Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the childminder's care. The childminder is exceptionally caring and kind. She communicates this warmth to children, who in turn, are kind to others. Children show that they feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. They respond to her positive interactions with delight. Children listen attentively to others, following the childminder's lead in how to behave sensitively and with compassion for the feelings of others. Children show that they understand the importance of caring as they play with the baby dolls, gently wrapping them up and settling them for a sleep. They ask others to, 'Please be quiet, so the babies can sleep.' The childminder gives children exceptional guidance that helps them to behave impeccably. They act responsibly and with courtesy as they interact with adults and with each other.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children make excellent progress as the childminder supports them to explore and become curious about the world around them. She has high expectations of what children can achieve. Her positive and encouraging manner gives all children the confidence to have a go. Children thorough enjoy creative experiences. They look at the features of a painting by a well-known artist, describing the colours and shapes that give a sense of movement. The children are able to relate this to their own experience of the night sky and the weather before creating paintings of their own.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder describes her curriculum and the various approaches she integrates into her teaching. She demonstrates her excellent understanding of children's development and how they learn. The childminder knows what children need to know and do by the time they begin school. She carefully constructs the curriculum so that children continually build their knowledge and skills. The childminder seamlessly integrates the areas of learning into children's play and the planned experiences to help them become well-rounded and enthusiastic learners. n The childminder thoughtfully plans experiences. She very carefully considers the needs of each child to ensure that they benefit from all that is on offer. The childminder's teaching is superb, and she delivers experiences extremely well. Her exceptional understanding of what each child needs to learn next is put to excellent use. She continually makes the most of teachable moments to enhance

p.2

need to do better?

children's opportunity to learn something new. Children thoroughly enjoy challenges. They use the A-shaped frame to climb and balance. They carefully coordinate their arms and legs to reach the top, where some children bravely negotiate the peak, climbing across to go down the other side. The childminder is on hand, providing guidance and encouragement.

p.2

need to do better?

24 April 2024 n Children build their vocabulary, learning and using new words to describe what they see, hear and do. The childminder invites children to share their thoughts and ideas. She shows children that she is listening and values what they have to say. The childminder's explanations are precisely matched to children's level of understanding and, as a result, children quickly gain an understanding of new information. Children frequently model the childminder's behaviour. They ask her questions and expect detailed answers in response. For example, they ask the childminder to explain why she likes the yogurt on her hands during a messy activity. She describes the feel of the yogurt as cold, soft and smooth and one child asks, 'What else?' Children are used to being asked to build on their responses and expect others to do the same. n The childminder works extremely closely with parents. This results in the

p.2

need to do better?

establishing of highly effective partnerships that ensure that the childminder always has essential information about children that allows her to plan for their needs. The childminder keeps parents extremely well informed about children's daily experiences and their progress. She welcomes information from parents about children's experiences at home, using the information with children in conversation and play. n The childminder is highly organised. This helps her to ensure that she has all of the information she needs to hand and ensures that she meets children's needs at all times. The childminder is committed to developing her knowledge and skills. She completes independent research into current trends, evaluating what she has learned and putting into practice what she believes will benefit the children most. The childminder attends training sessions and participates in long- term study to ensure that she has the up-to-date knowledge that is vital to

p.3

need to do better?

providing the very best quality for children and their families.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY499163 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10335453 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 15 June 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 provision. n The childminder described her curriculum to the inspector, covering the knowledge and skills she intends children to learn while in her care. n The inspector and the childminder observed children's play during a planned activity and evaluated the quality of education. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and to the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector read the written feedback from parents and took account of their views as part of the overall evaluation of the setting.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of adults living and working in the childminder's home.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6