Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with this welcoming, caring childminder. They reflect her positive approach and talk proudly about their achievements. For example, they explain how they learned to skip, eagerly demonstrating this. Children are confident and often challenge themselves. For instance, after mastering the skill of skipping independently, they then try this with two children holding the rope and one skipping. Children play happily together, eagerly explaining their play and inviting their friends to join in. The childminder offers sensitive support, helping children to learn to negotiate and resolve any differences or misunderstandings.

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This provision meets requirements

Children gain a practical understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. They talk with the childminder about the germs that could be on their hands and why it is important to wash their hands before eating. Ongoing discussions and clear boundaries support children in gaining a good understanding of safety. For instance, children readily explain why only two children at a time can play on the climbing frame. The childminder is sensitive to potential effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns. She maintained contact with all families during these times and offered children additional support when they returned to school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is conscientious and carefully considers all areas of her practice and how this affects children. She continuously builds her knowledge, for example, through completing training and carrying out her own reading and research. Recent training has enabled her to better understand and support children's mental health. The childminder makes changes that improve children's experiences. For instance, she is planning to introduce a cosy area, where children can sit and read. n The childminder is clear that children need time to rest after a busy day at school. She ensures that children have time to talk about their day and chatter to their friends. Children enjoy the freedom to choose what to play with and where to play. The skilled childminder makes good decisions about when to intervene in children's play, allowing them time to organise this and to explore. n The childminder speaks clearly to children, repeating any new words and making

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need to do better?

sure children understand these. Children are confident and develop their good language skills as they play and talk to one another. For example, they talk animatedly as they describe how they 'launch' a toy rocket. n The childminder uses opportunities to reinforce children's knowledge. For example, children use their mathematical knowledge as they count the number of cones they have set out. They add further cones and count again, stating

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need to do better?

15 May 2023 'there are more now'. n Children have many opportunities to develop their physical skills. They improve their hand-eye coordination as they throw hoops onto cones. They develop their smaller hand muscles as they choose pens and pencils and concentrate as they draw intricate pictures. n Practical discussions and activities help children to appreciate differences. They talk about their similarities, such as the need for food and water. They then expand on this as they discuss their differences and what makes them unique, such as their interests, needs and culture. n The childminder works well with the schools children attend and understands what they are learning and the support they need. She offers fun activities that aid children's learning. For example, children use letter stampers and readily recognise the letters in their names. n Parents value the care offered by the childminder. They report that she offers

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need to do better?

children a 'safe and enriching environment' and takes care to understand children's personalities. Parents appreciate the childminder's good communication, so that they always know what their children have been doing.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding. She knows how to recognise possible welfare concerns in a child's life and report these to the correct agency without delay. She understands the procedure to follow should anyone accuse her of harming a child or if she has concerns about another childcare practitioner. The childminder is aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation and exposure to radical views. Additionally, she is aware of the potential risks associated with use of the internet and takes appropriate action to protect children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489567 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10285361 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 7 Date of previous inspection 3 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Berkhamsted. She generally operates during term time only but does offer care during some school holidays. Usual hours are from 7.30 am to 8.55am and from 3pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas used for childcare and discussed how they ensure these are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed children playing inside and outside. The inspector and the childminder discussed an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of household members. n The inspector held discussions with children and took account of their views. Additionally, she viewed written feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

15 May 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

15 May 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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