Baker, Mrs Jennifer Carol

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children seem relaxed and happy in the childminder's home-from-home setting. Children invite the childminder to their play and show pride in telling her what they are doing. The childminder has a caring and kind nature, and as a result children seek comfort from her when needed. Children enjoy cuddles on the childminder's lap and hold their hands up signalling when they would like a cuddle with her. She reads books to them as they snuggle in her lap. Children enjoy singing and story time with the childminder, and they spontaneously sing rhymes as they engage in play.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. The childminder reminds children of the rules within her house. Older children are taught to take turns as they play with blocks together. The childminder uses positive modelling and children respond well to this. The childminder uses praise to let all children know when they have made the right choices. The childminder encourages children to use good manners with each other and models the words 'please' and 'thank you' for younger children when handing toys to them. Children of all ages access the activities that are on offer and become close companions, who play together well.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder provides opportunities for children to be physically active. In the garden, they have access to ride-along toys and slides. Children get regular opportunities to visit parks and go for walks in the community. The childminder provides activities with scissors and pegs and talks to children about exercising their muscles in preparation for early writing. n Children have lots of opportunities to choose what they want to play with. The childminder plans activities based around the children's interests. Resources are regularly changed to keep children engaged, and they can access their own toys and equipment from low-level shelving and floor-based activities. n The childminder ensures that she knows what children already know and how to help them to make good progress. She speaks to parents when children settle to find out what children can do. The childminder knows the children well and

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need to do better?

confidently talks about what they are interested in. However, on occasion, activities are not differentiated to ensure that all children benefit from them, particularly younger ones. n Children have lots of exposure to mathematical language and concepts. The childminder encourages children to count as they stick pretend eyes on their pictures that they have made. Children choose different lumps of dough during an activity and the childminder discusses whether it is 'heavy' or 'light'. n The childminder encourages children to be independent and manage their own risks. Children unstack and help themselves to chairs during mealtimes. The

p.2

need to do better?

9 March 2023 childminder reminds them not to walk with scissors when using them. Hygiene routines are consistent, and children understand the importance of a good hygiene routine. They anticipate handwashing during certain parts of the day, and the childminder talks to them about 'soap and bubbles' and 'washing and drying'. n Children have regular opportunities to socialise with others. The childminder recognises the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's social skills and speech. She takes children to regular groups where they can mix with children of different ages. The childminder encourages children to use more words during play. With babies and younger children she simplifies words and repeats babble back to them. With older children she adds new words as they play. n The childminder is aware of the professional development opportunities that are available to her. She regularly attends webinars and courses through the local

p.2

need to do better?

authority to develop her knowledge and understanding of how to best teach and support children in early years. n Parents comment that they 'are glad they have found' the childminder. The childminder communicates regularly with parents to ensure that they know what their children are learning. Parents commend her on the communication they receive. Statutory checks are completed and shared with relevant professionals and parents.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a confident understanding of child protection matters. She knows the action she must take if she has concerns about children's welfare. She confidently discusses what action she would take if she suspected that a child or family were being radicalised. She attends training to keep up to date with safeguarding topics and how to identify the potential signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder teaches children rules that keep them safe. For example, children sit at the table until their mouths are empty of food. This helps to prevent incidents of choking. The childminder completes required records and shares them with parents. This includes records of children's accidents, incidents and the first aid she administers.

p.3

should:

n differentiate activities so that they are purposeful and engaging for children of all ages.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 149287 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10276539 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 20 July 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000 and lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity completed by the childminder. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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Inspection activities

9 March 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

9 March 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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