Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

The childminder creates a warm and homely environment that supports children to feel safe and secure in her care. She provides resources that are based on children's current interests and plays alongside them in their chosen activities. As a result, children explore their environment with confidence and enjoy the time they spend with their childminder. However, the childminder does not monitor children's progress effectively. She demonstrates insufficient knowledge of their abilities and learning needs. The childminder does not plan a curriculum that supports children to make good progress in her care. For example, some activities, such as puzzles, are too easy for children. The childminder does not attempt to adapt them or extend her teaching to effectively promote children's learning.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

The childminder provides opportunities for children to develop their social skills and explore play opportunities outside of her home. Children attend group play sessions, where they engage with others. They develop skills such as taking turns and playing cooperatively with their friends. Children routinely demonstrate these skills in the childminder's home. For example, they explore sensory baskets together. Babies pass objects to their older friends who demonstrate how to use them correctly. These appropriate behaviours help prepare children well for their next stage of learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n When children start in her care, the childminder gathers appropriate information from parents. She is aware of children's specific dietary requirements and any relevant medical needs. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's early experiences. She uses this knowledge to plan activities based on their current interests. For example, children enjoy drawing pictures using their favourite pens. However, her planning does not routinely take into consideration children's abilities and learning needs. n The childminder shares details with parents about children's routines and the activities they enjoy when in her care. However, this communication does not extend to sharing information about children's learning. For example, the childminder does not complete and provide parents with a written summary of children's development between the ages of two and three years. Furthermore, the childminder does not attempt to gather or share information with other

p.2

need to do better?

settings that children attend. n Children of all ages are confident. They engage well with visitors, chatting to them about their interests and inviting them into their play. Children demonstrate a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Babies proudly show off the colourful pictures they draw. Older children delight when demonstrating their sporting skills. The childminder supports this well by creating an environment

p.2

need to do better?

31 May 2024 where children feel valued. She listens to their ideas and provides praise for children's efforts and achievements in activities. n Children are independent. The childminder encourages them to complete age- appropriate tasks with minimal help. Older children confidently put on coats and shoes before playing in the garden. Babies feed themselves at mealtimes, wiping their own hands and faces after eating. This helps prepare children for the routines of school. n The childminder encourages children to develop healthy lifestyles and safe routines. Children enjoy a variety of fruits at snack time and have continuous access to outdoor play opportunities in the secure garden. They sit together at the table or in high chairs when eating. They chat with their childminder about their delicious meals and how these will give them energy to play. n Children select books from the wide selection available and enjoy exploring them

p.2

need to do better?

independently. The childminder creates cosy story sessions, where children cuddle up with one another and discuss their favourite characters. This encourages children to develop a love of reading. n The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep children safe. She conducts regular risk assessments of her home and when on trips out. The childminder confidently explains the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk from harm. She discusses the correct referral process to follow when reporting her concerns.

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

Due date

establish a curriculum that clearly identifies what children need to learn and provide teaching and learning opportunities with appropriate challenge that support all children to make good progress 30/08/2024

p.3

Due date

develop effective methods of monitoring children's progress that clearly identifies what children know and can do 30/08/2024

p.3

Due date

31 May 2024 review children's progress between the ages of two and three years and provide parents with a written summary of children's development. 30/08/2024

p.3

should:

n encourage closer partnerships with other settings children attend to provide a consistent approach to supporting children's learning and development.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 129956 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10339141 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 2 July 2018

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. She operates on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am until 5.30pm all year round except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

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 looked at a selection of relevant documents. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the impact of her teaching on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities and observed the quality of teaching. n The inspector and 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.5

Inspection activities

31 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.5

Inspection activities

31 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7