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 demonstrate they feel happy and secure in the childminder's care. They are content to play independently and also enjoy the positive interaction they receive from her. The childminder is highly aware that some children prefer to learn outside. She takes this into account as she builds her curriculum around each child's individual learning needs. Children thoroughly enjoy being in the garden. They are very active as they engage in physical play, such as riding in cars and climbing up the slide. At other times, children visit areas in the local community, such as farms and parks, and this further benefits their health and well-being.

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The provision is good

Children very much learn through play and their own choices. The childminder watches what they are doing and tailors her teaching in line with what she sees. For example, she talks to children about colour and quantity as they play with cars. Children copy the childminder's clear words and phrases, which adds to their growing vocabulary. The childminder is very caring, and children have a strong attachment to her. Children's behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The childminder finds out what children can already do when they start to attend. She uses this information and her own observations to identify what children need to learn next. She is aware of where there may be emerging gaps in children's learning and focuses her teaching on these areas. This supports children to make consistently good progress. n Children enjoy taking part in creative activities. They learn about printing and mark making as they press toy dinosaurs on paint and stamp them onto paper. The childminder sensitively teaches children about colours and numbers. For example, she points out what colours have been used and counts the footprints that are being made. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They say their children are very happy to attend her setting and are learning well. The childminder shares information with parents on a regular basis. This helps her to know how they

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need to do better?

can support children's learning at home. n The childminder ensures her interactions with children promote their communication and language skills. For example, she comments on what children are doing as they play and repeats words back to them, using clear words and simple sentences. This has a positive impact on the rate at which children's speech develops. This is evident as children use the same words and phrases in the correct context in later learning. n The childminder has been offering care for children over many years and has a good reputation in her community. She has built strong partnerships with other settings in her local area. She understands the importance of sharing

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need to do better?

21 August 2024 information with them when they share care for the children. This promotes continuity in children's learning and development effectively. n The childminder demonstrates how she keeps children safe. For instance, she ensures they are well supervised when climbing up and down the slide. The childminder promotes children's physical well-being. She provides healthy food choices and supports children to understand why they need to wash their hands, such as before eating. This helps children to develop positive habits from a young age. n The childminder meets with other childminders, and this provides her with opportunities to hold professional discussions with others. She reflects on some areas of her practice and looks at what she can develop further. The childminder undertakes some training opportunities, such as covering safeguarding and first aid. However, she does not precisely identity what other professional

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need to do better?

development opportunities would help to extend her teaching skills and knowledge even more.

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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 identify and use a wider range of professional development opportunities to further enhance teaching skills and knowledge.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 123252 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10351663 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 1 Date of previous inspection 4 October 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1993 and lives in St Albans. She operates from Monday to Wednesday, 7.30am until 5.30pm, 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 her evaluation of the setting. 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 were looked at by the inspector. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members, and safeguarding and complaints procedures. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections on her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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

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

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