Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Inadequate

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The provision requires improvement

Children enjoy listening to their favourite stories. The childminder encourages the children to count the trees in the book. Children point to the shapes in the book. The childminder sings lots of familiar action songs and rhymes. This helps to develop their communication skills and their understanding of literacy and numbers. Children are secure in their surroundings. However, at times, some children do not always have activities planned to meet their needs and they do not engage with them fully, as they are too young to understand. For example, while painting with coloured ice cubes, younger children are keen to feel the ice on their mouths. However, they are unable to do this due to the added paint.

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The provision requires improvement

Children learn to be independent in preparation for the next stage of their learning. For example, younger children use a spoon to feed themselves and drink from a cup. Children wash their hands before and after lunch. The childminder praises them and says 'Well done' when they have a go. This helps to develop children's self-esteem and confidence. Children generally play well together. However, there are times when more confident children struggle with sharing and the childminder does not always manage these situations effectively.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has taken steps to improve her knowledge and understanding of how children learn. She has undertaken training and meets with other childminders. This allows her to improve and share her practice with other childminders. She observes the children and plans what she wants children to learn next. However, the childminder does not consistently plan activities that build on children's learning. In addition, some activities are not appropriate for the youngest children. For example, younger children spend a long time sitting at the table trying to write. Nevertheless, all children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are making some progress in their development. n At times, the behaviour management strategies that the childminder uses are not effective. For example, although the childminder explains about sharing and taking turns when children take toys from one another, they still repeat the

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need to do better?

behaviour. This shows that children do not fully understand what they are being asked to do. Children have not yet learned how to follow the rules consistently. n Children demonstrate good concentration skills for their age. For example, younger children carefully build with bricks to make a tower. They demonstrate their hand-to-eye coordination, carefully pushing the bricks together. Children show determination as they rebuild their tower after it falls. n The childminder plans opportunities for children to explore the local environment and develop their social skills outside of her home setting. They visit local

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need to do better?

27 April 2023 playgroups and the park. The childminder uses these opportunities to engage the children's learning and extend their knowledge. This helps children to learn about the world they live in and provides opportunities for them to enjoy different learning experiences. n The childminder is a good role model and provides a calm environment. She speaks calmly and sensitively to children. The childminder warmly embraces younger children and is quick to notice when children appear hungry or tired. This has a positive impact on children's emotional well-being and helps them to feel secure in her care. n Nappy changing routines ensure children remain comfortable throughout the day. The childminder is consistent in following good hygiene routines to help minimise the spread of infection. n The childminder helps children to learn about healthy lifestyles. She prepares healthy snacks and encourages parents to provide healthy packed lunches.

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need to do better?

n The childminder identifies potential risks in the environment and addresses these promptly. She helps children to gain an awareness of staying safe. n The childminder gets to know the children well. She obtains a good range of information from parents before children start with her. This enables her to match activities to children's likes and dislikes. She gives parents feedback about their children's day.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Since the last inspection, the childminder has developed a better understanding of how to safeguard children. She recognises the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She is aware of safeguarding issues, including the risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. She has updated her training and understands the possible signs that may indicate a child could be at risk of female genital mutilation. The childminder knows the procedures to follow if she needs to raise concerns about children's welfare. She has a paediatric first-aid qualification. This helps her to provide the appropriate care in the event of an accident.

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Due date

develop behaviour management techniques to ensure that when children struggle with sharing, it does not have an impact on the other children 25/05/2023

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Due date

27 April 2023 target children's needs more accurately, to ensure they access appropriate learning opportunities for their age and stage of development at all times. 25/05/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY411398 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10262762 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory 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 1 November 2022

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round, from 7.30am until 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development with a particular focus on communication and language. 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

27 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

27 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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