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 quickly settle in on arrival at the setting. The childminder and her assistants are warm and encouraging towards children, which makes them feel safe and secure, ready to learn. The childminder is a good role model, providing clear expectations and routines, which helps children to prepare for events during the day. Children behave very well in this setting and have a positive attitude to learning. For example, young children initiate their own play and use a toy stethoscope on dolls and staff to play doctors. They use language such as 'fever' and 'hot', using their own real-life experiences to share with others.

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The provision is good

The childminder is ambitious for every child in her setting. She works with her assistants to ensure that every child has a positive learning experience and reaches their full potential. The curriculum is based on what children know, their interests and what they need to learn next. For instance, young children enjoy learning about animals of the world. They use animal headbands to act as their favourite animal and make sounds from the jungle. Later, the childminder and her assistants extend learning, and children explore animals in set jelly, using tweezers to rescue them, which supports the development of their small finger muscles. Children display confidence in their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder reflects on her practice and, through training, has strengthened her policies and procedures. This includes safe recruitment and mobile phone procedures. Her assistants have undertaken training and have been provided with guidance by the childminder, ensuring that expectations are fully understood and followed. The childminder talks with her assistants regularly to discuss workload, well-being, and children's progress. The assistants have a good relationship with the childminder and share information. As such, children are cared for appropriately. n The childminder and her assistants know their children's needs well. They use their observations and information provided by parents to plan for each child. Where additional support is needed, the childminder swiftly identifies strategies, which are then shared with her assistants in order that children make the necessary progress. n Children develop their physical skills with a range of opportunities. During

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need to do better?

outdoor play, children climb the slide and use push cars to build their gross motor skills. They also learn to take risks and build their resilience. They create bubbles with wands, using large arm movements to watch as bubbles float around the garden. n The childminder and her assistants support children's development of communication and language well. They skilfully speak with children as they join

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need to do better?

1 September 2023 in with their play experiences. They give children time to think and respond to questions. Storytelling and songs provide children with new vocabulary. This supports children to become confident communicators. n Children build on their independence skills with support. They learn to put their shoes and outdoor clothing on, preparing to play in the light rain. Children learn to wash their hands before mealtimes and begin to use cutlery to feed themselves. This prepares children well for school. n Children learn about healthy lifestyles. They are provided with healthy snacks and meals, which are home cooked and well balanced. Children enjoy daily outdoor experiences to support their physical health. They learn to talk about their feelings and emotions to support their well-being. Children talk enthusiastically about their teeth and the importance of looking after them. n Parents speak highly of this setting. They appreciate the regular communication,

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need to do better?

which reassures them that their child is safe and happy. Parents share that the settling-in process helps the childminder find out about their child's needs and interests. This helps to ensure that their child has individualised, ongoing support. Parent partnership is strong in this setting. n Children have access to a large range of learning opportunities, which promotes the development of their independence and confidence. However, occasionally, the outside area is not set up so that children can engage in a range of play opportunities independently. At times, young children become disengaged and lose interest when outside. n Children learn about numbers and counting as part of their learning experience. However, children are not consistently provided with a range of mathematical language to broaden their vocabulary and understanding.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her duties in relation to keeping children safe. Alongside her assistants, she undertakes training to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse. Where necessary, the childminder and her assistants know which outside professionals should be referred to. This keeps children safe from harm. If there are concerns about the practice of the childminder or her assistants, they understand the whistle-blowing procedures and what they need to do. Safe recruitment procedures are followed, and ongoing suitability checks are in place. This ensures the ongoing suitability of the childminder and her assistants to work with children. Risk assessments ensure that children play in a safe environment.

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should:

n make better use of opportunities to develop and extend children's mathematical

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should:

1 September 2023 skills n strengthen play opportunities outside so that children can extend their learning even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY488506 Local authority Barnet Inspection number 10280392 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 12 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015. She is situated in Finchley, in the London Borough of Barnet. The childminder operates from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday. On Friday, she operates from 8am until 3pm, for most of the year. She holds an early years qualification at level 3 and works with three assistants, two of whom also hold an early years qualification at level 3. The childminder receives funding to offer free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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 her setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her curriculum. n The inspector observed interactions between children, the childminder and the assistant. n The inspector spoke with a parent and the assistant and took their views into account. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

1 September 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

1 September 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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