Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

This provision meets requirements

The childminder offers a safe and comfortable environment for all children. Children are able to move around the setting independently, which the childminder encourages. Children initiate their own play as well as choosing to play games with others, such as chess and board games. The childminder knows children well. Children are settled and secure in the care of the childminder, and young children show a strong attachment to her. As a result, they are happy, confident and behave well. Children happily follow familiar routines and boundaries, which enables them to learn how to keep themselves and others safe. Children are given a choice of home-cooked meals and snacks and enjoy eating together with their friends. This is a social time where children have opportunities to share conversations with their friends while making healthy choices. Children enjoy using the different toys and resources available, including a variety of mark-making tools.

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This provision meets requirements

They help each other to access these tools if needed. For example, older children help younger children to use pencils and felt-tip pens.

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This provision meets requirements

The childminder has strong partnerships with parents, who are happy with the good communication from the childminder. For example, they tell the inspector, 'My child loves it here.' Children enjoy playing outdoors. They regularly visit local areas of interest, including the park. The childminder uses outdoor opportunities to promote children's physical well-being.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's home is well organised. Children are provided with a good range of activities and resources, which are cleaned and rotated regularly. Children also freely access comfortable, cosy areas which enable them to relax and socialise with their peers. This allows children the space and freedom they need and promotes their emotional well-being. n The childminder teaches children how to be safe. She places particular importance on road safety, and children can explain the procedure they follow when walking to and from school. n A wide variety of books that meet all children's needs and interests are available in the setting. Children choose a book and also help others to find a book they may like. The childminder understands the importance of her role in promoting children's literacy skills. n The qualified childminder keeps all training up to date on a variety topics. She is very experienced and shares her knowledge with local childminders on a termly

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need to do better?

basis. She uses her organisational memberships to keep up to date with sector changes. n The childminder has strong partnerships with parents, who are very

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need to do better?

19 April 2023 complimentary about the service she provides. They comment, 'We are really happy here.' Many families say how approachable and welcoming the childminder is. n The childminder supports children's self-care skills by modelling, explaining and allowing children to manage their own personal needs. For example, children sanitise and wash their hands independently and also help younger children to do this. Children are independent, confident and understand the importance of keeping their bodies healthy. n Children behave extremely well. They understand the childminder's expectations and rules of the setting and are able to explain their importance and why they are needed. n The childminder provides home-cooked meals, which children choose from a variety of healthy options. However, the childminder has not considered how to involve older children in the preparation of these meals to raise their levels of

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need to do better?

participation and involvement. n The childminder knows children well. She has strong links with local schools, and any feedback and messages are passed on to parents. This free flow of information allows families to understand what has happened during their child's day, and any concerns are addressed.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder attends regular online safeguarding and child protection training to ensure that her knowledge is up to date. The childminder is confident to explain local reporting procedures regarding children's welfare and is knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She understands the importance of recording children's non-attendance and has recently updated her training on the 'Prevent' duty. The childminder ensures that the environment and resources are safe for children to use and has consistent strategies to keep children safe on outings.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY435234 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10280688 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 11 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection 30 August 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. She operates during school term time from 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder holds qualified teacher status.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. 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 the children. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

19 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

19 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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