Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Children are not consistently provided with a well-planned curriculum that extends their learning and development. Activities are not always well planned. Furthermore, the childminder does not always support the children's curiosity and development as they independently play with their chosen toys. Nevertheless, children demonstrate that they are happy to attend. Young children feel the different textured animals in books and learn to turn the pages. The childminder introduces new words to the children, such as 'teddy' and 'doll', which they try to copy.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children are provided with coloured crayons and paper. Young children learn how to grip the crayon and are shown how to make marks on the paper. They are also provided with pictorial stickers to peel and stick on their paper. However, this was too difficult for young children, who became at times frustrated, and, therefore, required help. The childminder places high priority on providing daily opportunities for the children to participate in activities within the local community. For example, children make new friends when they attend toddler groups. This supports their social development as they learn to mix and join in activities with other children. Children also visit the farm and access apparatus, such as climbing equipment in the park.

p.2

need to do better?

n Since the last inspection, the childminder has made some improvements to her practice. Risk assessment procedures are now effective, and the childminder has successfully developed her child protection knowledge. However, while the childminder has completed some training since the last inspection, this is not yet sufficient to support her to raise her knowledge and the quality of learning opportunities provided for the children in her care. n The childminder has begun to develop her curriculum. For example, since the last inspection, she is now able to demonstrate a broader understanding of the seven areas of learning, including the areas of learning that are particularly important for young children. However, her curriculum is not yet planned and implemented effectively enough to consistently build on what the children know and can already do. n The childminder has an appropriate overview of the children in her care.

p.2

need to do better?

However, she is unable to demonstrate how she makes accurate assessments of the children's progress. This does not enable her to identify potential gaps in a child's learning and any emerging concerns across all areas of their development. n The childminder demonstrates a caring approach to her role. Children form close bonds with the childminder, seeking a cuddle if reassurance is required. This

p.2

need to do better?

12 July 2023 demonstrates that the children feel safe and secure. The childminder discusses boundaries with the children, which supports then to learn appropriate behaviours. Parents comment positively about the care provided by the childminder and are pleased with the care and learning opportunities provided. n The childminder develops appropriate relationships with the children's parents. She obtains information at the start of a child's placement regarding their care and stage of development. The childminder shares information about the children's day on collection. However, procedures to share more detailed information about the children's development and progress are yet not sufficiently robust. n On the day of the inspection, the childminder failed to ensure that fresh drinking water was available and accessible to children. This was over a period of several hours and means that a child could potentially become dehydrated.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibilities to keep children safe. She demonstrates a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse, including wider aspects of safeguarding, such as radicalisation. The childminder understands how to make a referral to the relevant agencies if she has concerns about the children in her care. This includes what action to take if an allegation is made against her.

p.3

Due date

improve interactions with the children to ensure they receive consistently meaningful learning experiences that build on what they know and can already do 15/09/2023

p.3

Due date

improve assessment procedures to effectively identify potential gaps in a child's learning and any emerging concerns across all areas of their development 15/09/2023

p.3

Due date

12 July 2023 ensure professional development opportunities are used to continue to identify gaps in knowledge and skills that will help to raise the quality of the curriculum and learning activities provided for the children 15/09/2023

p.3

Due date

ensure fresh drinking water is available and accessible to the children at all times. 13/07/2023

p.4

should:

n develop procedures to share more detailed information about the children's development and progress.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY344544 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10283995 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 2 March 2023

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector observed children taking part in activities with the childminder and assessed the impact on children's learning. n A sample of documents were reviewed by the inspector. This included evidence of the suitability of household members. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided at the inspection and from speaking to them.

p.5

Inspection activities

12 July 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

12 July 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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