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 thoroughly enjoy being with this nurturing, enthusiastic childminder. Her very good understanding of each child means that she consistently considers their needs and interests, skilfully incorporating these into the activities and daily routines. This helps children to settle quickly and they build warm, trusting relationships with the childminder. Children respond to the positive environment and approach their play and learning enthusiastically and confidently. For example, when playing an alphabet game, they concentrate as they select the correct letters to spell their words, persevering until they have completed all of these.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour and offers children the corresponding support they need to understand their emotions and the effects of their actions. Children respond positively to this and show a calm, considerate approach to their play and interactions. Ongoing discussions and good daily practice support children in developing their understanding of healthy practices. For instance, they remember to have regular drinks, confidently explaining why it is important to drink plenty of water. The childminder continuously considers children's safety and helps them to understand this and to consider possible risks. For example, children discuss how, when eating fruit, they need to be careful of any fruit with larger seeds.

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need to do better?

n The childminder remains enthusiastic about her work, continuously reviewing this and making changes that benefit children. She completes further training and meets regularly with other registered childminders, to exchange updates and best practice ideas. This aids her in developing her skills further and keeping up to date with any changes. n Children make good progress and are well prepared for the move to nursery or school. The childminder uses practical procedures to gather information about children when they start and then continues to build on this. This means that she has a good knowledge of each child and understands how they prefer to play and learn. She uses written guidance and her experience to help her plan what they need to learn next. The childminder diligently monitors children's progress, quickly noting any weaker areas and offering additional support. n The childminder appreciates her role in supporting children to develop their

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need to do better?

language and communication skills. She talks clearly with children and uses creative ways to encourage their speech. For example, children look at illustrations on cards and talk about what they can see, often relating this to recent experiences, such as walks in the woods and visiting a nearby pond. n The childminder takes care in planning weekly activities, ensuring these offer children a balanced variety of opportunities and reflect their developmental

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need to do better?

24 April 2024 needs and interests. For example, children develop physical skills as they climb, balance and crawl during regular visits to a 'children's gym'. n Practical activities support children in extending their enjoyment of books. For example, they read a favourite story about making soup. They then relate this to their home life, make turnip soup and participate in related craft activities. n Children gain a good awareness of differences. For instance, they talk about food allergies and preferences and why it is important to recognise and observe these. Regular use of local facilities, such as museums, parks and children's groups, aid children in understanding and feeling part of their community. n Children thoroughly enjoy their play and their interactions with the childminder and these are generally of a high quality. However, occasionally, the childminder answers some questions for children and solves problems for them, rather than

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need to do better?

supporting them to do this themselves and fully building their creative and critical thinking skills. n Parents praise the childminder. They note that she works hard to promote children's development, often using children's interests to support this. They feel that the childminder communicates well with them. This helps them to understand what their children are doing each day and to build on their learning at home.

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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 continue to build on the opportunities that aid children in exploring further and developing their skills in solving problems and thinking critically.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY497823 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10316871 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 2 Date of previous inspection 29 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives near Luton. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education places 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 their evaluation of this setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure these are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed activities and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. She talked with the childminder about how the early years provision is organised and reviewed an activity with her. n The inspector viewed relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She also reviewed written feedback from parents and considered their views.

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Inspection activities

24 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

24 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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