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

p.1

The provision is good

Children enjoy the wide range of learning experiences the childminder has to offer in this welcoming setting, which is located in a residential area. Children have a play room, where they self-select exciting activities, or they pretend to cook food in the home corner, making dinner for their guests. Children enjoy sitting in the cosy lounge reading books and listening to stories. They enjoy the challenge of completing puzzles and show pride and a sense of achievement when they have completed them.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have access to a well-designed, large outdoor space. They enjoy crawling through tyres and climbing the steps of the ladder to slide back down the other side. Additionally, they learn to master cycling on bicycles and enjoy scooting around while negotiating space. Children become chefs, cooking pancakes on Shrove Tuesday in the mud kitchen.

p.2

The provision is good

Children learn how to share and take turns. The childminder is an excellent role model. Children enjoy talking about their feelings and show empathy for others. They develop respectful, trusting friendships with peers. Children access a wide range of experiences. For example, they go on trips to the seaside, where they paddle in the water and make sandcastles. They visit the 'Gruffalo Trail' in the woods, where their favourite story is brought to life.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder offers an exciting and effective curriculum. Children explore and have a desire to learn in this setting. They know they belong here, and they have made friends and built warm, trusting relationships. Children enjoy adult- led activities, where they sit and listen, take turns and have discussions. However, children's interests are not always considered, meaning some children disengage quickly. Children enjoy self-select activities, such as designing and creating their own games and play experiences. n Teaching is good. Children learn how to count and recognise shapes while playing with wooden blocks. They hold the wooden blocks towards the sunlight and squeal when the colour intensifies through coloured glass inserts. The children then sing a rainbow song and talk about their favourite colours. Finally, they sit to read a book about colours and talk about their favourite ones. The childminder assesses what children have learned. However, these assessments

p.2

need to do better?

can be narrow, which means that some learning is not recognised. n Children's behaviour is excellent. Children share, take turns and have empathy for each other, as they are all friends. They are supported to speak about their feelings and know it is okay to feel sad, happy or excited. n Well-established routines support children to predict what may happen next.

p.2

need to do better?

22 February 2023 They help to tidy away and run to the kitchen to discover what snack or lunch might be. Children wash their hands before meals while talking about washing germs away. The children excitedly cut their own melon on chopping boards for snack and enjoy healthy, home-cooked pasta at lunchtime. n Transition arrangements are very effective and tailored to the needs of each family. Children benefit from flexible settling-in sessions, and parents feel reassured that their children are happy and confident. The childminder has excellent working relationships with local settings. They share vital information about children's progress, especially during the transition to school. n Children with additional needs make good progress. The childminder works in partnership with families and other settings to establish effective support and interventions. Children feel safe and ready to explore new things at their own

p.2

need to do better?

pace, such as trying new foods or using new equipment. They look forward to, and are ready for, transition to school when the time comes. n Parent partnerships are good. Parents speak highly about the support they receive, especially during the transition process. They feel reassured that their children are happy and that the childminder meets their children's individual needs. Parents view information about their children's day through an app. Communication is excellent. The childminder advises parents about home learning opportunities by discussing children's progress. Furthermore, she discusses how they can work together to support children to meet their next steps. n The childminder enjoys extending her knowledge of working with children and seeks out training to enhance her knowledge and skills. She is part of a local childminding group where current initiatives about early years are discussed and

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of how to keep children safe. She can identify the signs and symptoms of abuse. Furthermore, she understands the steps to take if she has concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder attends regular safeguarding training, including identifying children at risk of exploitation and radicalisation. The childminder has risk assessments in place to keep children safe, especially on visits outside the setting. The childminder has policies on medication and infection control to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses. She has a paediatric first-aid qualification and knows how to record and report accidents and incidents.

p.3

should:

22 February 2023 n make more use of children's interests when planning to enhance children's learning experiences n consider all areas of the curriculum when assessing children's learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2612341 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10265346 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020. She lives in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. The childminder opens Monday to Thursday, all year, except for bank holidays. Sessions are from 8am to 5.30pm. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector spent time observing the quality of education and teaching. n The inspector talked to and listened to the children. n The inspector talked to parents. n The inspector viewed documentation, including evidence of suitability and training certificates. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about her provision.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7