Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children make excellent progress in the childminder's care. From the moment they arrive, her warm welcome immediately helps them to feel at home. Children instantly engage in their chosen play, and the highly skilled childminder is on hand to expertly guide and support their learning. The inspiring environment and the well-thought-out curriculum ensure that all children have the opportunity to follow their interests and become increasingly independent and proficient. For instance, children thoroughly enjoy preparing fresh fruit for their snack. They carefully cut the fruit into manageable pieces, using a child-safe knife. Children demonstrate high levels of confidence and show great determination.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder uses her detailed knowledge of each child to plan experiences that capture their interest and imagination. The childminder's calm, unhurried approach contributes significantly to children's ability to become deeply involved in their play. This helps them to concentrate and explore their own thoughts and ideas. For example, when using the weighing and balancing resources, the children decide to include the small dinosaurs. The childminder seamlessly incorporates these into the teaching, making sure that children continue to learn what she intends and including their development of the activity.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the childminder's care. They form close bonds with other children and with the childminder. The childminder has high expectations of what children can achieve, and children strive to do their very best. Children's behaviour is impeccable. They follow the childminder's lead, showing kindness and consideration to others. Children cooperate extremely well during activities, willingly taking turns and sharing resources. Creative experiences have children deeply engaged, fascinated and spellbound. They create magical, individual pieces of art and express their sheer delight and wonder at their achievement.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has an extensive knowledge of the areas of learning which she uses to excellent effect to help children make the very best progress. She explains how she uses play to teach children new skills and to gain knowledge that builds on what they already know and can do. The childminder knows the children exceptionally well. She describes how she assesses children and plans for their specific learning needs and next steps. n The childminder is extremely clear about what she wants children to know and do by the time they leave her care. She explains in detail about the essential knowledge and skills children need for the next stage in their learning. The childminder describes how she helps to build children's experience and understanding over time and puts this into practice with each highly effective

p.2

need to do better?

23 January 2024 interaction. n The childminder pitches her interactions at exactly the right level to help children sustain their interest and build their concentration. She expertly makes the most of opportunities to share new information with children. She gives them plenty of time to absorb knowledge. Children show that they remember what they have learned as they recall events, delighting in their shared memories. n The childminder gives high priority to children's communication and language development. She helps children to gain a love of books. Her storytelling is extremely engaging and fun. Children build their vocabulary and their understanding of the parts of a story and show that they understand the characters. Children talk about what might happen next, eager to turn the page to find out if their predictions are correct. The excellent teaching supports children's communication and language skills as well as their early literacy skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n Parents express their high esteem for the childminder. They describe the significant contribution she makes to their children's learning. They say that she enriches children's experiences, provides a stimulating environment and is warm and friendly. Parents say their children develop skills that help them to communicate clearly, feel confident in social situations and to be active out in the community. Parents comment extremely positively on the childminder's communication with them about their children's daily experiences and their progress. n The childminder is highly focused on professional development. She keeps up to date with current practice through training and extensive research. The childminder is active in the local community and has an enthusiasm for promoting high-quality early education. She organises training and information sessions for other childminders in the local area to ensure that everyone has the

p.3

need to do better?

opportunity to develop their professional skills, to share experiences and to gain support.

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

Setting details

Unique reference number EY252519 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10308138 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 6 Date of previous inspection 7 March 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Hitchin. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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 their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the curriculum for children and how this is delivered. n The childminder and the inspector evaluated a planned activity. n The inspector viewed the areas of the home and garden used for childminding. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke to parents and read their written feedback, taking account of their views.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 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

23 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