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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children are happy with this warm and nurturing childminder. She builds strong relationships with the children in her care. The childminder explains daily routines to the children and responds well to their needs throughout the day. This helps children to feel safe and secure in her care. The childminder knows her children well and plans their learning around their interests. She understands they enjoy being active in the garden and need support with their communication and language skills. Children enjoy throwing and kicking the balls. The childminder joins in with children's play and introduces unfamiliar words. This helps children with their muscle control and coordination while developing their communication skills. The childminder gives children lots of praise when they catch the ball. This helps to develop positive self-esteem and confidence.

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The provision is good

Children are developing positive attitudes to their learning. The childminder helps children to stay engaged with their learning. Children behave well. The childminder is a good role model for children, and she has high expectations of their behaviour. She encourages children to say please and thank you and gently reminds them of rules and boundaries. During play, she supports children to take turns and to be gentle with the resources.

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need to do better?

n Since the last inspection, the childminder has worked hard to improve her practice. She has made lots of changes to her curriculum and the environment. She works with other childminders, which helps to close the gaps in her knowledge. This improvement has led to good outcomes for children. However, the childminder does not fully focus her professional development on developing an expert knowledge of teaching to continually build on the good-quality practice. n The childminder knows what skills are typical for children to develop at various ages. She gathers information about the children from their parents. This helps her to plan a curriculum that promotes children's ongoing progress. n The childminder supports children to develop their independence. For example, she encourages children to find their shoes and have a go at putting them on before going into the garden. This promotes children's understanding of how to

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need to do better?

manage their own self-care skills. n Children enjoy imaginary play. They use the pretend foods and kitchen equipment to role play. The childminder talks to children about healthy food choices. Children respond well to this and show enjoyment whilst learning about healthy lifestyles. n The childminder understands the importance of supporting children's language and communication skills. She talks to children and provides a narrative as they

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need to do better?

24 April 2024 play repeating keywords, so they can listen and repeat. Mealtimes provide an ideal opportunity for children to develop both their communication and social skills. The childminder and children sit together at the table, learning to use words, such as 'more' and 'drink', to express their own needs. n The childminder plans trips outside the home, giving the children the chance to link up with the local community and have new social experiences. She attends local groups with other childminders, where children have the chance to play with different children, supporting their interactions. n Children love being outside, they have access to the childminder's garden. They throw the balls high in the air, using their core physical skills to jump and catch the balls. Children use chalks to make marks on the ground. These experiences provide children with opportunities to build their hand-to-eye coordination in

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need to do better?

preparation for early writing. n The childminder introduces mathematical language and concepts to children's play. She frequently counts with the children and talks about numbers and shapes. Children enjoy counting the pieces of fruit during snack time and recognising the different shapes. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They value the variety of experiences that she offers. Parents say their children enjoy their time at the childminder's in a loving and secure home. The childminder keeps parents informed about their children's progress and development. She provides regular updates and discusses next steps in their learning. This helps parents to understand how they can support their children 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 interest first.

p.3

should:

n seek further professional development opportunities that focus on continually building on the good-quality practice.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY411398 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10293526 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 1 Date of previous inspection 27 April 2023

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round, from 7.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development with a particular focus on communication and language. n Parents shared their written views of the childminder's setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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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

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

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