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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a welcoming, home-from-home environment. Children are confident in their surroundings, and they behave well. They quickly develop wonderfully warm relationships, and these strong early attachments support their confidence and self-esteem. Younger children cuddle the childminder when they want to rest and put their arms out to be picked up. Children feel safe and secure as they sit on the floor with the childminder to read stories. They watch her mouth as she speaks, and they observe her actions with interest as she points at and counts out the ladybirds that they can see. Younger children are encouraged to help open the flaps and turn the pages in the books. The childminder models language well as she continuously talks to the children throughout.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate high levels of concentration. Planned activities capture their attention, enabling them to practise a range of skills during their play. For example, younger children develop their hand-to-eye coordination as they carefully peel the backing paper from foam stickers and push colourful pipe cleaners into small holes on a colander. Children are learning early mathematical concepts, such as space and shape, as they work out the correct hole to put different shapes into on a shape sorter. The childminder talks to them about what they are doing as they play and explore these items together.

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need to do better?

n The childminder evaluates her own practice well and identifies new training ideas. She is aware of areas that need improvement and seeks support and advice from other professionals to aid in further developing her knowledge in early years practice. The childminder has allowed her paediatric first-aid qualification to lapse. However, she has kept her knowledge up to date to ensure that, in the event of an accident, she can provide effective first-aid treatment to children. n Children are very independent. They put their shoes away, hang up their coats and feed themselves. Children can choose what they wish to play with and are confident in having a go during activities. Children clearly understand the daily routines and learn how to keep themselves safe from an early age. For example, children understand road safety and learn to hold hands with the childminder when on outings or crossing the road. n The childminder is aware of every child's background and individual needs. She

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need to do better?

focuses on ensuring the children are exposed to a variety of new and interesting experiences. For example, for Chinese New Year, children discuss the tradition of giving red envelopes to family and friends to wish them good luck, and they try new foods such as moon cakes. Children learn about the wider world when the childminder takes them on woodland walks to observe nature and visit local

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need to do better?

20 April 2023 parks and sensory rooms. n Children demonstrate positive behaviour and attitudes. They are respectful of the childminder's home and clearly understand the house rules such as being fair and sharing toys. The childminder encourages discussions when there are disagreements, and she ensures that each child has the opportunity to be heard. When younger children become upset, the childminder uses distraction and comfort. The childminder speaks in a positive and encouraging way to the children. She offers praise and congratulates them when they do something well. This gives them a sense of pride and helps in building their trust. n The childminder plans her curriculum by observing the children at play and following their interests. She knows children's starting points and the progress they have made, and she has identified next steps for them to achieve. She notices things that children are particularly enjoying or that they talk about and

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need to do better?

then tries to plan activities around this. However, the childminder does not fully consider the intent behind some of the activities that she has planned and what learning is being achieved. n Parents are very complimentary about the childminder. They enjoy seeing the friendships their children are making and how excited they are when attending the setting. Parents comment on the childminder's reliability and dedication to the children in her care. They feel she is well organised and welcoming and that their children are safe and happy. Parents are appreciative of the detailed feedback they receive from the childminder and enjoy attending the mini parents' evenings that she arranges.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities regarding children's safety and well-being. She understands the actions to take if there are any concerns about a child's welfare or if an allegation is made about herself. She can confidently talk about what she would do in a range of safeguarding scenarios to keep children safe from harm. The childminder ensures her home is a safe environment for children and any risks are minimised. She closely supervises children and teaches them how to keep themselves safe.

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Due date

maintain a current paediatric first-aid certificate. 30/04/2023

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should:

n develop your knowledge and understanding about the intent and purpose behind activities and what children are learning from them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2569078 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10280842 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 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning discussion together to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector made observations throughout the inspection of children's experiences in the setting. n Parents shared their views of the childminder's setting with the inspector through written feedback. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector interacted with the children at appropriate times during the inspection and observed their interactions with the childminder. n The inspector viewed the areas of the premises that are used for childminding. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included

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Inspection activities

evidence of training and the suitability of household members.

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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 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

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

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