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 thoroughly enjoy spending time in the nurturing home-from-home environment the childminder creates for them. They settle well and form close relationships with the childminder, who is warm and caring towards them. Children are comforted by her reassuring cuddles, which help them to feel safe and secure. The childminder sets clear expectations for children and their behaviour is good. Children of all ages play together well and share the resources.

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The provision is good

The childminder knows the children well. She provides them with resources that capture their interests. Children confidently explore the environment and remain engaged at their chosen activity. Toddlers carefully stack bricks to make tall towers, trying hard to keep them balancing. Older children show good levels of imagination as they connect magnetic shapes together. They are eager to explain to visitors they have made a house with a garage, opening the 'door' to reveal a car inside.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from daily outings in the local community, such as attending various toddler groups and visiting nearby parks. The regularly visit a farm where they learn about nature and how to milk a cow. These experiences help children to develop an understanding about the community they live in and to extend their social skills in a wider group.

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need to do better?

n The experienced and knowledgeable childminder gathers information from parents and makes her own observations to identify what children know and can do from the beginning. She regularly assesses children's development and monitors their progress. Any gaps in children's learning are quickly identified and targeted support is put in place. This helps children to make good progress. n The childminder is calm and patient. She gives children clear and consistent reminders and simple explanations of the age-appropriate rules. The childminder encourages children to say 'please' and 'thank you' at mealtimes and to help tidy away toys when they have finished playing with them. n The childminder supports children's learning through a wide range of experiences provided to them through planned activities and self-chosen play. She introduces topics and themes, helping to capture children's imagination and interests. However, although the childminder plans a range of activities to cover

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need to do better?

all areas of learning, she does not always ensure the learning intentions during planned activities are highly focussed on what each child needs to know and understand next in their sequence of learning and development. As a result, the childminder does not consistently make the best use of these activities to help children make the most progress. n The childminder supports children's language development well. She talks to

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need to do better?

22 November 2023 children as they play, speaking clearly and sensitively repeating any words children mispronounce. She introduces new words and provides explanations to support children's understanding. For example, she tells children 'in moderation' means sometimes and in small amounts. n Children have access to a good range of books. They choose books independently, sit on the floor quietly and remain engaged, carefully turning the pages and looking at the pictures. Children of all ages listen well as the childminder reads stories to them with good expression. This helps to develop children's enjoyment of books and reading. n Children are developing an awareness of healthy lifestyles. They are familiar with the routine of washing their hands before mealtimes. Children sit together at the table to eat and are encouraged from a young age to feed themselves. The childminder talks about healthy foods and making healthy food choices.

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need to do better?

n Parents are full of praise for the childminder. They comment that that she is 'warm, attentive, conscientious and deeply caring' and that their children 'thrive in her care'. They value the good communication with the childminder and the regular updates they receive about their children's progress and development. n The childminder ensures she remains up to date with any changes in early years. She attends mandatory training such as safeguarding and paediatric first aid. However, she does not engage with focussed professional development opportunities to deepen her knowledge and strengthen her good teaching skills further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard children. She has a thorough understanding of the possible signs and behaviours that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder attends regular safeguarding training to ensure her knowledge remains up to date. She knows how to contact relevant agencies if she has any concerns about a child or if there is an allegation made about her or a household member. Daily risk assessments are conducted to help ensure the environment remains safe for children.

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should:

n focus more precisely on what each child needs to know and learn next in their sequence of development when planning activities, to help children make the best possible progress n engage with professional development opportunities to extend knowledge and strengthen teaching skills even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY493596 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10300993 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 9 Date of previous inspection 10 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in South Mimms. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.45pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant.

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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 setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning discussion together to understand how the early years provision is organised. They discussed how the childminder implements the curriculum the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector and childminder evaluated an activity together. n The inspector reviewed written testimonials from parents and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the childminder's first- aid certificate.

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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

22 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

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

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