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 are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They develop close relationships with the childminder, who they seek out for comfort. Children regularly invite the childminder into their play and enjoy her company. They are confident to explore the range of resources and activities available to them in this homely environment. Children are friendly and curious towards visitors. This demonstrates that they feel safe and secure with the childminder.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from a range of outdoor experiences that supports their knowledge and understanding of the world. They explore the local community, such as by visiting parks, woods and green spaces. Children collect sticks and leaves and learn new words, such as 'crispy' and 'soggy', as they curiously feel the different textures. The childminder helps children to develop a sense of community and to care for others. For example, children go shopping to purchase food for elderly neighbours.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. They respond well to the childminder's gentle reminders to use 'kind hands' towards others. Positive praise from the childminder encourages children to persevere in challenging activities, such as threading pasta tubes onto sticks. When going for walks, children listen to the childminder's request to hold her hands to be safe near roads.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans a curriculum with a clear learning intent to prepare children for future challenges, such as moving on to nursery or school. She provides opportunities that cover all areas of learning through child-initiated and adult-led play. The childminder tracks children's learning and completes required developmental checks to ensure that they make good, continuous progress. She updates parents on their children's next steps of learning, often sharing ideas and strategies to continue their learning at home. n The childminder places a strong focus on communication and language development. She regularly reads stories to children and encourages them to explore books independently. Children enjoy singing nursery rhymes with the childminder. They practise saying new sounds and words, such as 'beep, beep', as they sing. This helps to widen children's vocabulary. However, sometimes, the childminder asks lots of questions in quick succession. This means that

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need to do better?

children do not have the time they need to think, respond and expand their understanding. n Children are supported to develop healthy lifestyles. They eat a range of healthy snacks and meals provided by the childminder. Before they eat, the childminder ensures that children wash their hands thoroughly. She sings songs to remind

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need to do better?

21 September 2023 them to use soap and rub their hands together. The childminder teaches children the importance of good oral health through storybooks and role play. Children practise holding a toothbrush and explore the texture of the bristles. n The childminder weaves mathematical language and concepts into children's play and communication. For example, she challenges children to recall colours and shapes and extends their ability to count. n Children learn a variety of important skills to help them become independent. For example, they enjoy the responsibility of attempting to put on their own shoes before they go outside to play. n Children benefit from socialising regularly with the children minded by a community of other local childminders. This helps to widen their social experiences. Parents comment that their older children, who attend before and after school, talk positively about their time with the childminder. They say their

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need to do better?

children have 'the opportunity to bond with peers and older children, who have warmly welcomed' them. n The childminder attends statutory training, such as first aid. However, she does not source further continuous professional development opportunities to enhance her knowledge and develop her practice to an even higher level. n Parents are extremely happy with the care provided by the childminder and comment that their children have thrived since starting. They say the 'transition into the childminder's care has been seamless' and their child 'is eager and excited to go'. The childminder shares photos and videos with parents throughout the day. Parents feel the childminder provides a homely environment where children can feel safe and comfortable.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of her roles and responsibilities to safeguard children. She has good knowledge of the possible signs that a child is at risk of harm. The childminder is also aware of safeguarding concerns such as county lines and child exploitation. The childminder's safeguarding policy details the procedures to follow and the agencies to report her concerns to. This includes what to do should anyone make an allegation against herself or a member of her household. The childminder ensures that her home is safe and suitable for children. There are arrangements in place for children to sleep safely.

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should:

n allow children enough time to think and respond to questions to support their thinking, communication and language skills further n seek regular training opportunities to raise knowledge and practice to an even

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY466076 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10295489 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 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 20 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Bishops Stortford. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The childminder led the inspector on a learning walk to show how her home is organised and to share information about the intent for the early years curriculum. n A planned activity was jointly evaluated by the inspector and the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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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