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 are happy and content in the childminder's care. Games such as peekaboo create laughter and connection, strengthening the bond between children and the childminder. Children are valued and respected in this nurturing environment. Parents say children are treated like family by the kind and caring childminder.

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The provision is good

Children snuggle together on the sofa, where they eagerly listen to stories. The calm atmosphere promotes feelings of safety and comfort. Through storytelling, the childminder encourages discussion of relevant topics. They talk about visiting the dentist and animals they have seen on trips to the farm. These meaningful conversations help children to communicate their thoughts and ideas.

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The provision is good

The childminder is a good role model. She consistently reminds children to say 'please' and 'thank you'. She demonstrates kindness by showing children how to be gentle with each other. Tidy-up time teaches children to respect resources and instils a sense of responsibility. Children develop friendships as they learn to play cooperatively. The childminder supports children's social development. She offers reminders to take turns and models ways to manage conflict. For example, she reminds children it will be their turn next and helps them find alternative resources. Children say, 'Let's do it together', showing their progress.

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need to do better?

n The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child development. She carefully plans activities to support each child's learning. She focuses on skills such as counting and early literacy. The childminder plans next steps for each child to ensure they work towards their individual goals. When children need more help, the childminder works closely with parents. She implements further support to ensure all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, progress in their learning. Parents explain that they can continue supporting children's learning at home, as the childminder provides regular updates about their progress. n The childminder understands each child's needs and supports their development effectively. When children experience difficulties managing emotions, the childminder provides comfort. She offers cuddles and reassuring words to talk through their feelings. Co-regulation with the childminder helps children to

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need to do better?

acquire the skills and understanding they need to manage their emotions. n Children learn to be independent. The childminder supports the development of self-help skills. Children learn to feed themselves with spoons from a young age. Older children learn to put on their shoes, wash their hands, and make choices. The childminder celebrates children's attempts and achievements. She gives praise and encouragement, which helps children to recognise and appreciate

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need to do better?

14 February 2024 their progress. n Children learn about healthy habits through a variety of activities. They bring in nutritious lunches. The childminder teaches them about the benefits of healthy eating. Children learn to make good choices through interactive activities. For example, they practise choosing food at the local shop. Children spend time outdoors in nature, enjoying fresh air. They take part in physical activities that promote exercise and build physical strength. As a result, children learn healthy habits that contribute to their well-being. n The childminder uses effective strategies to support the development of children's language skills. Labelling and narration help children to hear more words and expand their vocabulary. During painting sessions, the childminder says, 'splat, splat, splat', to describe what the baby is doing. This supports babies' language development. The childminder expands children's knowledge

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need to do better?

by describing the changes as children mix paint colours. These interactions also stimulate children's curiosity and creativity. Parents praise the childminder for the progress children make with their language development. n Children explore their differences and similarities with books and toys. This helps them to begin to understand and respect diversity. Children learn about other cultures by celebrating festivals such as Chinese New Year. The childminder is currently planning different ways to provide more opportunities for children to learn about other cultures. This will further their understanding and appreciation of diversity. n The childminder gains feedback from parents. This helps her see if they are happy with the care and education she provides. However, the childminder does not have a thorough process in place to evaluate the specific strengths and weaknesses of her practice to help to focus professional development more

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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 develop a self-evaluation process to identify specific areas of strength and weakness to help to precisely inform continuous professional development more precisely.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY498759 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10316862 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 5 Date of previous inspection 23 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Hitchin. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Tuesday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. 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 has 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 how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. 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 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.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises with the childminder.

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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.

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Inspection activities

14 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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