Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with this welcoming, nurturing childminder. They are happy, secure and confident, eagerly sharing their news and opinions with both the childminder and their friends. Children respond to the childminder's calm, caring approach and reflect this in their interactions with one another. They show a mature attitude as they readily share resources, organise fair turns and resolve any minor disputes. Children mirror the childminder's positive attitude. They enjoy experimenting and persevere at their chosen tasks. For example, children mix glue and glitter and decide to make paper mâché models. They concentrate and persevere as they build up layers of paper on a base. These constructive daily opportunities support children in developing a positive attitude to learning.

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This provision meets requirements

The childminder sensitively considers the possible effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns. She offers increased support to children to aid them in socialising and interacting with others. Ongoing discussions and consistently implemented daily routines, such as when walking to and from school, support children in gaining a very practical knowledge of safety. Children talk with the childminder about how to keep themselves healthy, for example, through eating a balanced diet. They discuss how to clean their teeth thoroughly and the importance of this.

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need to do better?

n The childminder conscientiously reviews her work and is committed to ensuring that she offers children the best care. She continuously builds her knowledge and improves her practice, for example, through completing training. She assesses activities and aims to make good use of resources. For example, she intends to continue to develop the adaptation of resources, so that children can use them for a number of purposes. n The childminder knows children well and encourages them to discuss their interests and recent events. For instance, they recall past activities and fondly remember friends who have moved on to the next school. Older children readily explain their activities to younger children, helping them to extend their vocabulary. For example, children talk about 'levelling the mixture' and a 'sparkling mix'. n Children have many daily opportunities that aid them in developing their physical skills. They develop control and coordination of their larger muscles as they

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need to do better?

bounce and balance on the trampoline. They develop the use of their hand muscles as they hold small containers and carefully pour liquid from these. n The good use of space and thoughtful provision of interesting resources support children in developing their creativity. For example, children use a construction

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need to do better?

16 October 2023 set to make a 'desert island', returning to this later to extend it. n Children respect one another's views and show a good awareness of diversity. The childminder supports them in understanding historical issues and events and in relating these to their current daily lives. n Children's self-esteem is strongly promoted. They confidently express their ideas and views, assured that the childminder is listening and responds to these. For example, children express an interest in making 'potions'. They then enjoy using the increased range of resources that support them in experimenting further and pursuing their interest. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They praise her good communication and appreciate the 'wide variety of fun activities' she offers children. They report that children have many opportunities to play outside and the childminder sensitively promotes children's good behaviour.

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need to do better?

n The childminder maintains good relationships with the school children attend. This means that she is aware of any concerns and of children's current learning. Additionally, and alongside the childminder's thorough risk assessments and daily procedures, this helps to ensure that children's transitions to and from school each day are organised, calm and safe.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is clear about her role in protecting children at all times. She has a practical policy and understands how to implement this, for example contacting the correct professional if she has any concerns about children's welfare. Additionally, the childminder is aware of other issues, such as radicalisation, that could affect children and their families. She understands the possible dangers associated with use of the internet and takes effective action to protect children. She also offers children and parents sensitive guidance on this issue.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY470050 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10295500 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 19 Date of previous inspection 12 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in St Albans. She operates during term only, from 7.30am to 8.45am and from 3pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank 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 childminder's setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas used for childcare and discussed how they ensure these are safe and suitable. n The inspector accompanied the childminder when she collected children from school and observed the procedures top keep children safe at this time. n The inspector observed children playing inside and outside. The inspector and the childminder discussed an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of household members. n The inspector held discussions with children and took account of their views. Additionally, she viewed written feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

16 October 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

16 October 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

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

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