Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

This provision meets requirements

Children are warmly greeted by the childminder as she collects them from their class at school. They are responsible and respectful individuals as they store their belongings and take off their shoes before entering the childminder's home. Children are eager to choose from a rich range of experiences and activities that reflect their interests. They particularly enjoy spending time in the tepee, where they chat to their friends. Children benefit from supervised access to the internet, where they research things that they are inquisitive about, such as a Tasmanian tiger.

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This provision meets requirements

Children have a wonderful time operating the bubble machine. They swiftly solve problems together when it briefly stops working. Children say that they love attending because they like to play with their friends and there is always lots to choose from. They welcome the childminder's sensitive interactions in their play. Children love challenges. They persevere to squeeze all the pieces of sponge into a plastic jug to cover a toy octopus. Children work out that if they soak the sponges in water this will weigh them down. Children treat each other, the childminder, assistant and the environment with respect. For instance, they always use polite language and know to recycle the paper they have finished using and ice cream wrappers. Children show a strong sense of belonging. They proudly show authorised visitors their artwork and eagerly explain how they plan to enhance it.

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need to do better?

n The childminder takes the time to get to know children well prior to them attending. She visits children and their parents in their own home. This successfully builds early bonds and enables the childminder to find out a wealth of information about children's interests and what they know and can do. She uses this information well to inform her practice and help to build on children's skills in partnership with their teachers. n Partnerships with children's teachers are strong. The childminder regularly meets with them to establish how children are progressing in school and to find out about any areas of particular interest they favour. She uses this information well to adapt her practice. This effectively supports children's continuity of learning. n Children are encouraged to assess their own risks and be physically active. Under the close supervision of the childminder and assistant, they sensibly walk

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need to do better?

to the childminder's home. They know to stop and assess when it is safe to cross a road and wait for permission before doing so. Children thoroughly enjoy running around the childminder's garden and crawling through the large tunnel. The childminder's sense of fun motivates children to move their body like a jaguar and hop like a rabbit.

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need to do better?

29 June 2023 n Children learn about keeping themselves healthy. They are provided with a choice of seasonal home-cooked healthy foods, some of which they help to prepare themselves. Children follow good hygiene practices, including washing their hands when needed. n Children of all ages play harmoniously together. They are respectful individuals and show that they understand the clear behavioural boundaries in place. Children listen to each other's ideas and take turns to throw the beanbags back and forth to each other. The assistant's clear explanations not to throw the beanbags too high, so that they do not get lost in the hedge, remind children about the consequences of their actions. n The childminder is dedicated to her professional development. She regularly completes training with her assistant to ensure a consistent approach. The childminder belongs to a network of other childminders, this enables her to

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need to do better?

share and gain new ideas. As a result, this has recently inspired her to introduce a wider range of creative ideas for children. The childminder identifies areas of the assistant's practice to refine, she supports them well in achieving these. n The childminder ensures that parents are fully informed about their children's time in her care. She regularly sends them photographs using a secure app and also shares a wealth of information with parents on collection. Parents speak very highly about the care that their children receive. They appreciate how the childminder encourages children to respect each other's differences. Parents explain how their children absolutely love attending this 'warm and homely environment'. They describe how it feels 'more like a family' than a setting.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and assistant update their safeguarding training on a regular basis, so that they are secure in their abilities to respond to any child deemed at possible risk. They are knowledgeable about wider safeguarding aspects, such as county lines and female genital mutilation. The childminder is confident in the correct procedure to follow should she have a concern about children in her care. The childminder follows strict procedures when dealing with children's long-term medication and/or allergies children have. She conducts ongoing risk assessments of all areas used by children to help ensure that they play in a safe environment. Secure measures are in place, so that children cannot leave unsupervised and unexpected visitors cannot gain access.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY366905 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10286076 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 12 Number of children on roll 15 Date of previous inspection 31 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008. She lives in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire and works with an assistant. She operates during term time only from 7.30am until 9am and from 3.05pm until 6pm, 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 her evaluation of the provider. n The inspector joined the childminder and her assistant on a walk to collect children from their school. n The inspector observed activities and the interaction between the childminder and children. n The childminder and inspector talked about how activities are planned to take account of children's interests and abilities. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder and assistant at appropriate times during the inspection. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the childminder's and assistant's first-aid qualification. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day and their written feedback.

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Inspection activities

29 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

29 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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