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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and confident in this caring and nurturing setting. They eagerly explore the variety of activities available, sharing their play with the childminder. Children develop strong friendships and demonstrate care for each other. Older children delight in caring for the younger children. They ensure the smaller toys they use are put out of reach of the younger children, following the childminder's lead in keeping the toddlers safe.

p.2

The provision is good

The close bond the children have with the childminder is clear. Lots of cuddles and laughter features throughout the day and emotional attachments are secure. She meets their emotional needs well. Children feel safe and settled in her care. The older children respect and trust the childminder. They feel comfortable to share any worries or concerns with her, receiving caring, thoughtful support.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder encourages children to develop a 'can-do' attitude and resilience when things do not go to plan. The childminder counts the blocks that children are building as they get higher, and they laugh a lot as the blocks come tumbling down. The childminder suggests they try again, and the children eagerly follow her lead. Older children play board games. Children learn to take turns, share in their friends' success and also accept that they may lose sometimes. Children receive lots of praise for demonstrating positive attitudes.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children well. She has a clear understanding of what she wants children to learn. She follows the children's interests and skilfully introduces opportunities to develop their play. As children develop a fascination with animals, the childminder introduces more animal-related activities. These include stories with animals, animal toys and toys that make animal sounds, to extend the learning opportunities. n Children enjoy exploring the garden. The childminder recognises some children in her care do not like the feeling of having messy hands. She replaces sand with pebbles for tipping and pouring. When potting plants, the suitable tools provided enable children to access the activity without getting too messy. The childminder adapts activities to meet individual children's needs, thereby ensuring they can access a broad curriculum. n Children are supported to develop their independence and are encouraged to

p.2

need to do better?

help from an early age. For example, young children carry their own nappy to the changing area. They pull out the wet wipes and hand them to the childminder. n The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children receive consistent boundaries. Parents' wishes are respected and followed. The childminder uses a

p.2

need to do better?

18 April 2023 gentle approach to remind children what they can and cannot do, reinforced with praise for making the right choice. n The childminder is confident in identifying a delay in developmental progress. She works in partnership with parents to support children. However, she is not fully aware of how to help parents seek further support from outside agencies when appropriate. n Children's routines are consistently followed and planned with the parents to ensure children's needs are met. The childminder recognises when children become hungry and are ready for snack. She knows when they show tiredness and are in need of a nap. The daily routine is planned around the children's individual care needs. This ensures children receive the rest their bodies need for them to feel ready for the rest of the day. n Younger children enjoy regular outings to toddler groups. They also meet up with other childminders to widen children's friendships. Visits to the local park

p.2

need to do better?

are frequent, giving children lots of opportunity to get exercise and fresh air. The childminder understands the importance of broadening children's horizons. She takes them on trips to local museums and visitor attractions. n Parents praise the childminder highly. They feel well informed of their children's day and the progress they are making. They report that their children's well- being is prioritised. They feel children flourish here.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She maintains regular safeguarding training to ensure her knowledge is up to date. She is confident in her knowledge of how to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows the procedures of how and when to report a concern about a child's welfare. She talks confidently about what to do in a range of scenarios. She holds a current paediatric first-aid certificate. The home is regularly risk assessed and maintained to a high standard.

p.3

should:

n develop awareness of the wider local support services available to appropriately signpost parents to professional guidance in relation to their children's development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 129755 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10279886 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 5 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 11 September 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Abbots Langley. She operates all year round from 7.15am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector, as part of the learning walk, about the intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

18 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

18 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6