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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and well cared for by this nurturing and experienced childminder. They are very settled in their environment. This is evident from their continuous smiles and eagerness to invite visitors to join in with their play. Children readily seek out the childminder to support their play. The childminder builds on children's personal experiences to create an exciting and broad curriculum, including establishing experiences that children may not access at home. Children develop a strong understanding of the wider world. The childminder regularly takes children out in the local community. They enjoy short rides on a bus to the local town and search for wildlife on woodland walks.

p.2

The provision is good

Children show respectful and kind relationships. They offer coloured scarves to each other and the childminder. Children are physically active. They develop good control and coordination as they jump around and wave their scarf in the air. The childminder intuitively builds on these skills by challenging children to hold a scarf in each hand and create alternate large circular movements. The childminder's praise motivates children to remain at activities of their choice for sustained periods of time. They work out through trial and error how to thread differently shaped beads around a maze.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on some children's personal, social and emotional development when they first begin attending. Consequently, she plans and implements a curriculum that places a strong emphasis on providing children with ample opportunities to build on their self-esteem. This has a positive impact. Children are confident and keen learners. n The childminder provides children with interesting activities that support their interests and what they need to learn next. Children develop good coordination and the small muscles in their hands in preparation for writing. They have a wonderful time using large spoons to scoop oats, crushed cereal and cream to bury toy dinosaurs. The childminder introduces children to mathematical language, such as 'full' and 'empty'. However, the childminder does not make the most of opportunities to build fully on children's mathematical skills, such as

p.2

need to do better?

counting and comparing quantities. n Children are independent and responsible individuals, who eagerly carry out age- appropriate tasks. They help the childminder to tidy away what they have finished playing with and learn how to handle a knife safely to cut up fruit for their snack. Children consistently follow good hygiene measures, such as washing and drying their hands before and after mealtimes. n The childminder is a positive role model and has high expectations for children.

p.2

need to do better?

22 January 2024 She consistently uses good manners when speaking with children. This motivates children to do the same. The childminder successfully implements clear boundaries, which helps children to remain safe and feel secure. For example, she calmly reminds children to walk around her home. n The childminder is keen to continue to develop her skills. She belongs to a network of local childminders. This enables her to share good practice and gain new ideas. She also reads regular updates from professional organisations. As a result of recent training, she now has an increased understanding of positive behaviour management strategies. n Children express a love of books. They make independent choices of the books they would like the childminder to read to them. The childminder reads to children with good intonation, which captures children's attention. Children practise their language skills as they talk about the characters they see on the

p.2

need to do better?

pages. The childminder supports their correct pronunciation of words by repeating them correctly. She asks children questions to extend their learning. However, on occasion, in her enthusiasm, the childminder does not give children enough time to think and respond, to express their thoughts and ideas. n Parents feel fully involved in their children's learning and receive detailed daily feedback from the childminder so they can continue to support their children at home. Parents are impressed with their children's progress. They appreciate the wholesome experiences the childminder provides to help children develop their own character and be prepared for school.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n make the most of opportunities to develop children's mathematical skills n provide time for children to think and respond to questions with their own thoughts and ideas.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 149263 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10308027 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 3 Date of previous inspection 28 March 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.45am until 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, 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 began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection and took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

p.4

Inspection activities

22 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

22 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.

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