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 settle quickly in the childminder's care. They are constantly active and busy as they move around her home, showing a strong sense of belonging. Children enjoy spending time in the garden where they can be active and explore the natural environment. The childminder encourages children to do many things for themselves, such as climb down steps. She stays close by to make sure that children stay safe. Her positive encouragement results in children succeeding and they are very pleased with their achievements.

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The provision is good

The childminder builds her curriculum around each child's learning needs. Presently, this is highly based on free play and exploration for young children. The childminder explains how she adapts her environments, activities and teaching for older children. She uses many strategies to help ensure that children acquire the skills they need as the foundation for their future learning. The childminder makes sure that the activities she provides are of interest to children. This helps to keep children highly engaged in learning. They play alongside others amicably and their behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The childminder obtains in-depth information from parents when children start at her setting. This helps her to quickly know where each child is in their development and what they need to learn next. She constantly observes children as they play and builds on the learning she sees taking place. Her effective teaching skills support children to make good progress. n Children are developing a keen interest in books. They know where to find books and sit quietly as they look at them. Children handle books carefully and look intently at pictures. They show their developing language skills as they point to and label animals and make animal sounds. n The childminder is well qualified and her teaching skills are good. She knows when to interact with children to help them to learn new skills, such as when using a magnetic drawing board. At other times, the childminder sits back and lets children explore independently. She changes her daily routines so that

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need to do better?

children's play and learning are not interrupted. This helps children to develop strong concentration skills as they become independent learners. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They say their children learn well and are very happy in her care. The childminder shares information with parents regularly to keep them updated on how their children are developing. She encourages parents to share information about what experiences children have at home. n The childminder supports children's communication and language development well. For example, she places posters on the wall at children's height. Children

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need to do better?

22 April 2024 look at these with interest and talk to the childminder about what they can see. Children also show their developing understanding of simple mathematical concepts, such as size. They label a large duck as 'mummy' and the small one as 'baby'. These skills are of a high level, considering the young ages of the children. n The childminder has good procedures in place to help her to keep children safe. She clearly explains to children why they need to stay at the table to eat. The childminder encourages children to tidy away toys they have finished playing with. She talks to them about how accidents could happen when toys are left on the floor. This helps children to begin to learn how they can keep themselves safe. n The childminder networks with other childminders and talks positively about how this helps her to reflect on her setting and hold professional discussions with others. She undertakes mandatory training, such as first aid. However, the

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need to do better?

childminder's professional development could be extended further by exploring wider training opportunities, to inform her practice and raise the quality of teaching even higher.

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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 identify and use a wider range of professional development opportunities to further enhance teaching skills and knowledge.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY501117 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10335307 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 1 Date of previous inspection 11 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years degree.

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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 the setting. n The inspector viewed the areas of the home that are used for childminding and the childminder discussed how she plans her curriculum and operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n A sample of policies and procedures was looked at by the inspector, including documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector took account of the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

22 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

22 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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