Skipper Dina

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 settle very well in the childminder's welcoming environment. They show that they feel safe and are very happy and relaxed. The childminder has an extremely warm and caring nature and children form close attachments with her. Children thoroughly enjoy their time there and behave very well. The childminder encourages children to use good manners, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you' when she gives them their snack. Children develop their independence in everyday tasks such as choosing their plates and peeling their fruit. They enjoy lots of praise from the childminder, which helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

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The provision is good

Children show a keen interest in the resources available to them. For example, they happily explore the coloured rice. They learn good control as they scoop and pour, using a variety of utensils. Children develop a love of books and enjoy listening to stories. They excitedly use props from the 'story basket'. This helps them to understand the sequence of stories and practise new vocabulary. They identify the different animals in the story and enjoy making the sounds the animals make. Children learn about the natural world. They delight in watching spiders build their webs when they go on walks. Children go to local playgroups where they interact with others and develop their social skills and self-confidence. This helps to prepare them for the next stage in their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans a curriculum that focuses on children's individual learning needs. She gathers information from parents to help her to establish what children know and can do when they start. The childminder identifies children's interests and what they need to learn next. Children make good progress as the childminder makes learning fun. For example, when children visit the local shop, they proudly take the coins out of their purses and hand them to the assistant. This helps children to build their confidence and make connections to real-life experiences. n Partnerships with parents are extremely strong. The childminder keeps parents well informed and involved in their children's care, learning and development. Parents state that they are very happy with the childminder's provision. They describe her as, 'warm and friendly', and comment on the, 'lovely bonds she has with the children'. Parents say that their children have learned so much since

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need to do better?

being with the childminder and that they are very well prepared for school. n The childminder promotes children's communication and language skills well. She continually talks to children, modelling language to support their vocabulary. She asks questions to help promote children's thinking skills. For example, when reading a story about a busy spider, she asks the children what cows like to eat and where ducks like to swim. Children enjoy taking part in singing songs and

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need to do better?

23 February 2023 rhymes, which also help to develop their early speech. n Partnerships with other early years settings that children attend are very effective. For example, the childminder liaises with the teachers at the local school to ensure continuity of care and learning. The childminder takes children to assemblies and 'shared-reading' sessions at the school. This helps them to become familiar with the teachers and the school environment. n The childminder encourages children to have healthy lifestyles. They use good hygiene routines and enjoy eating fruit at snack time. Children gain a good understanding of where food comes from as they dig, plant and water the vegetables growing in the childminder's garden. They rest when needed and have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children enjoy playing on the equipment at the park, throwing balls in the ball pool and dancing to music. n Children enjoy regular trips out in the local community. The childminder

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need to do better?

recognises the benefits that these experiences can offer. For example, children excitedly talk about their visit to the fire station. They squeal with joy as they use the hoses to spray water. Children talk to the fire officers about their role. They also enjoy outings to the cinema and bus and train rides. Children love to explore the play café at the local museum. n The childminder is very experienced. She reflects on her practice and is clear about how she wants to develop her provision. The childminder completes all mandatory training. However, she has not identified any recent professional development opportunities to continue to build on her good-quality teaching and care practices.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She is vigilant in recognising any concerns such as a change in a child's behaviour. The childminder knows how to monitor and report any concerns. She has good procedures in place to protect children and keep them safe. For example, children take part in regular fire drills to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. The childminder supervises children well and helps them to learn about road safety. Robust risk assessments cover all aspects of the childminder's house, including the garden and when they go on outings.

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should:

n identify professional development opportunities to strengthen existing knowledge and continually enhance the care and teaching practices.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY284630 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10276131 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 8 Date of previous inspection 3 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Stevenage. She operates Monday to Friday, from 8am until 5pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3 and sometimes works with her daughter, who is her assistant The childminder provides funded early years 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 the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed children and the childminder taking part in activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children.

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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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