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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children enjoy spending time with their nurturing childminder and demonstrate that they feel safe in her care. They rush to sit on her lap for stories and cuddle up in her arms when tired or in need of support. The childminder creates a warm environment, where children's interests and individual needs are at the heart of her practice.

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The provision is good

The childminder creates a language-rich environment, where children delight in exploring stories. She adapts her resources to meet the needs of all children. For example, babies enthusiastically investigate story sacks and sensory books. Older children become absorbed in exploring more complex stories. The childminder engages children in meaningful conversation and role models new words at every opportunity. This supports children to develop a wide vocabulary, which they readily use in their play. For example, children discuss the features of the aeroplanes they create out of blocks. They fly them in the air exclaiming how they 'loop-the-loop' and 'glide' through the air.

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The provision is good

The childminder has a consistent approach to supporting children's appropriate behaviour. She is a good role model and is polite and respectful towards children and other adults. Children are well mannered. They welcome visitors warmly, introducing themselves and their younger friends. Children behave well and understand the need to take turns in activities and share resources.

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need to do better?

n The childminder regularly assesses the impact her teaching has on children's learning. She skilfully plans activities that enable her to assess children's knowledge. For example, children explore a sensory 'Gruffalo' activity. The childminder encourages them to recall the story from the previous week. Children find the characters in the sensory tray and discuss the unique features they have read about. n Children engage in numerous learning opportunities outside of the home. They attend group play sessions, where they form friendships with others and develop their social skills. Children enjoy outdoor play opportunities at local parks and explore the local environment. n Relationships with parents and carers is of a high standard. The childminder develops highly effective methods of communication that support children to make good progress. For example, parents contribute to journals documenting children's activities and learning at home. Parents are complimentary about the

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need to do better?

childminder and the care she provides. They appreciate the support and advice she offers. n The childminder places a sharp focus on ensuring children remain safe in her

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need to do better?

2 February 2024 care. She has a strong understanding of safeguarding issues and confidently explains how she would manage any concerns. The childminder conducts regular risk assessments on her home to ensure the environment remains safe for all children. She completes regular first aid and safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. n The childminder understands her role in supporting children to become independent. She is aware of how encouraging children to complete age- appropriate tasks prepares them for the next stage of their learning. Children confidently wash their hands before meals and snacks and are learning to put their coats and shoes on before going outside. However, older children are not consistently reminded of the need to catch coughs and sneezes and use tissues to wipe their own noses. n Children confidently explore the environment. The childminder engages well with children to support their learning in their chosen activities. For example, children

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need to do better?

are exploring various stones, pretending they are biscuits. The childminder encourages children to identify their colours, compare their sizes and share them with their friends and adults. However, on occasion play can be dominated by the most outgoing children. This does not fully support quieter, more reticent children to engage in group activities.

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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 consistently encourage children to complete age-appropriate hygiene routines independently n develop strategies to better support the needs of all children in group activities, specifically those who are less outgoing.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY492840 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10308500 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 10 Date of previous inspection 9 March 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm on Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder 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

2 February 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

2 February 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

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

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