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

The childminder creates a nurturing environment, where children's welfare and development are paramount. Her warm and welcoming approach ensures children feel safe and secure in her nurturing care. Babies seek their childminder out for reassurance when tired and in need of support. Older children share jokes and giggle affectionately with her. This demonstrates the close bonds all children have with their childminder.

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The provision is good

The childminder supports children of all ages to remain deeply engaged in well- planned learning opportunities throughout their time at the setting. She encourages children to play an active role in planning stimulating and exciting activities that are based on their individual interests. For example, children are excited to create their own volcano eruption following on from a theme they have enjoyed exploring at home.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides numerous opportunities for children to engage in their local community. Children enjoy trips to local museums, play sessions and places of worship. For example, they enthusiastically recall what they learned on a recent trip to a nearby temple. This supports children to develop a good understanding of a variety of customs, traditions, and ways of life beyond their own.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She uses this knowledge to provide individual support. This ensures that activities remain suitably challenging for all ages. For example, when making fruit kebabs, the childminder demonstrates how to thread the various fruits onto skewers. She then provides support, where necessary, before encouraging children to complete the task independently. n Children are polite and demonstrate consistently good manners. The childminder is a good role model who is always kind and respectful to children and other adults. Children have a good understanding of behaviour expectations and follow the rules well. Furthermore, they support their friends to adhere to the rules in a polite and respectful manner. n The childminder understands the importance of working closely with other professionals. She communicates well with other settings that children attend,

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need to do better?

sharing planning opportunities and assessments. This provides a consistent approach to children's learning that supports them in making good progress. n Children of all ages are confident communicators. The childminder role models new words at every opportunity and encourages children to explore alternative vocabulary. For example, older children learn the meaning of words, such as 'erupt' and dormant', during a volcano making activity. The childminder creates

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need to do better?

9 April 2024 numerous opportunities for children to develop a love of books and promotes their literacy knowledge. Children independently explore a vast array of age- appropriate books and stories. They cuddle up on the sofa with their childminder to enjoy group story sessions throughout the day. n The childminder works hard to create a flexible and well-organised environment that meets the individual needs of all children. She understands that children learn best when engaged in activities that follow their interests. She provides a wealth of exciting age-appropriate resources and activities. However, on occasion children are not provided with sufficient time to independently explore these well-considered learning opportunities at their own pace. n Children take immense pride in completing the age-appropriate tasks that the childminder assigns to them. She encourages them to take on roles of responsibility, praising their efforts and achievements. For example, children

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need to do better?

delight at setting up craft activities and preparing snacks for themselves and their friends. This promotes children's self-esteem and their understanding of the importance of helping others. n The childminder adapts activities well to support the interests and learning needs of all children who attend. In a craft activity, older children make complex three-dimensional models of volcanos. They are encouraged to refer to books and recall past learning when planning their structure. Toddlers create their own small scale volcano pictures, identifying the different colours and shapes they see. This ensures all children remain engaged and make good progress from their starting points.

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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 allow children sufficient time to fully explore their individual ideas during planned activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY497269 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10335120 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 5 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Hemel Hempstead. She operates Tuesday to Thursday from 8am until 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3. She offers 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters from parents and children. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all persons living at the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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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

9 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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