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

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The provision is outstanding

Children are very settled and extremely happy in the care of the childminder. They move around with confidence, showing a deep sense of belonging. Children have many opportunities to be outside. They thoroughly enjoy spending time in the childminder's spacious garden. Children are fascinated by the hands-on learning opportunities they experience. For example, they proudly show visitors the tomatoes they are growing. They understand the process of growth and find imaginative ways to describe it. In this instance, children compare the different stages of ripening, from green, orange and red, to how a traffic light works. Children behave exceptionally well and firm friendships are made. The childminder helps children to recognise their own emotions and respect the needs of others. She is an excellent role model.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder gets to know each child exceptionally well. Her curriculum is built and embedded around their learning needs, as the childminder is highly attuned to what children need to learn next. She provides a safe, inviting environment where children thrive. Children develop the essential knowledge and skills they need. This helps to challenge them in the present moment and to prepare them for the next stage of their education. As children explore dough, the older ones learn how to recognise shapes and pattern. They count and match quantity to number with ease. Younger children enjoy the sensory feel of dough and engage remarkably well, considering their age.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is truly committed to providing exceptional early years education and care to children. She is passionate about ongoing professional development and keeps her knowledge and training updated. The childminder is highly reflective and implements her new knowledge and skills into her teaching and practice with precise detail. Additionally, she mentors and supports other childminders in her area, especially those who are new to the role. The childminder has exceptionally high expectations for children's learning. As a result, children make outstanding progress. n Children's speech and language skills are excellent. Children who speak English as an additional language make swift and sustained progress from their starting points. The childminder builds steps of learning for these children. This includes learning key words and phrases in their home languages. The childminder introduces visual timetables and picture prompts to help children understand the

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need to do better?

routines of the day. These successful early interventions result in all children becoming confident and eloquent communicators. n The childminder forms exceptionally strong partnerships with parents. All parents comment on how excellent their child's relationship is with the

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need to do better?

12 August 2024 childminder. Parents report that information-sharing is very good and they know how their children are learning. They are highly confident that their children are safe and secure in the childminder's care. n Children achieve high levels of independence. They rise to the childminder's high expectations and are keen to persist with challenging tasks such as changing their clothes. Children know how to keep themselves safe on hot days. They make sure they are wearing a hat and stay in shady spots when asked to by the childminder. Even though children want to be outside, they listen to the childminder's request to stay indoors at the hottest part of the day. This shows children's developing self-discipline and respect for others. n The childminder is very reflective on her teaching, making sure it is tailored to each child's needs. For example, she has carefully considered how she teaches mathematics and made highly effective changes. She presents ideas to children

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need to do better?

in practical ways, such as looking for patterns through play, planned activities and walks. The childminder evaluates the impact of her teaching on children's learning outcomes. She considers how to help children to move on or revisit their previous learning through different contexts. This results in children commenting, in this instance, on patterns they see for themselves when looking through magnifying glasses.

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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 EY298186 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10344375 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 7 Date of previous inspection 18 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004. She operates all year round from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder. n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of the childminder's 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

12 August 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

12 August 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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