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 thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. They are confident and make choices about what they want to play with in the homely, inviting premises. The childminder encourages children to be polite, for example by saying 'please' and 'thank you'. Children behave well, asking each other if they would like to join in playing different games. They demonstrate respect for their resources and communities. Children tell visitors that when they go to the library, they 'must always put the books back'.

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The provision is good

Children develop perseverance with the childminder's encouragement. When children want to put clothes on dolls, they ask the childminder for help before trying themselves. She skilfully encourages them to have a go, giving them praise and clear instructions until they have successfully dressed the dolls. Children explore resources freely. Young children spend time strengthening their hand muscles as they open and close poppers and clasps on wallets. They ask for items to extend their play. For example, while playing with sea creatures, the children request the mat that mirrors the ocean. When they talk about turtles, the play develops into a singing and dancing session. Children excitedly sing familiar songs and move their whole bodies to the actions, developing their physical coordination.

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need to do better?

n The childminder ensures that her curriculum helps to broaden children's understanding of the world and develop social skills through meaningful experiences. Her ethos of promoting children's key personal skills and learning about the world around them filters into their day-to-day interactions and routines. They go on outings to the shops, library and to feed the ducks. The childminder uses these trips to develop children's wider knowledge and skills. n The childminder values her professional development. She uses the training she attends to support children and their current needs. For example, after completing a course about the impact of lockdowns on children, the childminder increased the number of outings to support children's confidence when going out and about. Furthermore, she attends meetings that provide her with information to support the smooth operation of her services. n The childminder plans a well-sequenced curriculum that builds on what children

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need to do better?

already know and can do. She understands that children need to repeat activities to remember what they have learned. For example, while playing with the doctors set, the childminder talks about when they last saw an ambulance. n The childminder uses risk assessments effectively. She considers any hazards and adjusts her practice or environment to assure children's safety. For example, when guttering on the house is broken, she does not allow the children to play in the garden until it is repaired and safe for children. The childminder

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need to do better?

20 March 2023 supervises children to help assure their safety. The childminder ensures that children practise crossing the road safely and hold on to the handrail when walking up the stairs. n Children develop their independence as part of their day-to-day routines. They wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder works in partnership with parents to develop children's dressing skills, such as putting their shoes and coats on by themselves. This means children receive continuity of care and successfully gain abilities they will need later on in life. n Parents are very pleased with the care and education the children receive with the childminder. They tell the inspector how they have noticed their children talk about new topics, such as doctors and ambulances. Parents say they get a good amount of information about their children through the electronic journal. This includes information about daily routines and their development, such as the

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need to do better?

progress check for children aged between two and three years. n The childminder talks to children constantly about what they are doing. She responds to their questions and gives them information linked to their play. However, the childminder does not sharply focus on increasing children's vocabulary even further to build on their communication skills. n Children enjoy a range of activities. The childminder makes learning fun. As children are learning about sea creatures, the childminder encourages them to match the toy to the corresponding picture. However, at times, not all children are fully engaged with the purpose of an activity. For example, younger children sit and watch and older children lose concentration.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has good safeguarding knowledge. She knows the signs and symptoms of abuse and who to speak to should she have a concern about a child. She has a strong knowledge of how to protect children from harm. The childminder knows how to report her concerns to the relevant authorities. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to monitor the suitability of household members. She follows the correct procedures when incidents occur. This includes reporting to the appropriate agencies, including Ofsted.

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should:

n focus even more sharply on developing children's vocabulary to further build on their communication skills n help children to concentrate even longer by matching activities to their specific level of development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY498088 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10283723 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 6 Date of previous inspection 2 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Great Ashby, Stevenage. She operates from 8am until 5pm on Monday to Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funding for 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. 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 talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a spontaneous activity. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members. n Children talked with the inspector during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

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

20 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

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

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