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

The childminder builds positive relationships with the children, and they feel at ease with her in her home. Children are familiar with their surroundings, and the childminder encourages older children to meet their own needs. For instance, they get their own lunch box and put away their water bottle when they have finished lunch.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy the range of outings that the childminder carefully plans for them. They visit the local park while waiting for other children to finish their school day. The childminder uses these outings to build on children's skills and confidence. For instance, they visit a local soft-play centre where children can become more confident at exploring higher equipment, while the childminder monitors them closely. These experiences promote children's exploration and provide them with challenges in a safe environment.

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The provision is good

The childminder supports children to confidently share their ideas with her. They discuss craft activities that they would like to complete, and the childminder encourages children to put their ideas down on paper. The childminder promotes discussion, talking to children about the materials they want to use to bring their ideas to life. This helps children to recognise that the childminder values their ideas and opinions.

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need to do better?

n Professional relationships between the childminder and parents are well established. The childminder keeps them informed about their children's time with her. They discuss children's progress, and the childminder considers any relevant information that the parents share with her. For instance, the childminder recognises that children may need a quieter day if they are recovering from a recent illness. This two-way flow of information supports children's well-being. n The childminder seeks out training and development opportunities that focus on the needs of children and her professional interests. She uses her training to develop her interactions with children and strengthen her knowledge of various subject areas. This contributes towards good-quality interactions with the children, which can build on their existing knowledge and skills. n The childminder provides children with opportunities to problem solve. She

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need to do better?

encourages them to explore the resources and create things for themselves. For example, the childminder invites children to explore the marble run and try different ways of joining the pieces together to make the equipment work. The childminder uses praise and encouragement, which support children to persevere. Children are proud of what they achieve as the marbles move down

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need to do better?

9 November 2023 the track correctly. n The childminder knows the children who attend well and speaks confidently about each child's strengths and the areas where they require further support. The childminder plans appropriate activities for the children, giving them a choice of resources to use. She follows children's interests and adapts what she is doing to support their engagement in the activities that are on offer. n Developing children's understanding of the wider community is important to the childminder. She promotes children's awareness of other cultures and languages well. For instance, she helps the children to learn some simple Spanish words so that they can communicate with other members of her household. This helps children to build relationships with other members of the childminder's family and recognise people's differences. n The childminder shares basic information with professionals at other settings

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need to do better?

that children attend. For example, she checks that children are alright after their morning at nursery. However, the childminder is not yet making the most of opportunities to build on children's learning even more rapidly. For instance, she does not discuss children's targets or progress so that she can help children to build on what they are learning elsewhere. n Older children demonstrate that they feel comfortable in the childminder's care and confidently hold discussions with visiting adults. The childminder speaks to children in a calm and relaxed manner. She allows them appropriate time to process what she is asking them before she expects a response. This natural approach to discussion builds on children's already strong communication skills further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder recognises her responsibility to safeguard children. She completes regular training to keep her knowledge updated. The childminder assesses risks when out with the children. She understands how to transport children safely in her vehicle. The childminder recognises the possible signs of abuse and neglect and is aware of wider risks to children within the community. She knows how to raise her concerns appropriately to other agencies should she need to.

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should:

n strengthen relationships with professionals at other settings that children attend to support children to build on their existing learning even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY536723 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10315953 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 1 Date of previous inspection 23 October 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016. She operates all year round, from 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the areas of the home that are used for childminding and discussed the safety and suitability of the equipment that the childminder uses. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development and how she arranges her curriculum. n The inspector spoke to parents and took their views and comments into consideration. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

9 November 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

9 November 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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