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 are settled and happy in the care of the childminder. They move around her home with confidence as they find the resources they want to use. The childminder has a good understanding of each child's learning needs. She develops her curriculum around these and adapts her teaching so that it is relevant to each child. For example, she shows older children a picture of a patchwork elephant to illustrate what she means by making patchwork patterns. The childminder models how to stick different coloured materials onto paper to help the younger ones join in.

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The provision is good

Children have familiar routines, which help them to feel secure. The childminder is aware of when routines need adapting, such as when children show they are tired she brings lunchtime forward. Children thoroughly enjoy being outdoors, where they have many opportunities to be active. They ride on cars and scooters, showing their developing skills from pushing along with their legs to confidently pedalling. Children are learning to look after themselves. The childminder explains how they need to tidy up to prevent tripping hazards. Children understand the importance of this and gladly help. Children's behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The childminder closely tracks the progress that children make and this supports their ongoing learning and development. She finds out what early experiences children have had when they start at her setting. This helps her to identify what children need to learn next and to find ways to close any gaps in their learning. n Children are developing strong skills in preparation for their future education. For example, they skilfully use scissors and are learning how to follow a line. The childminder encourages children to begin to write their names. Children take time to make marks, where recognisable letters are beginning to appear. Children show great pride in their achievements. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They state their children are very happy to attend her setting and develop a close bond with her. Parents say children are making good progress under the childminder's care.

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need to do better?

n Children show a keen interest in learning about the world. They watch how water flows as they tip it down a series of drainpipes. Children know where the water will stop and collect it in small containers. They then transport it to other areas of the garden to water the plants, knowing that this is good for growth. n Most children's speech and language skills are developing well. They readily join in conversations with each other and with adults. The childminder quickly identifies when children are not developing speech in line with developmental expectations. She supports parents to gain advice from other professionals, such as health visitors. The childminder supports these children in her setting by

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need to do better?

20 May 2024 using simple language with them and singing songs. n The childminder is keen to listen to children and follow their ideas. She changes activities she has planned in line with children's requests. For example, she provides paint when children ask for it. However, at times the younger children get a little overlooked. This results, for instance, in them not being able to join in the painting activity from the outset as there is not room for them at the table. Consequently, learning time is sometimes missed for these children. n The childminder understands the importance of continuous professional development. She precisely identifies what areas of her practice and teaching skills she wants to develop further. This helps her to continually enhance her knowledge and skills. The childminder has some links with other childminders. This provides her with opportunities to share good practice and hold professional

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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 ensure the learning needs of the younger children are more consistently met, especially during group activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY345390 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10339262 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 6 July 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Watford. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. She operates from Monday to Friday, all year round except for bank holidays and family holidays, from 7am until 6pm.

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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 her and has taken that into account in her evaluations. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of her home that she uses with children and 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. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members, safeguarding and complaints. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

20 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

20 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

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