Girvan Patricia Margaret

This provision meets requirements

Children are settled and secure and thoroughly enjoy spending time with this welcoming, caring childminder. She is enthusiastic and demonstrates her genuine enjoyment of being with the children. They respond to this and are confident and inquisitive in their play, building on these important skills that support their formal learning. They talk enthusiastically with the childminder about their favourite activities and she fully supports them in participating in these. For example, children concentrate and develop their smaller hand muscles and their creativity as they engage in intricate drawing and colouring activities.

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This provision meets requirements

Children reflect the childminder's calm, gentle nature. They enjoy their play and show a mature understanding of managing their behaviour. They are polite to others, for example, inviting the childminder to join their play and competently taking turns. Daily discussions with the childminder support children in understanding the relevance of healthy practices. For example, they readily explain that regular exercise helps to keep our hearts healthy. The childminder's consistently implemented daily routines aid children in understanding how to keep themselves safe. For instance, on the walk home from school they stop at each road and check carefully before crossing, remembering to do this again as they reach the central island.

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need to do better?

n The childminder fully appreciates children's need to rest and recover after a busy day at school. She makes sure that they have time to relax and to talk about their day, balancing this well with the option of participating in a choice of activities. Children enjoy being able to choose their resources and decide where to play. n The experienced childminder remains committed to continuously reviewing her practice and making sure she is doing all she can to meet children's needs. She continues to complete training to help ensure she is up to date with any changes. The childminder introduces changes that help to improve children's experiences. For example, she is planning to add further outdoor resources. n The childminder recognises the importance of supporting children to develop their language and communication skills. She knows the children well and offers lots of opportunities for them to talk about their interests and recent events at

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need to do better?

home and at school. n Children respond to the childminder's positive attitude. They concentrate as they play, often setting themselves challenges. For example, children invent a game and persevere until they have 'flipped' all of the pieces onto the board. n Children enjoy a variety of activities that aid them in developing their physical

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need to do better?

26 February 2024 skills. For instance, they crouch down and crawl through dens and tunnels they have made. They develop control of their smaller hand muscles as they carefully select small pieces when playing a board game. n Ongoing discussions help children to notice and respect differences. For example, they talk about the games they like to play in the school playground, noting that everyone has different favourites and ideas. n The childminder works well in partnership with the school that children attend. She makes sure she understands what children are currently learning and how she can support this. For instance, she allows plenty of time to practise children's reading with them. n Parents fully appreciate the nurturing environment the childminder provides. She communicates well with them, helping her to understand children's needs and their current interests. The childminder uses this information to tailor her

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need to do better?

practice to suit each child and ensure their care is consistent.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number 130043 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10316822 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 1 Date of previous inspection 10 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in Watford. She operates during term time only, from 3pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of this setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas used for childcare and discussed how they ensure these are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed children playing after school. The inspector and the childminder discussed an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of household members. n The inspector held discussions with children and took account of their views. Additionally, she considered informal feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

26 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

26 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

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