Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

This provision meets requirements

Children settle quickly in this welcoming childminder's home. They return from school and confidently follow the routine to wash their hands, have a snack and play. The childminder tunes into children's moods when she collects them from school and is able to fluidly meet their needs, such as when they are tired because they have had a swimming lesson at school. Children express themselves clearly and the childminder listens carefully to understand their wishes.

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This provision meets requirements

While children attend for a short amount of time each day, they use this time as they please. Children use their imagination as they make up hide and seek games with each other. Older children kindly include the younger children as they try to copy them in their actions. When they have found the hidden item, they cheer each other on saying, 'Well done'. The childminder praises children for their good social skills, reinforcing children's understanding of socially acceptable behaviour. They play chasing games together and the childminder helps younger children to balance on bicycles in the garden. This helps children to develop their overall physical development.

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need to do better?

n Children's communication and language skills are supported well. They engage in meaningful conversations with the childminder and talk about their day, building on their already good communication and language skills. Children talk about their friends at school. They listen to one another and take turns in sharing their news. n The childminder understands the importance of working with the schools that children attend. They share information which means the childminder can tailor children's care to meet their individual needs. Communication is managed effectively and this helps to reassure the parents about the whole of their child's day. n The childminder provides a healthy snack for children to eat after a busy day at school. She ensures that children remain hydrated, keeping their water bottles always within reach on warm days. This promotes their good health. Snack time is a sociable occasion where the childminder and children sit together at the

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need to do better?

table to eat. n The childminder keeps her mandatory training up to date. This includes her paediatric first-aid qualification and safeguarding training. The childminder successfully uses her refreshed knowledge to enhance school-age children's understanding of the importance of online safety. For example, the childminder sits with children, supervising them closely as they play games on electronic devices.

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need to do better?

9 May 2024 n Parents are happy with the service provided. Some have been sending their children since they were young babies. They like that their children receive a home-from-home experience. The childminder communicates frequently with them about their children. This helps provide consistency of care for children. n The childminder obtains a range of information about children when they start and continues to help them settle in and meet their needs. She knows the children well and provides resources that they like. At times, the childminder does not always help the younger children find a suitable activity that captures their attention so that older children's play is not interrupted. n The childminder creates a warm and nurturing setting, where children are part of the family. They are settled and comfortable in her care, talking about their day, showing that they feel 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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Setting details

Unique reference number EY442317 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10304983 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 3 Date of previous inspection 7 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Hoddesdon. She operates from 7.30am until 9am, and from 3pm until 5pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 provision. n The childminder talked to the inspector about how the provision is organised, and the opportunities provided for the children. The inspector observed and evaluated the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector talked to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector spoke to parents and children during the inspection and considered their views.

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Inspection activities

9 May 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

9 May 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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