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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with their friends in this warm, nurturing setting. They are excited to explore carefully planned activities, both indoors and in the vast and exciting garden. For example, children are keen to water their herbs and plants and make 'soup' in their outdoor kitchen. Children develop close bonds with the childminder and her family, fondly recalling past activities they have enjoyed together. For example, children enthusiastically tell visitors about the elephants and tigers they saw on a recent trip to the zoo.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate confidence and enthusiasm during all activities and routines. The childminder supports this by encouraging children to complete age-appropriate tasks. For example, children prepare their own snacks and tidy away after meals. The childminder offers immense praise for children's efforts and achievements. This supports children's self-esteem and well-being.

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The provision is good

Children's interests are a priority when the childminder plans exciting and challenging learning opportunities. She understands that children learn best when engaged in stimulating activities. For example, the childminder uses children's interest in construction vehicles to support their mathematical and language development. Children learn new words such as 'excavate'. The childminder encourages them to count stones and rocks and place them in size order.

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need to do better?

n The childminder reflects diligently on all areas of her practice. She regularly assesses the environment and makes well-considered changes to meet the needs of children. For example, the childminder is in the process of creating a self-contained classroom for children to explore. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder works hard to maintain high-quality means of communication to meet the needs of all families. Parents appreciate the detailed information they receive about children's daily routines and progress. They value the close emotional bonds children form with the childminder. Parents appreciate how this enables children to settle swiftly in her care. n The childminder supports children's curiosity well during all activities. She listens intently to children's ideas and encourages them to explore these further. The childminder asks age-appropriate questions throughout children's play. She

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need to do better?

allows them plenty of time to think their ideas through and respond. For example, children are deciding where best to put their wet hats to dry. The childminder encourages them to explore where in the garden is warmest. Children independently deduce that this will be where the sun shines, so not to dry their hats in the shade.

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need to do better?

23 May 2023 n The childminder monitors children's progress closely. She completes detailed assessments to identify areas for development. She communicates her findings with parents and shares ideas to enhance children's learning at home. She uses her past experiences and professional knowledge to provide additional support for children, where necessary. For example, the childminder shares strategies with parents to support children's emotional well-being. n Children are learning about the importance of healthy lifestyles. The childminder encourages them to develop a strong understanding of healthy eating. Children grow various fruits and vegetables in the setting, which they enjoy eating for their snacks. They have plenty of access to outdoor play in the extensive garden area and on trips out to local parks and the zoo. n The childminder has a strong understanding of how children learn. She plans interesting activities based on children's interests and learning needs. For

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need to do better?

example, in the hot weather, children enthusiastically use spray bottles with water to cool one another down. The childminder explains how this develops children's hand muscles and fine motor skills in preparation for writing. n Children behave well in the setting. For example, they remind one another to use their 'walking feet' when indoors. They understand that this is so that they do not trip and hurt themselves. Children are kind to one another. They help their friends with tasks and fetch toys for them to play with. However, when, on occasion, children do not follow the setting rules, the childminder does not consistently support them to develop strategies to independently manage conflict in their play.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder confidently discusses the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk of harm. She is aware of the correct process to follow when reporting concerns to the appropriate authority and the need to do so in a timely manner. The childminder completes safeguarding and first-aid training in accordance with local authority requirements. This ensures that her knowledge remains up to date. The childminder diligently completes robust risk assessments of her home to create a safe environment for children to explore. She supervises children well during all activities and routines.

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should:

n consistently implement the setting's robust behaviour management strategies to reinforce children's knowledge of appropriate behaviour.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY485853 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10280797 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 6 Date of previous inspection 28 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 6. She provides overnight care.

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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 inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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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

23 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

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

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