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 Good

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate they feel happy and secure in the childminder's care. They develop strong attachments to her and they have fun together. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder. They eagerly point to pictures and are beginning to use words and animal sounds in response to her questions. The childminder places children's favourite books in places where they can easily access them. This encourages children to choose books for themselves and develop independent learning skills.

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The provision is good

Children are very active and enjoy exploring. They learn how to make toys work by pressing buttons. For example, as they pretend to make tea, children press the start button on the toy kettle and wait for the light to go off before pretending to pour. Children are learning independence. They know what is required of them, such as to wash their hands before snack and to stay at the table until they have finished eating. They are keen to help the childminder as they wipe up spills and put paper towels into the bin. Children listen well to the childminder and their behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The childminder gets to know children well when they start at her setting. She finds out what they can already do and what experiences they have at home. The childminder is aware of where children are in their development. She observes them closely and uses her observations and assessments to identify what children need to learn next. n Children are developing strong skills which prepare them well for future learning. They build towers with ease, carefully placing bobbins on each other's towers. Children's hand-eye coordination is very good. The childminder helps children to learn how to problem solve. She talks to them about how they could use other resources to mend a gap in a fence they are making while playing with animals. Children use blocks for a gate and happily continue with their play. n The childminder helps children develop strong communication and language skills. She talks to children as they play, using clear descriptive language. The

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need to do better?

childminder consistently shares books with children. She pauses during stories to ask questions and to give children time to talk about what they can see in the pictures. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They say their children are very happy to attend her setting and are making good progress. Parents state the childminder provides a nurturing environment for children, and goes above and beyond to meet their needs. n Children benefit from a wide range of outdoor activities and experiences. The childminder uses her garden to provide many opportunities for children to be

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need to do better?

13 June 2023 active and enjoy nature. She talks about how she meets with other childminders and their children. This gives children opportunities to widen their friendship groups and develop strong social skills. n Children are developing good early writing skills. Young children hold crayons well and make marks using circular movements. Children are proud of their achievements and talk about how they will show the pictures to their parents. The childminder explains how she helps older children to gain skills they need for moving on to school. For example, they learn to write their names and develop strong independence skills. n The childminder has strong links with other childminders. They meet together regularly, and this provides the childminder with opportunities to hold professional discussions with others. She undertakes statutory training, such as covering first aid and safeguarding. The childminder talks about how new

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need to do better?

knowledge impacts on her practice and skills. However, she does not routinely identify and use professional development opportunities to further extend her teaching skills and knowledge.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has strong safeguarding knowledge. She understands how to recognise signs that children may be at risk of harm or extremist behaviour. The childminder has good knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of any concern about a child. She also knows how to report any allegations made against herself or anyone in her household. The childminder has a clear safeguarding policy in place which she shares with parents, and uses this to underpin her good practice. She regularly risk assesses her home and garden to make sure all areas are safe for children to use.

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should:

n identify and use a wider range of professional development opportunities to further enhance teaching skills and knowledge.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489365 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10285439 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 5 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Abbots Langley. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years 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 her and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of her home that she uses with children and discussed how she plans her curriculum and operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n A sample of policies and procedures was looked at by the inspector. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector took account of the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

13 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

13 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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