduces numbers and mathematical concepts throughout the activities on offer. For example, when playing a fishing game she encourages the children to match and count the number of cards and fish they have. n Children are encouraged to be independent. Children choose what stories and games they want to play with. They excitedly tidy away the toys so they can play with their next chosen activities. n Children develop their language skills. They respond positively to the childminder

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need to do better?

23 February 2023 as they listen to stories. The childminder describes the illustrations on the page and encourages the children to state who the characters are. The childminder skilfully reinforces children's language development by repeating sentences back to them, so they learn the correct pronunciation. She patiently listens to children ensuring that they have time to think and answer during discussions. n Children behave well and are learning to manage their emotions. They are engaged in their learning and are respectful. Children say 'please' and 'thank you' and are aware of the childminder's expectations. However, there are occasions when children become frustrated and forget the rules and boundaries. The childminder does address this, but at times uses complicated sentences to explain what they have done wrong. This results in children not fully understanding the childminder's meaning. n Children have various opportunities to explore the wider community. The

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need to do better?

childminder takes them on regular outings, including visits to the local parks and zoo, where they talk about the animals and how to take care of them. Children are learning about nature and the world around them. Children attend playgroups where they learn to be sociable, share and build their confidence. n The childminder regularly reflects on her provision. She works closely with other childminders, sharing ideas and new initiatives. The childminder has kept herself up to date with current legislation. n The childminder works closely with other professionals. She communicates and shares children's next steps and developmental reports with the local schools and nurseries that children attend. The childminder works hard to ensure that there is consistency of care and education. She knows where to seek support and advice if a child is falling behind their developmental milestones.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a strong understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She completes regular training to ensure that her knowledge is up to date. The childminder recognises the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She is aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. The childminder has policies in place to follow should she need to raise concerns regarding children's welfare to other agencies. She understands how to deal with allegations against herself or a member of her household.

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should:

n simplify the language used when explaining to children the rules and boundaries of the setting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY255880 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10264584 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 5 Date of previous inspection 20 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6.15pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children. She held discussions with the childminder regarding what she wants children to learn. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from the feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

23 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

23 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

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