Parsons Ann

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children enjoy spending time in this exciting environment. They arrive happily and are keen to explore the many learning opportunities the childminder provides. Children proudly create and display their crafts in their well-equipped playroom. They enjoy exploring the ball pool and read stories in the homely living area. Children have continuous access to particularly stimulating outdoor spaces. They learn about life cycles by observing the birds nesting in the aviary and exploring the frogs in the safe pond area. Children plant their own flowers to attract the bees, and make their own honey to take home.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate high levels of confidence. They greet visitors enthusiastically and introduce themselves and their friends. Children are excited to show visitors around the setting and engage them in their play. For example, children delight at showing off the various pets they care for. Children develop a deep sense of pride in their accomplishments. The childminder encourages this by consistently offering praise for their efforts and achievements in all activities.

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The provision is good

Children are learning to be independent. The childminder supports this by encouraging children to complete age-appropriate tasks in the setting. For example, children tidy away toys before meals and snacks and are supported to put on their own shoes before going outside. This helps prepare children for the routines of school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder extends children's learning well. She is swift to identify additional learning opportunities in both planned and child-led activities. For example, children explore the noises that various types of paper make in a sensory activity. The childminder skilfully introduces mathematical learning into the activity. She encourages children to explore the various lengths of paper and place them in size order. n Children develop good knowledge of healthy lifestyles. They understand the need to follow appropriate hygiene routines. For example, children know to wash their hands before eating and after playing outdoors. Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. They have continuous access to outdoor play in the extensive garden areas and on trips to the local park. n Parents are highly complementary about the childminder and the care she provides. They appreciate the flexible care she offers, and acknowledge how this

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need to do better?

supports the entire family. Parents value the high quality, daily, communication they receive about children's routines and progress. They discuss how their children enjoy attending the setting and the numerous activities the childminder provides.

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need to do better?

6 June 2023 n The childminder monitors children's progress closely. She demonstrates robust knowledge of their abilities and learning needs. This enables her to support children's development in activities. For example, children are stacking and counting coloured blocks. The childminder encourages children to build specific coloured towers. This supports individual children who are learning to identify colours. n The childminder supports children's critical thinking skills well. She engages with children during activities, asking age-appropriate questions and encouraging them to explore their ideas. For example, children are planting seeds. The childminder supports children to investigate why there might be holes in the pots. They experiment by pouring water on their plants. Children giggle with delight when they discover that the holes are to let water out and stop their seeds getting too wet. n The childminder plans activities to support children's social development. For

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need to do better?

example, children are encouraged to take turns exploring objects hidden in a bag. They discuss with one another what shapes they feel, and what the objects could be. However, on occasion, group activities can become focused on the older and most able children. n Children consistently demonstrate good manners and are kind to one another. For example, older children help their young friends in tasks such as reaching their favourite toys. The childminder is a good role model. She always demonstrates polite and respectful behaviour towards children and adults. However, some children would benefit from more consistent teaching to support their understanding of rules and boundaries during activities.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates robust knowledge of the signs which could indicate a child is at risk of harm. She explains the correct process to follow when reporting concerns to the appropriate authority, and understands the need to do so in a timely manner. The childminder completes regular first-aid and safeguarding training in line with local authority guidelines. She completes comprehensive risk assessments of all areas of her home to ensure that it remains safe for all children.

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should:

n identify ways to better support the individual needs of all children in group activities n develop appropriate strategies to support children to gather a deeper understanding of behaviour expectations during activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129260 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10289329 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 11 Date of previous inspection 21 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The childminder operates all year round, from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector considered the views of parents by speaking to several and 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

6 June 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

6 June 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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