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 Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and well cared for in a calm environment. They have warm and friendly relationships with the childminder and her assistant. Children are free to explore a variety of resources and play opportunities that cover all areas of learning. They seek out opportunities to act out as part of role play, feeding and caring for babies. Children interact with each other and happily chat together in their play.

p.2

The provision is good

Children sing along with nursery rhymes. They giggle with excitement as they sing and count down to blast off. Children are eager to play instruments and join in with the movement of the music. They practise large movements, moving the parachute up and down, running underneath and tickling each other. Children respond well to new activities and persevere with challenges. They like looking at books, naming the animals and joining in with repeated refrains.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are independent and have good, consistent routines in place. They know how and why they wash their hands. Children eat independently at mealtimes and make healthy choices. They are keen to try new foods and talk about foods in a positive way. Children practise their fine motor skills as they navigate using cutlery. They share their likes and dislikes with others. Children are given choices both in play opportunities and at snack times, helping them make decisions independently.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistant are attentive to children's individual needs. They identify when children need support and respond in a kind manner. Children are highly independent, and the development of skills in this area helps prepare them for the next stages. The childminder prepares the environment with a range of activities, and children show short periods of sustained engagement. However, sometimes the childminder does not encourage children's deeper thinking and learning. Children are introduced to new vocabulary, and the childminder takes time to talk with the children. She listens and responds, giving children time to share their thoughts. n Behaviour is good. Children are well supported to learn appropriate ways to behave. They are reminded how to keep themselves safe and be kind to others. The childminder is clear and consistent in her approach. Children have formed bonds with each other, and this is encouraged through their play together.

p.2

need to do better?

Children initiate their own fun games and seek out opportunities to laugh and giggle. They play peekaboo, hiding and popping up from behind the chair. Children squeal and show excitement through their positive facial expressions. n The childminder provides exciting opportunities for children to learn about the world, grow and care for others. They have been able to experience watching

p.2

need to do better?

14 September 2023 chicks hatch from eggs and a family of new kittens. Children observe changes in their growth and are invited to show love and respect for animals. They learn about the lifecycle of a butterfly, observing caterpillars changing. The children enjoy time in the outdoor environment and out in the community, learning about where they live. n Children are encouraged to talk about their feelings and show empathy. The childminder and her assistant are good role models. Children have good manners and are polite. Children are prepared with the fundamental skills for life, helping prepare them for the next stages of education. The childminder helps prepare children for transitions by working with other professionals. The environment is inclusive, and the childminder recognises the importance of exploring different cultures. Children who need additional support have their needs identified and met. The childminder and her assistant know the children

p.2

need to do better?

well and can talk confidently about their starting points, progress and next steps. n Partnerships with parents are good. The childminder has positive relationships that support children's learning and development. Parents talk about how their children settle quickly and feel safe with the care in place. They receive regular updates about daily activities, and communication is good. Parents feel the childminder offers a professional service in a home-from-home environment. They talk about her nurturing care and the positive impact the assistant has on the children. Parents feel their children are cared for in a warm and stimulating environment. They know their children are happy and having fun.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder and her assistant have a good knowledge and understanding of procedures. They can recognise possible signs of abuse and know about current issues such as county lines and the 'Prevent' duty. They acknowledge they have a duty of care to the children, keeping them safe from harm. There are procedures in place for reporting any concerns, and there are links with the local safeguarding authority. Children are well supervised in the home, and appropriate registers of attendance are kept. The home is secure, and risk assessments are effective.

p.3

should:

n explore how to further extend the activities on offer to promote deeper thinking processes and learning opportunities for children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY444177 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10285778 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 23 Date of previous inspection 18 October 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder has an assistant who works full time alongside her. The childminder provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector their premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk tour together to discuss intentions for children's learning and the curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n Parents provided the inspector with oral and written feedback. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the childminder and her assistant.

p.4

Inspection activities

14 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

14 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6