Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

This provision meets requirements

Children feel very comfortable in the childminder's home. They are happy and engaged and enjoy the social aspects of the setting. The children talk enthusiastically about their likes and dislikes and share stories about previous experiences, such as visits to the park. The childminder supports the children's conversations and extends their interests about food, the world and animals. The children delight in talking together and share stories about their day. They demonstrate high levels of confidence and self-esteem and have strong and positive relationships with each other. Children have formed strong attachments with the childminder, who has created an environment where their social skills flourish.

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This provision meets requirements

The children follow a well-established routine on arrival at the setting. They independently take off their coats and shoes before washing their hands. They demonstrate high levels of independence in self-care and access resources and activities freely, following their own interests. The childminder provides healthy food, such as a snack platter containing a selection of fruits, vegetables and crackers, and children's individual requests are catered for. Children share a love of food and enjoy the variety on offer. They fondly remember preparing pasta bolognese together and excitedly engage in a joint discussion about their favourite foods and plan a half-term sushi party with the childminder.

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need to do better?

n The organisation of the setting is superb. Children and parents are supported highly effectively from enrolment, when information is gathered by the childminder to ascertain children's individual needs. The childminder understands the importance of keeping accurate records and ensures that documentation is in place and up to date. n Parents are extremely happy with the professional and reliable service the childminder offers. Communication is supportive and trusting relationships have been built. Parents speak positively about the activities and trips offered by the childminder. Parents are happy to recommend the childminder and are especially pleased with the links the childminder has made with the local school. They share many positive examples of how the childminder has supported their children's individual needs and the care and attention she provides to the children. n The children demonstrate a strong interest in group activities, such as drawing,

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need to do better?

board games and construction. They talk openly together, share ideas, tell jokes and have fun as a group. The children are extremely happy in each other's company and laugh and have fun together. They also enjoy role-play

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need to do better?

22 May 2023 opportunities and make up interactive stories as they play with the doll's house. The childminder supports play and interactions thoughtfully. She offers ideas and inspiration, which creates a rich environment where children become deeply immersed in play. n The childminder's home is safe and secure and there are robust security measures in place to keep children safe in the home. The children regularly visit the local community park and places of interest, such as nature reserves. The childminder ensures that effective risk assessments are in place for all trips and maintains high levels of vigilance when out in the community with the children. n Communication with parents is highly effective. The childminder shares information to support children's health and well-being and provides daily feedback. Parents appreciate the feedback provided and value the contribution the childminder makes to their children's lives.

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need to do better?

n Partnership working is strong. The childminder has made valuable links with other local providers and schools. This enables her to gather and share information that helps to support children's needs. Children feel safe with the childminder and often share information about their school day. The childminder provides valued and trusted support for the children during these daily transitions. n The childminder has undertaken training to help her to support children's health and well-being. She provides a holistic approach which allows children time and space to fulfil their own needs. For example, children sit and chat together in quiet spaces outside, and the older children spend time in the cosy seating area talking about their school day. Children are supported to expend their energy with physical activity and then to refuel with healthy snacks and drinks. This helps to support children in building healthy lifestyles for the future.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has attended safeguarding training and keeps up to date through research and by following government guidance. The childminder was proactive in sharing government messages during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she regularly shares health updates with parents about childhood diseases. The childminder has a firm understanding of child protection and the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows what to do and who to report to if she has a concern about a child. The childminder understands the importance of keeping children safe online and has worked alongside the local school to support parents with information about online safety. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regards to the 'Prevent' duty.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY347135 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10285773 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 12 Date of previous inspection 18 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Baldock, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 8am to 9am and from 2.30pm to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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 setting. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children. n The childminder and the inspector had a tour of the setting. They discussed how the childminder keeps children safe. n The inspector spoke to parents and children to gather their views and read parents' written reviews of the setting. n Relevant documentation was viewed during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to the childminder about safeguarding, health and nutrition, online safety and the activities on offer to children.

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Inspection activities

22 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

22 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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