Fairhall, Sharon Lesley

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel secure in this nurturing environment. They form close bonds with the childminder and her assistant, who are extremely attentive to their emotional needs. Older children approach them for cuddles and affection, and babies seek them out for comfort when tired. The childminder and her assistant are swift to identify when children may need additional emotional support. They provide opportunities for children to explore their feelings in appropriate ways. For example, children relax during cosy story sessions, and let off steam by dancing to their favourite music.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are highly sociable and confident. They engage well with visitors, chatting excitedly about the activities they enjoy doing with their friends. The childminder and her assistant support children's confidence and self-esteem by offering lots of praise for their efforts and achievements in activities. Children's artwork is displayed throughout the setting for them to proudly show to visitors.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have plenty of opportunity for outdoor learning. They explore a variety of exciting, age-appropriate play equipment in the enclosed garden. Babies enjoy exploring the different noises they create with pots, pans and spoons on the sound wall. Older children develop scientific and mathematical knowledge when channelling water through various pipes and vessels.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder engages well with other professionals to support children's development. She gathers information from other settings and uses this to plan activities that compliment children's learning. The childminder shares her expertise to promote children's well-being. For example, she supports individual children to settle swiftly in new environments by sharing strategies that she has found effective. n Parents are complementary about the childminder and the care she offers. They comment on the close relationships children form with the childminder and her assistant. They understand the positive impact this has on children's well-being. n The childminder and her assistant demonstrate good knowledge of the children in their care. They work closely with parents to gather detailed information about children's interests and abilities. The childminder uses this knowledge to provide engaging learning opportunities. For example, children enjoy attending

p.2

need to do better?

local playgroups to support their social development. n Children behave well in the setting. They are polite and follow instructions promptly. The childminder encourages these positive behaviours with lots of praise. The childminder and her assistant are positive role models. They demonstrate good manners and are polite and respectful towards children and

p.2

need to do better?

28 February 2023 adults. n The childminder works hard to support the development and well-being of her assistant. She evaluates her assistant's teaching well, and organises regular training opportunities. The childminder and her assistant work together closely to evaluate all areas of their practice. They make well-considered changes, and monitor the results closely to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of all families. n Children have a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides healthy snacks and plenty of opportunity for outdoor play. Children enjoy activities that support their knowledge of healthy eating and the importance of good oral hygiene. For example, children use stickers to create plates of healthy food. They explore why fruit and vegetables are good for them. The childminder encourages them to discuss what these taste like, and why they need to brush their teeth after eating them.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistant adapt activities well to meet the specific learning needs of all children in their care. For example, children develop their fine motor skills in a threading activity. Young children, who are beginning to learn about colours, are supported to select specific coloured beads. Older children identify numbers and letters on beads and count them as they thread them. n Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder and her assistant complete regular risk assessments of all areas of the setting and when on trips out. However, children are not consistently supported to identify risks in their own play. They do not fully understand the potential hazards in their actions and the effects these could have on themselves and others.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk of abuse. They demonstrate robust knowledge of the correct processes to follow when raising concerns about children's safety and well-being. The childminder and her assistant complete regular first-aid and safeguarding training within the appropriate timescales. The childminder ensures that all areas of her home are safe for children, and uses age- appropriate equipment to promote their safety.

p.3

should:

n better support children's knowledge of their personal safety by consistently encouraging them to explore why certain actions and behaviours can be hazardous to themselves and others.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2568048 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10246751 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 14 June 2022

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates all year round, from 7am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistant and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and her assistant about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of several children. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters.

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Inspection activities

28 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

28 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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