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 Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder creates a calm and nurturing environment where children feel settled and secure. Children remain deeply absorbed in learning activities that the childminder skilfully plans around their interests. For example, the childminder uses pretty-coloured buttons in unusual shapes to support children's development. She encourages children to sort the buttons into different containers according to their colour and shape.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are confident and successfully complete age-appropriate tasks independently. The childminder promotes this well by creating fun games for children to complete. For example, when children tidy up, they race their childminder to find the correct homes for their favourite toys. Children delight at their success when putting on boots and coats. The childminder encourages this sense of accomplishment by offering immense praise and allowing children sufficient time to complete tasks successfully.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder is extremely focused on supporting children's emotional well- being. She spends time talking to children about their feelings and how their actions have a positive effect on others. As a result, children behave well and are kind to one another. For example, when their friends are tired and unsettled, children attempt to reassure them by stroking their hair and soothing them.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder supports children to develop a love of stories. She creates lovely interactive story sessions where children explore activities that are centred around their favourite books. For example, children match pictures of various foods to the pictures in 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' book. n Children are confident communicators. They demonstrate a wide and sophisticated vocabulary. The childminder engages children in continuous conversation that is centred around their interests. She asks thought-provoking questions and allows children plenty of time to respond. However, the language the childminder role models does not always provide sufficient challenge to promote children in making outstanding progress from their starting points. n The childminder shares her extensive knowledge and experience to support the practice of others. She helps to manage and run a childminder play session, providing opportunities for other professionals to share good practice and ideas.

p.2

need to do better?

She also uses these sessions to enhance children's social development. n Parents deeply value the high-quality care and education that the childminder provides. They comment on the immense support she offers to families and the nurturing care she provides for all children who attend. n Children have a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They enjoy a wide

p.2

need to do better?

22 May 2024 choice of fruits for snacks and grow their own vegetables in the childminder's garden. Children have continuous access to outdoor play opportunities both in the childminder's home and when visiting local parks. The childminder encourages children to explore the effects physical activity has on their bodies. She encourages them to join in exercise routines and discusses how it makes their hearts beat faster. n The childminder has a good understanding of children's early experiences. She plans activities and provides resources to support their emotional development and well-being. For example, children learn how to behave appropriately around new babies by caring for dolls. They practise holding them carefully and discuss what they eat and how to bathe them safely. n Children demonstrate a positive attitude to their learning. They persevere when faced with obstacles during activities. For example, when they struggle chopping

p.2

need to do better?

fruits at snack time, the childminder offers advice and encouragement. She allows children plenty of time to complete tasks and offers an abundance of praise for their efforts and achievements. n The childminder skilfully identifies learning opportunities in children's independent play. She acknowledges children's observations and encourages them to explore their ideas further. For example, children notice puddles have formed in the tray containing balls. The childminder encourages them to roll the balls and make deliberate patterns in the tray. This helps develop children's coordination and fine motor skills.

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

should:

n ensure teaching provides appropriate challenge, specifically when promoting the language development of most-able children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 130253 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10339223 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 11 Date of previous inspection 5 July 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1989 and lives in Croxley Green. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at selection of relevant documents. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children during activities and observed the quality of teaching. n The inspector and the childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the impact of her teaching on children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

p.4

Inspection activities

22 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

22 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.

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