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 enjoy a homely and welcoming atmosphere created by the childminder. They happily choose which activities and resources to play with, giving them ownership over their day. This boosts their self-esteem and self-confidence. The childminder gathers detailed information from parents during their settling-in sessions and uses this to ensure her routines match those created at home. This helps children to settle quickly and aids a smooth transition. Children demonstrate they feel happy and safe.

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The provision is good

Children develop their independence as the childminder encourages them to do tasks for themselves. For example, she teaches young children how to turn the pages in a book, and encourages them to collect items they need for their play. The childminder values the children's voice. She gives them lots of choice during their day and encourages them to share their views. This helps to develop their self-confidence. Children have good levels of concentration for their young ages and spend long periods of time at activities of their choosing. For example, children's persevere as they complete inset puzzles. They try the pieces in different positions before success. This shows children determination and ability to persist to complete a task.

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need to do better?

n The childminder places high importance on promoting children's literacy skills. She reads to children enthusiastically using high quality texts that encourage children to join in and take part in the storytelling. For example, children engage with an interactive 'monster' book as they point to the pictures and join in with actions. This helps them develop a love of reading from a young age. n Children's developing speech and language skills are very well supported by the childminder. She models words accurately for children to learn the correct pronunciation. The childminder extends children's vocabulary constantly throughout the session as she plays with them. The childminder also works closely with external professionals, such as speech and language therapists, and delivers one-to-one sessions, using their advice. n Children enthusiastically take part in singing sessions with the childminder. They

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need to do better?

choose their favourite rhymes and use props to develop understanding. For example, children delight as they sing the rhyme 'two little birds' and join in with the actions and smile broadly as the 'birds' return. This helps to further develop their emerging speech and language skills. n The childminder takes children out into their local community. They go for daily walks to the park, woods or a local 'fairy trail'. She also takes the children to a playgroup regularly. The childminder recognises the importance of giving children the opportunity to interact with a wider range of children to develop

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need to do better?

30 March 2023 their social skills. n The childminder encourages children to develop a healthy lifestyle. She works with parents to ensure that children eat a healthy packed lunch. The childminder teaches children to grow their own vegetables and they enjoy taking these home to eat with their families. This helps children to develop an understanding about where fruits and vegetables come from and how to care for growing plants. n The childminder brings mathematics into children's play. She models how to count slowly, saying number names clearly. This helps children to develop their understanding of numbers and counting. The childminder also teaches children early mathematical concepts such as 'up' and 'down'. However, she does not always make the most of professional development opportunities to raise the quality of her teaching to the highest level. n Parents are complimentary about the service the childminder provides. They

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need to do better?

praise the wide range of activities she offers to children and state that their children love coming to her home. Parents also praise the support the childminder offers for additional needs and practical advice. However, the childminder does not evaluate her setting or reflect on her practice effectively in order to make continuous improvements.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practice. She recognises the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse. The childminder knows what to do if a child is at risk. She keeps her home clean and free from hazards. The childminder completes regular risk assessments to ensure that she keeps children safe and uses stair gates to keep young children safe. The childminder has an understanding of legislation to prevent radicalisation.

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should:

n seek training and professional development opportunities to raise the quality of teaching to a higher level n make better use of self-evaluation to identify any weaknesses in practice and to drive improvement.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY398727 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10280308 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 3 Date of previous inspection 16 August 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates from 7am until 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early 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 provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n A joint observation of an activity was carried out with the childminder. n The inspector took account of the written views of parents and spoke to parents by telephone. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

30 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

30 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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