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 that they feel safe and settled in the care of this positive and enthusiastic childminder. They have a clear sense of belonging and a good bond with her. For example, they confidently explore and play with toys that the childminder provides, and they often go to her for comfort and reassurance cuddles. Young children develop their independence with the support of the childminder. They learn to tidy away their toys and wash their hands before and after mealtimes. Children enjoy being given small tasks and learning new skills, such as getting themselves dressed. The childminder offers regular praise as she claps and tells them 'well done'. This helps to raise children's confidence in their own abilities.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from the wide range of learning experiences that the childminder plans. Visits to soft-play centres and farms offer them the chance to socialise with others and learn about nature and the world around them. Yoga and calming sensory sessions help children to practise relaxing their mind and moving their bodies in different ways. Children are learning how to behave positively in the setting and how to be kind to others through regular, gentle reminders. They understand the structure and routines of their day as the childminder ensures that she explains what is going to happen next, such as snack or story time. Children feel secure and included as a result.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear and planned curriculum that covers all areas of learning. She collects information about what children already know and can do when they first start, and she builds on this by regularly tracking their development. The childminder observes the children at play to understand their interests. She then plans activities that build effectively around these interests to extend their learning and ensure that they are making good progress. n The childminder provides children with attentive and responsive interactions. She sits with them on the floor, and she engages with them by talking about the toys that they are playing with. The childminder looks at storybooks with the children, and she uses words, such as 'twist' and 'saw', during activities. However, in the childminder's eagerness during play, she often asks the children questions and then answers for them. This does not allow children the time to

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need to do better?

think about what has been said to them, so that they can respond or act on it. Furthermore, the childminder does not always model words that support younger children's growing vocabulary. n Children are developing their understanding of mathematical concepts. The childminder links new information with what the children already know to further their knowledge. For example, she talks to the children about a star shape and

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need to do better?

21 June 2023 then links this with the nursery rhyme 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' by singing it to them. Children learn about size and numbers as the childminder talks to them about 'big' and 'small' and counts their animal toys out loud with them. Children demonstrate their positive attitude to learning as they listen and concentrate well during activities. n The childminder forms supportive relationships with parents. She shares useful information with them and invites their feedback about the setting and activities offered. The childminder helps parents to further their children's learning at home by providing resources for them to use. Parents comment that their children are progressing well and that they are happy and settled in the childminder's care. n Children behave well. They are encouraged to share with one another and are regularly reminded to be careful and kind when there are any disagreements.

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need to do better?

Children receive reward stickers and certificates for good behaviour and 'wow' moments, which they take great pride in showing to their families. n The childminder supports children to develop their physical skills by ensuring they have opportunities to move in a variety of different ways each day. Children go to the local parks, jump in puddles and negotiate obstacle courses that the childminder has set up for them in her garden. Children learn how to take care of their own bodies as they enjoy healthy meals and learn about oral hygiene and healthy eating.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder fully understands her responsibilities to protect children from harm. She knows the potential signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse, including risks associated with female genital mutilation or extremist behaviours. She is aware of the referral procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child's welfare. In addition, she is clear about the recording of accidents and incidents and the process to follow for any potential allegations made about her practice. The childminder continues to update her knowledge and skills by attending relevant training, and she teaches the children about how to keep themselves safe.

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should:

n help younger children to extend their growing vocabulary and demonstrate to them how to pronounce words correctly n give children more time to respond to questions so that they can process their thoughts and think through their ideas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY491890 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10285597 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 4 Date of previous inspection 11 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Shenley, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 8am to 1pm on Friday. The childminder holds a relevant level 3 qualification and provides funded early education for two-, 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 inspector made observations throughout the inspection of children's experiences in the setting. n Parents shared their views of the childminder's setting with the inspector through written feedback. n The inspector interacted with the children at appropriate times during the inspection and observed their interactions with the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning discussion together to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector viewed the areas of the premises that are used for childminding. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included

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Inspection activities

evidence of training and the suitability of household members.

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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

21 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

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

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