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 Met

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The provision is good

Children thrive in this home-from-home setting. The childminder focuses on creating strong attachments with children from the moment they start. This helps children to develop confidence in the home, knowing she is close by. Children are comfortable with visitors, proudly showing them the pieces of play dough they have cut.

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The provision is good

As children arrive, they know to take off their shoes and coat and make their way to the main room. This demonstrates children's understanding of the childminder's expectations of them. Children delight as they see the space activities set up and immediately bring over some stars to show the childminder. The childminder follows children's interests to create activities, linking them to gaps in children's learning.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They are free to explore the whole environment independently and enjoy making their own choices about their learning. Children engage in activities for long periods. The childminder supports children with taking turns and sharing the toys. Children of all ages socialise well together. Older children enjoy sharing the play dough mark makers with younger children. They role model how to use the different sticks before watching as the younger children use them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder recognises the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the children in her care, particularly on their language development. As a result, the childminder encourages children to talk and develop their language at every opportunity. For example, while jumping on the trampoline, children sing songs and make the noises of different animals. Later, children read stories with the childminder. They talk about the pictures, making links between them and the words on the page. n Children are happy in the setting. They laugh and smile as they run around together and play in the garden. All children make good progress in their learning. The childminder works with other professionals to ensure all children receive additional support if needed. She adapts all activities to meet the age and stages of all children. However, she does not always allow older children time to think of their own ideas, often providing answers quicker than needed.

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need to do better?

n Children learn how to develop healthy lifestyles within the setting. The childminder creates activities where children learn about the importance of oral health. She provides all meals and snacks, ensuring a healthy, balanced diet. Children enjoy trying new foods and helping to prepare snacks. n The childminder works closely with another childminder. This allows the

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need to do better?

20 June 2023 childminder to provide opportunities that the children may not otherwise get. The childminders share and create ideas for activities together as well as supporting each other's practice. Children have opportunities to socialise with other adults and children when with the other childminder. This helps them to gain confidence in other settings and surroundings. n Parents speak very highly of the childminder and she creates successful parent partnerships. The childminder communicates daily with parents. She shares information about activities that are available for the children as well as about their daily needs. The childminder shares children's next steps in learning with parents regularly. However, she does not always share ideas with parents about how they can support their children's learning at home. n The childminder provides children with a wide range of opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, while playing with the play dough, children

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need to do better?

manipulate the dough into different shapes, strengthening their finger muscles. Later, in the garden, children use chalks to create large marks and pictures on the floor. This builds their shoulder muscles, readying them for early writing. Children enjoy climbing, swinging and jumping on the wide range of resources that the childminder has available in her setting. n The childminder reflects on her setting and her practice. She uses her knowledge of the children to create activities they will enjoy and benefit from. The childminder completes regular training, focusing on areas that will benefit the children the most. The childminder is passionate and enthusiastic about her work.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder provides all children with a safe environment for them to play and learn in. The childminder's understanding of safeguarding is good and she regularly updates her training and knowledge. She is very aware of the recording and reporting processes required should she have a concern about a child. The childminder has excellent knowledge of the possible signs that could indicate a child may be at risk of harm. She is aware of local issues, such as county lines, and the impact these may have on the children in her care. A robust safeguarding policy underpins her excellent practice.

p.3

should:

n provide older children with more time to think of their own thoughts and ideas n enhance the already good parent partnerships even further so that all parents are clear about how they can support their child's learning at home.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY492353 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10289645 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

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 30 November 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates her provision from 8am to 6pm, Tuesday to Friday, term time only. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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 childminder. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector and the childminder talked about the education provided indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documents on request.

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Inspection activities

20 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

20 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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