Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are extremely happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They warmly welcome visitors and invite them to join in with their play. Children are highly motivated and engage very well in learning. Toddlers have extensive opportunities to explore, such as when they play in the mud kitchen. They pour water into pans, add blades of grass and spend time mixing them together. Children enjoy outdoor activities, such as Easter egg hunts. They are eager to find the eggs hidden in the garden and follow instructions very well. Older children are kind and patient with younger ones as they allow them to find and open the eggs.

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The provision is good

Children behave exceptionally well. They readily share resources, play together and cooperate with each other. Children have high levels of respect for the childminder and their peers. Children thrive under her care and obviously enjoy the time spent in her home. Children's communication and language development is superb. Children as young as two have extensive vocabulary and hold in-depth conversations with adults and other children. They can express their thoughts and ideas extremely well.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans an ambitious and stimulating curriculum for all children. She observes and assesses children to find out how to tailor her teaching to their learning needs. She provides children with many activities and experiences, both inside and outdoors to support their learning across all areas. All children are succeeding and making rapid progress. n Children enjoy books and stories. They sit together and listen well as the childminder reads to them. Children are keen to give their ideas and anticipate what they think will happen next. The childminder makes sure younger children are fully included. She shows them pictures and asks clear, simple questions to help them to understand and succeed. n Partnerships with parents are good. Parents talk positively about the care and education their children receive from the childminder. They know their children are happy and thriving. The childminder obtains key information from parents to

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need to do better?

support children's starting points, and she keeps them fully informed about the progress children make. n Children are learning how to adopt healthy lifestyles. The childminder takes children to groups where they learn how to grow their own vegetables and fruit. They also engage in cooking, using fresh ingredients to make different foods. The childminder makes full use of her spacious garden for daily opportunities for exercise and fresh air. Children thrive outdoors as they engage in activities, such as tennis. Children enjoy outdoor singing times where they move, dance and sing with energy and enthusiasm.

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need to do better?

5 April 2023 n The childminder seeks and respects the views of children. At the end of each day, she gives children the opportunity to express how they feel about their experiences and activities. She discusses with children their reason for saying they feel happy or sad. This helps the childminder to reflect on and evaluate her teaching and practice. n The childminder has a good understanding of children's cultural backgrounds and celebrates their diversity. Children enjoy sharing important festivals, for example by dressing in traditional costumes and sharing cultural activities. These opportunities help children gain an understanding of what makes them unique and what they have in common with others. n The dedicated childminder is committed to enhancing her knowledge and teaching skills. She networks with other childminders, they share ideas and all benefit from peer support. The childminder undertakes some training, such as

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need to do better?

on safeguarding and first aid. However, she does not place a high enough focus on continued professional development to constantly identify ways to improve her knowledge, teaching and skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has strong safeguarding knowledge. She understands how to recognise signs that children may be at risk of harm or extremist behaviour. The childminder has good knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of any concern about a child. She also knows how to report any allegations made against herself or anyone in her household. The childminder has a clear safeguarding policy in place which she shares with parents and uses to underpin her good practice. She regularly carries out risk assessments of her home and garden to make sure all areas are safe for children.

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should:

n identify further professional development opportunities to drive knowledge, teaching and practice to the highest levels.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2619109 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10281033 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 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 her and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of her home that she uses with children and discussed how she plans her curriculum and operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n A sample of policies and procedures was looked at by the inspector. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

5 April 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

5 April 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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