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 demonstrate they feel happy and secure in this homely environment. They form close friendships with one another and cooperate well during play. For example, older children help their younger friends create a tea party in the role- play area. The childminder has a gentle nurturing approach with children that supports them to feel safe in her care. They cuddle up to her to enjoy stories and seek her out for affection when tired or in need of reassurance.

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The provision is good

Children communicate confidently with adults and one another. The childminder creates a language-rich environment, providing children with opportunities to explore new words and sounds. She continually engages children in meaningful conversation throughout the day and role models new words at every opportunity. The childminder uses age-appropriate strategies to support children's language development. For example, children are encouraged to clap out the number of syllables in the new words they learn. This supports children to develop a wide vocabulary and strong language skills.

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The provision is good

The childminder encourages children to persevere during activities, striving to achieve their desired outcomes. She provides an abundance of praise and encouragement and allows children to complete tasks at their own pace. For example, children demonstrate determination when completing puzzles. They delight at the applause they receive from their childminder and friends. Children of all ages have a positive attitude to their learning.

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need to do better?

n Children enjoy many wonderful opportunities to engage in their local community and develop an understanding of ways of life beyond their own. They regularly visit the local care home and share stories and craft activities with the elderly residents. The childminder has developed a strong network of contacts to provide additional learning opportunities for children. For example, children learn about other professions with visits from the local police and fire services. n The childminder establishes strong relationships with other professionals to support children's progress. She shares information where necessary and seeks advice and ideas on how to promote children's development. For example, the childminder holds speech and language sessions in her home. This provides targeted teaching for children and enables families to further support children's learning at home. n Children are encouraged to be independent. The childminder provides

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need to do better?

opportunities for children to complete age-appropriate tasks, allowing them plenty of time to develop their skills. For example, young children take great care taking their boots and coats off on arrival. Children confidently help

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need to do better?

15 April 2024 establish mealtime routines. They wipe tables before and after meals and dispose of any rubbish in the appropriate bins. This prepares them well for the routines of school. n The childminder has a strong understanding of all children and their specific learning needs. Her robust methods of assessment ensure that her comprehensive knowledge of children's development remains up to date. The childminder uses this information well when planning learning opportunities that support children's progress. n Relationships with parents are strong. Parents are highly complimentary about the care the childminder provides and the valuable support she offers to the entire family. All parents deeply appreciate the many wonderful activities and learning opportunities the childminder plans. They acknowledge how her efforts mean that children look forward to attending. n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn best. She

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need to do better?

skilfully plans exciting learning opportunities based on their interests. For example, children learn about other cultures and customs by exploring different forms of music and dance. However, the childminder does not routinely adapt her planned activities to take into consideration children's moods or level of engagement. n Children settle well in the childminder's care. This supports them to feel safe, engage in play, and make good progress from their starting points. The childminder gathers detailed information about children's early experiences and uses this to provide exciting and unusual learning opportunities. For example, children enjoy trips to local zoos, parks and recently went on a train to explore London for the day.

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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 adopt a more flexible approach to supporting children's learning during activities that takes into consideration their interest and level of engagement.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY497921 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10335124 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 10 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 Monday to Thursday all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am to 5.30pm. The childminder provides funded 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. 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

15 April 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

15 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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