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 feel safe and enjoy the time they spend in the childminder's care. The childminder works hard to create a warm, nurturing environment, where children's learning is centred around their interests. Older children are excited to arrive and rush to find their favourite toys and activities. Babies giggle with delight at the songs the childminder sings to them.

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The provision is good

Children are developing good communication skills. The childminder creates a language-rich environment and provides numerous opportunities for children to explore new words and sounds. She continually engages children in meaningful conversation and role models new vocabulary at every opportunity. For example, babies are exploring musical instruments. They respond to the childminder's request to 'tap' the drum and 'shake' the bells. Children have access to numerous age-appropriate books, which they share with their childminder during cosy story sessions on the sofa.

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The provision is good

Children are polite and behave well in the childminder's care. This is because the childminder is a good role model. She demonstrates good manners and is respectful towards children and other adults. The childminder has a consistent approach to supporting children's behaviour. She offers praise for children's efforts and achievements and promotes their positive behaviour in age-appropriate ways. For example, children learn how to interact safely with babies. The childminder encourages them to compare their bodies. They discuss how babies are delicate and the importance of playing carefully around them.

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need to do better?

n Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder prepares a variety of healthy snacks throughout the day. Children have plenty of opportunity for physical play. They freely explore the large, secure garden, and enjoy regular trips to local parks and farms. n The childminder monitors children's progress closely. She completes regular assessments to ensure her knowledge of children's abilities is up to date. Where appropriate, the childminder communicates her findings well with other professionals. For example, she works closely with teachers to provide a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. n The childminder reflects diligently on all areas of her practice. She regularly assesses the environment, ensuring it is safe and appropriate for all children who attend. The childminder identifies areas to improve her own knowledge and skills. She completes a vast array of additional training programmes. This

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need to do better?

enables her to meet the individual needs of children in her care. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder works hard to establish

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need to do better?

19 January 2024 appropriate means of communication that meet the needs of all families. Parents appreciate the detailed information they receive about children's daily routines and progress. They are highly complimentary about the childminder and the care she provides. Parents value the close emotional bonds children form with the childminder. They acknowledge how this enables children to settle swiftly in her care. n The childminder adapts activities well to meet the learning needs of all ages of children in her care. For example, the childminder discusses how children are excited to explore the ice that has formed in the garden. Older children create intricate portraits on sheets of ice. Younger children explore different shapes of ice cubes and delight at watching them melt in their hands. n Children's safety and well-being are paramount. The childminder has a robust understanding of how to deal with safeguarding concerns. She confidently

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need to do better?

discusses the signs that could identify if a child is at risk of harm and the correct referral process to follow. She ensures all essential first-aid training is kept up to date and monitors accidents and incidents closely. n The childminder has a strong understanding of how children learn. She plans activities based on children's interests. For example, babies display a particular love of books. The childminder creates exciting, interactive story sessions to further develop their communication skills. However, children's learning could be extended by encouraging them to further explore the wide range of resources and activities available.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n support children's curiosity further by encouraging them to engage in activities and explore learning opportunities beyond those that are planned.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129139 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10307988 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 11 Date of previous inspection 13 March 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992. She lives in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The childminder operates from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, during school term time. She 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

19 January 2024 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

19 January 2024 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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