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

p.1

The provision is good

In this nurturing environment, children flourish emotionally thanks to the childminder's focus on building strong bonds. Children feel safe and cherished. When tired, they seek cuddles from the childminder, reinforcing their sense of security. A culture of kindness and good manners is not just taught but embodied by the childminder, who is calm and nurturing. Children are content and comfortable. They are fully integrated into the childminder's home life and treated as part of the family. This inclusive and warm setting ensures that every child feels at home, valued and part of a caring community.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder's praise and encouragement are constant, leading children to celebrate their successes with claps and 'high fives'. This boosts their self-esteem and helps them to recognise their achievements. The childminder knows children well and is attentive to their individual needs, which means children are eager and ready to learn.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder carefully selects activities that captivate the children, fostering their concentration and skill development. Storytelling and the opportunity for children to take books home promote a love of reading. Children learn to respect animals as the childminder shows them how to stroke the family cats gently. A shared enthusiasm for learning is evident as older children join the childminder in learning Spanish, which reinforces a mutual joy in gaining new knowledge.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of child development. She sets clear learning objectives for each child based on their unique learning journey, ensuring they progress at their own pace. She regularly plans engaging and age- appropriate activities that promote the development of fine motor skills and early writing skills. The childminder provides parents with information about their child's next steps and offers ideas for supporting learning at home. Parents praise the childminder for the support and advice she gives them. They talk with gratitude as they explain how well their children have progressed. n Mathematics is integrated into the childminder's daily activities, providing opportunities for children to learn about numbers, shapes and sizes. Counting buttons during dressing routines and identifying shapes around them are practical ways she makes mathematics a natural part of their day. Her consistent

p.2

need to do better?

efforts lay a solid foundation for the children's mathematical development. n The childminder promptly identifies when children require extra support, and she ensures that they receive the assistance they need. She assists parents in seeking external support, which provides a joint effort for each child's development. As a result, all children, including those with special educational

p.2

need to do better?

1 February 2024 needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress in relation to their starting points. n The childminder promotes diversity well, teaching children to embrace their differences and similarities. She creates an environment of acceptance through fun activities and events celebrating various festivals. Children show photos of themselves in traditional attire and enjoying various foods. Bilingual children are encouraged to use both their spoken languages. Parents comment that they feel valued and welcome, and children develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and religions. n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles by prioritising children's physical well-being. Daily routines include walking to school, outdoor play, bike riding, and nature walks. The childminder prepares nutritious meals, catering to individual dietary needs. She shares children's favourite recipes with parents so

p.2

need to do better?

they can make them at home. Children's oral health is also supported, as the childminder provides information for parents and assists young children with teeth brushing after breakfast. n The childminder stays up to date with essential training, such as first aid and safeguarding, to ensure the safety of the children. She also seeks to develop her skills and knowledge in areas beneficial to the children, such as communication and language courses. Currently, she is focusing on giving children more time to respond to questions. However, sometimes, play is interrupted by too many questions, and children cannot hear the words linked to their actions or play clearly. Questions requiring one-word answers also hinder meaningful back-and- forth conversation, as children do not have the opportunity to develop their thinking and communication skills.

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 develop the quality of interactions further to support children's communication and language development even more.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 129315 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10307990 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 9 Date of previous inspection 26 March 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates her provision all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder 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 spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the early years

p.5

Inspection activities

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.5

Inspection activities

1 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.

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