Masters Margaret

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder provides a warm, homely environment. This helps children to feel happy and secure. She encourages children to make choices in their play, which supports their independence. Children use their imagination as they play with the toy vehicles and figurines. Children talk about the important jobs the characters have. The childminder joins in their play, sharing ideas about working together and helping others.

p.2

The provision is good

Children benefit from the childminder's kind and caring nature. She spends time getting to know the children and their family. Therefore, children settle with ease. Children feel a sense of belonging and enjoy their time in the childminder's home. The childminder quickly recognises when children need changing, are hungry or need a cuddle. She plans interesting outings and follows their interest. Children talk about visiting the zoo. The childminder builds on this, encouraging children to remember the names of the animals they have seen.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder supports children to build relationships with each other. She teaches them to consider each other's feelings. Children generally behave well. The childminder recognises that some younger children need further support as they are still learning how to share and take turns with their friends.

p.2

need to do better?

n Since the last inspection, the childminder has put a plan in place for her own professional development to raise the quality of her provision. She has enhanced her knowledge through ongoing training opportunities. The childminder has reviewed and improved her assessment process for when children first start. Furthermore, she continually assesses children to ensure she plans activities that build on what children already know and can do. n Children make good progress with their language development. They chatter away throughout the day as they develop their communication and language skills. The childminder sings songs and reads stories to the children. She talks to children, uses single words and associative sounds to support young children's emerging speech. Furthermore, the childminder makes good use of past events to extend conversations. She asks children questions and teaches them new vocabulary while remembering what they did at playgroup and on other outings.

p.2

need to do better?

n Overall, the childminder plans activities to meet children's needs and interests. Older children make their own party hats. They use stickers and coloured pens to decorate their hats. The childminder helps children express their ideas and begin to recognise the different colours. However, the childminder does not fully consider how she can tailor the activity more to engage the younger children. This occasionally results in children losing focus in the activity, which has an

p.2

need to do better?

13 December 2023 impact on their learning. n Numbers and counting are part of everyday play and learning. Children count how many colouring pens they have. The childminder helps the children compare the size of the toy aeroplanes. She introduces words such as 'longer', 'smaller' and 'heavier' to help children make comparisons. n The childminder plans daily activities, inside and outside of her home. Children enjoy visiting local parks, libraries, playgroups and the zoo. The childminder considers how and where to provide different experiences for children, helping them learn through memorable and enjoyable outings. n Children demonstrate an understanding of their daily routine. This helps them to understand what to expect next. They settle down for their afternoon naps. The childminder completes regular checks to ensure they are safe. However, she has not reviewed how she can provide children with enough space to sleep and relax

p.2

need to do better?

more comfortably. n The childminder helps children to learn the importance of a healthy diet, to maintain a healthy body and healthy teeth. They follow good hygiene routines and understand when they need to wipe their noses and wash their hands. n Parents speak positively about the care the childminder provides their children. They say that they feel informed about their child's day and are very grateful for the daily photos. Parents value the regular outings their children go on and are happy with the progress their children make because of attending.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding children and follows the guidance from her local authority. She is aware of issues that can affect families and how to support them. She attends regular safeguarding training and knows who to contact if she has concerns about a child. Furthermore, she knows to contact the local authority's designated officer to report any concerns about another professional or member of her household. The childminder knows how to support parents and children to understand the dangers of information and communication technology.

p.3

should:

n review the organisation of group activities to increase learning opportunities, particularly for younger children n review sleeping arrangements for children to ensure that they can move comfortably as they rest.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 129488 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10271383 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 16 December 2022

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1993 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates her provision all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector areas of her home used for childminding and discussed her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The inspector sampled documentation, including evidence of suitability of household members. n The inspector read written feedback from parents and took account of their views.

p.4

Inspection activities

13 December 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

13 December 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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