Dell, Marie Jane

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

The childminder has created a welcoming and homely environment where children feel safe and secure. She warmly greets children as they arrive, and they are very happy to be in her care. The childminder makes personal, social and emotional development a priority. Children leave her setting feeling confident in themselves and their own learning and knowledge they have gained.

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The provision is good

The childminder uses play to support children's learning. When planning activities, the childminder ensures they encompass a wide range of learning opportunities. She builds on the knowledge and skills children already have and as a result, children make good progress. The childminder uses the outside environment well, and children enjoy spending time learning outdoors.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. The childminder supports children of all ages to play together. She encourages older children to play with the younger children and they proudly take on this role. The childminder creates wonderful relationships with the children. They laugh and joke throughout the day. These relationships allow children to feel confident. When guessing answers to questions, they know it is okay to make mistakes. For example, when naming farm animals, children who speak English as an additional language enjoy remembering the names, even if they do not always get it right.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers activities for the children she knows they will enjoy such as making playdough. The childminder differentiates activities effectively to meet the learning needs of all children. For example, older children measure oil out in millilitres. They work out what half of the suggested measurement is while younger children fill cups 'full' and 'half full' with flour and salt. However, the childminder does not always offer challenge for all children to extend their learning consistently. n The childminder provides children with a wide variety of opportunities to learn about the world around them. Regular visits to the farm broaden children's understanding of animals, how to care for them and learning where some of our food comes from. In the local woodland children build wigwams and go on bug hunts, learning all about where animals live. Children proudly show their learning, sharing the knowledge they have with others.

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need to do better?

n When children first start with the childminder, she gathers a wide range of information for parents. Parents share a lot of information about what their children can already do. This enables the childminder to build on children's knowledge and understanding right from the start. n The childminder is quick to support children who are delayed in their learning

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need to do better?

10 April 2024 and development. Secure relationships with parents allow the childminder to be open and honest and put plans in place to support children from a young age. For example, the childminder spends time individually with children who have delayed speech. This allows children time to respond to questions or conversations without the pressures of others. n The childminder's environment allows children to develop their physical skills in a range of ways. The sloped garden supports children to run, climb and move in diverse ways on a hill. Children use the resources available to develop their imaginative skills. They turn the playhouse into a petrol station and drive cars and tractors to fill up with petrol. n Parents feel that the childminder is kind and caring and offers their children a fantastic setting to learn and develop in. Parents receive consistent communication from the childminder, allowing them to feel part of their child's

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need to do better?

day. Children report that they love coming to the childminders home. The talk of their enjoyment in the activities she provides and the amount of 'fun' they have. n The childminder works closely with other settings which children may attend. She regularly shares information around learning and development. This supports consistency in next steps which supports progress. n The childminder is committed to developing her own knowledge. She reflects regularly on her own practice, seeking information from parents on any improvement she may be able to make to her setting. The childminder liaises with other childminders to share information and good practice.

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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 provide greater challenge when planning activities for children to extend their learning and enable them to make the best possible progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY350559 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10335480 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 7 Date of previous inspection 18 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in St Albans. She operates all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 4.30pm on Friday, 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 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 the evaluations of the provision. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all the areas of the setting and discussed their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector looked at reviews from the parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection and she took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of suitability of 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

10 April 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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