Chaston Yvette Frances

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with their childminder and her assistant. They excitedly investigate a wealth of learning opportunities, both indoors and in the safe, inviting garden area. The childminder supports this by encouraging children to play an active role in planning their day and the resources they play with. Children are keen to show visitors around their playroom. They enthusiastically discuss their favourite activities and what they learn from engaging in them.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are highly sociable and demonstrate exceptionally high levels of confidence in this nurturing environment. They rush to greet visitors and introduce themselves and their friends. The childminder supports this self-confidence in children by ensuring they are well prepared for the day and fully aware of any changes to their planned routines.

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The provision is outstanding

Children engage incredibly well in the wonderful learning opportunities the childminder plans. The childminder supports children's curiosity superbly in all activities. She allows children to explore their ideas and encourages them to test out their theories before reaching their own conclusions. For example, children are creating butterflies in a craft activity. They are curious about what colours to use and if they will show up on the paper. The childminder and her assistant encourage children to discuss the colours they think they may create. Children delight at comparing the beautiful and colourful butterflies they have drawn.

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need to do better?

n Children's language and communication skills are exceptionally well promoted in the setting. The childminder listens intently to children during conversations. She role models new words at every opportunity and consistently corrects children's mispronunciation of words. This supports children to develop an extensive vocabulary. Children enjoy wonderful interactive story sessions. They listen intently and delight at feeding their model caterpillar various foods mentioned in the story. n Parents are highly complimentary about the childminder, her assistant, and the care they provide. They recognise the exceptionally close bonds children develop with the childminder and her assistant and how this contributes to children's well-being. The childminder works hard to develop highly effective methods of communication that are well adapted to meet the changing needs of individual families. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. They consistently demonstrate exceptional

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need to do better?

manners and kind behaviour towards adults and other children. Older children in particular display deep empathy towards others. During story time, they ensure

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need to do better?

13 October 2023 that their younger friends sit at the front. They explain that they will be able to see better without other children getting in their way. n The childminder has robust procedures in place to monitor children's progress. This enables her to develop an exceptionally deep understanding of individual children, their interests, and their learning needs. She skilfully adapts all activities to meet children's individual needs incredibly well. For example, young children are encouraged to count and identify various fruits in their play. In the same activity, older children are supported to identify the initial letter sounds heard in the names of the fruits. They then link these sounds to the first letters of their names. n Children have an excellent understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. They explain that they wash their hands before eating, so that germs do not get into their bodies and make them poorly. Children clearly identify

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need to do better?

potential hazards and how they can minimise risks. For example, children chop their own fruit to eat for their snack. They discuss how they must keep their knives on the plate and not touch the sharp end, as they may accidently cut themselves or others. n The childminder reflects exceptionally well on all areas of her business. She seeks detailed feedback from both parents and children and uses this to make well considered changes. The childminder demonstrates the same high-quality leadership skills when evaluating the practice of her assistant. She conducts regular supervisions and provides exceptional opportunities for her assistant to develop new skills and enhance her knowledge.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have an excellent understanding of the signs and symptoms which could indicate a child is at risk of harm. They demonstrate robust knowledge of the process to follow when reporting safeguarding concerns to the appropriate authority. The childminder and her assistant complete regular first-aid and safeguarding training to support their knowledge of changes in legislation. The childminder completes regular risk assessments of all areas of her home and supervises children well during activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129609 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10295269 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 6 Date of previous inspection 15 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Gadebridge, Hemel Hempstead. She operates all year round from 8am until 5pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder and her assistant hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living and working on the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistant, and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector viewed the areas of the home used for childminding and considered their safety and suitability. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and her assistant about the monitoring of children's learning and development in the setting. n The inspector reviewed written feedback from parents and took their comments

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Inspection activities

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

13 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

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