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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder provides a warm and inviting home for children in her care. She models and encourages a positive attitude to learning. For example, she verbally supports children to try tasks again before offering her own support. This helps children to persevere, concentrate and play with purpose. The childminder knows the children well. She provides experiences that interest them and that will aid them in the next step of their development. The childminder is caring towards the children. Children demonstrate a sense of security with confidence and familiarity as they play in her home.

p.2

The provision is good

Physical activities are a strong element of the childminder's provision. Children jump in puddles with their whole bodies and dance to music as they learn coordination. The childminder plans specific activities for children to strengthen their hand muscles. For example, they pick up pom-poms with two fingers and push stickle bricks together. The embedded routines mean that children know the expectations and behave well. When the childminder turns the music off and begins reading a story, young children express that they know it is nearly snack time by tidying the toys. Furthermore, older children understand that after the school children arrive home, they will be collected soon after. This helps children begin to gain an early understanding of time.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder puts children at the centre of her practice. She uses observations and assessment effectively to provide a curriculum that meets children's learning needs. The childminder uses guidance to support her child development knowledge and plan experiences that build on what children know and can do. This helps them to make good overall progress in their learning and be prepared to start attending school. n The childminder keeps herself up to date with relevant training. She accesses a range of webinars and local training. The childminder carefully considers the children in her care to choose professional development opportunities that link to the needs of these children. For instance, when children were hesitant to try new foods, she attended a course about supporting 'picky eaters'. n The childminder helps children to gain awareness of what contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They walk to and from school and play outside in all weathers.

p.2

need to do better?

The childminder provides a healthy, nutritious diet that includes fruit and vegetables. She makes hygiene practices, such as washing hands, fun. Children rub their hands thoroughly as they see who can make the biggest bubble with soap. n The childminder works with parents to support children's learning and care needs. There is a two-way flow of information to help achieve consistency of

p.2

need to do better?

19 December 2023 care for children. Additionally, the childminder understands the importance of working with other settings where children attend. n The childminder talks to the children during play. She narrates what they are doing in the world around them. Children play in a sand tray that has been filled with rainwater. She talks about how this has happened and links children's knowledge to their experiences. However, she does not always include a rich vocabulary during these opportunities. n The childminder plays with children during activities. She skilfully asks a range of questions according to the children's age and stage of development. She asks young children to find certain coloured bricks, and she asks older children how they can do something, to engage their problem-solving skills. However, she does not always stretch and challenge the learning of the most able children when they can answer questions easily.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are developing a love of books and reading. Very young children access books and handle them carefully by turning and looking at every page. Older children enjoy listening to the stories the childminder reads to them. They enjoy the rhythm of the language and joining in the familiar phrases together.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has secure knowledge about child protection matters. She refreshes her knowledge with online webinars and training. The childminder understands the signs that mean a child may be at risk of abuse or harm. She has clear policies to follow, which reflect the local safeguarding partner procedures, should she need to follow them and report a concern about a child. The childminder's thorough risk assessment of the premises helps to ensure children are safe in her care. She has a range of documentation and permissions in place to ensure that children are kept safe, parents are kept informed and her provision operates smoothly. For instance, she seeks parental permission prior to taking children's photos and using them.

p.3

should:

n increase the range of language-rich experiences for children during play n extend experiences for the most able children during play to stretch and challenge their learning even further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2636359 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10301062 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 3 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a spontaneous activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

p.4

Inspection activities

19 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

19 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6