Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder has clear routines which help children to settle and know what happens next. Children share a close bond with the childminder. They approach her for cuddles and reassurance. This means they feel safe and happy in her care. In general, children show an eagerness to learn. They sit at the table and look at the jigsaw puzzle. The childminder follows children's interests and ideas. This helps younger children to start to engage in their learning. However, the childminder does not always identify the learning intent for planned activities. This means that planned activities do not meet children's learning needs and their learning incidental.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe. She explains why they need to tidy away the toys so that they do not trip over them. Children listen and respond to her instructions as they eagerly help. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder reminds children about sharing and taking turns. Children show that they can play together well under the childminder's direction. The childminder understands the importance of helping children to be ready for school. Children are gaining some of the key skills that support their future learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder follows children's interests and ideas, which helps them to engage for longer periods of time and deepen their knowledge. However, the childminder does not always plan effectively to ensure that children's individual learning needs are consistently met. At times, she struggles to implement her intended curriculum successfully to build on children's good progress. n The childminder understands the importance of promoting children's communication and language development. She talks to children, asking questions and reading to them. However, she lacks awareness of the impact of background noise, such as the television, has on the learning environment and children's ability to hear the words. n The childminder is keen to improve her practice. She plans to complete further training to continue to develop her professional knowledge. However, she has not implemented these plans to ensure that children's learning and development

p.2

need to do better?

is supported effectively. n Children are learning to manage their own daily routines. They independently wash their hands before and after eating. n The childminder offers children varied snacks and meals that meet their dietary requirements and preferences. She encourages children to become independent and teaches them to feed themselves. n The childminder understands the importance of following young children's

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need to do better?

27 March 2024 routines for sleeping and eating. She talks to parents about how best to support children, so they feel contented. n The childminder includes mathematics during everyday activities. For example, children copy the childminder as she counts the number of animals on the jigsaw pieces. n Regular visits within the local community help children to learn about the wider world. For instance, children visit parks, and they make regular weekly visits to the library. n The childminder ensures that her pet dogs do not share the same space as the children. The dogs' food and water are in the kitchen. A safety gate prevents children's access to the kitchen. n Children are learning to share and take turns. The childminder helps them to negotiate, taking turns sitting on the rocking horse and to play alongside each other. The childminder praises their achievements. This builds children's self- confidence and willingness to keep trying at tasks.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder uses strategies to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She works with parents to identify children who may need support early on. n The childminder finds out about children's home lives and experiences. She encourages children to learn about differences and similarities between themselves and others, such as through reading relevant stories. n The childminder communicates with parents and shares information with them, so they find out what children are learning. The regular updates guide parents so they can support children's progress at home. Parents are happy with the service the childminder provides.

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 interest first.

p.3

Due date

develop a good understanding of how to use information to plan learning experiences that are tailored to meet each child's needs 30/09/2024

p.3

Due date

27 March 2024 undertake appropriate professional development to increase knowledge of how children learn and to develop teaching skills to ensure that children make the best possible progress. 30/09/2024

p.3

should:

n consider the impact of background noise in the learning environment on children's ability to to be able to listen and learn well.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2628403 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10320430 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Berkhamsted. She operates all year round from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

p.5

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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their EYFS curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents share their views of the childminder's setting with the inspector.

p.6

Inspection activities

n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.6

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

27 March 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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