Carrington, Joanna

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in the care of this dedicated childminder. They choose what they want to play with and where they want to play. The childminder follows their interests, building on what the children already know and can do. Children have access to the kitchen, living room and garden. They have a wide variety of activities available to them, both inside and outside. Children concentrate as they play with the toy animals. The childminder extends their learning by explaining where each animal lives. For example, she explains that some of the animals, such as the bison, live in America, and the others are from Africa. The childminder skilfully talks to the children, asks them questions and patiently waits for them to process the question and answer. This supports the development of children's speech and language.

p.2

The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they have formed strong attachments with the childminder. They are keen to invite her to join them in their play. Children are treated with respect and warmth. The childminder is highly responsive to their needs. Children are praised when they help to tidy up. They beam with pride when the childminder congratulates them on their achievements, for example when they correctly identify the different colours of the bricks they have been playing with. This promotes children's self-esteem and well-being.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of the early years curriculum. She uses children's interests to help her to plan interesting learning opportunities. Children make good progress from their starting points. The childminder knows how to sequence children's learning. For example, she explains how she provides a range of different opportunities for children to develop their physical development. Children can play on push-along bikes and cars, learning to balance. They visit the park and learn to climb. This builds children's upper body and core strength. n The childminder creates a highly stimulating learning environment. The indoor space is light and spacious. Resources are easily accessible so that children can choose what they want to do. Outside, children play with a tunnel and balls. They carefully fill the tunnel with different-coloured balls and then count how many they have, discussing who has more and less. Children are learning about

p.2

need to do better?

mathematical concepts and numbers. n Children enjoy singing and playing with instruments. They choose what songs they want to sing and eagerly join in with the actions. Children are encouraged to pick the instrument that represents the sound for different words and actions. For example, children choose cymbals to demonstrate thunder and lightning. n Children benefit from healthy meals and snacks. They have access to fresh

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need to do better?

19 July 2023 drinking water all day. The childminder promotes healthy eating. She supports children to try new foods and is aware of any allergies and intolerances they may have. This promotes children's health and well-being. n Overall, children behave well. They are learning to take turns and to share with their friends. The childminder gently reminds children to say 'please' and 'thank you' if they forget. She talks to children about their friends' feelings. For example, when a child's friend does not like a particular toy animal, the childminder discusses this and explains that the child can play with it when their friend goes home. Children are learning to empathise and understand their own and others' feelings. n Children are generally encouraged to be independent. They are supported to put on their shoes and to wash and dry their hands before eating. The childminder supports children to make their own sandwiches at lunchtime.

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need to do better?

n Children are taught mathematical concepts during activities. The childminder discusses coloured bricks, and the children confidently count how many they have. The childminder reinforces the learning by taking bricks away and asking how many are left. However, there are occasions during activities when the childminder focuses more on the most able and confident children. This results in some children not fully benefiting from the learning opportunity. n Parents speak highly of the supportive and caring childminder. They comment that they are happy with the care the childminder provides and the progress that their children are making. Parents are encouraged to share their children's achievements from home. n The childminder plans for children's individual interests and abilities. She carries out regular assessments and communicates these with parents. Any gaps in children's learning are quickly addressed.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder fully understands her responsibilities in relation to keeping children safe. She keeps her safeguarding training up to date. The childminder ensures that she is familiar with new guidance for dealing with any concerns. She can describe the signs that might indicate a child is at risk of harm. This includes knowledge of safeguarding issues such as radicalisation and grooming. The childminder understands the process to follow should there be an allegation made against her. She undertakes regular risk assessments, including on outings. The childminder is highly vigilant in her supervision of children.

p.3

should:

n manage and plan activities so that all children, including those who are less

p.3

should:

19 July 2023 confident, are fully included and benefit from the learning opportunities on offer.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY464348 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10288854 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 7 Date of previous inspection 2 November 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013. She lives in Hoddesdon, in Hertfordshire. She operates from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6.30pm, all year round, apart from family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

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 took account of parents' views through written feedback provided. n The inspector observed children during play and how they interacted with the childminder. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a planned activity with the childminder to assess the quality of education. n During the learning walk, the childminder discussed how she uses the premises and resources with the children.

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Inspection activities

19 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

19 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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