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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children thrive in the welcoming home of the childminder. Good settling-in procedures enable new children to settle quickly and develop a close bond with the childminder. They approach her for comfort and cuddles when they feel tired. This demonstrates that children feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. Children display a real sense of belonging. They proudly show visitors their personalised wooden peg dolls, which are placed inside a small house to register that they are in the childminder's home.

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The provision is good

The childminder supports children's behaviour well. When children need reminders, they are supported in a positive manner that helps them start to understand the impact of their actions. Children demonstrate good attitudes toward learning and are eager to engage in activities. The childminder provides regular praise and encouragement. When children are successful in their play, she gives them a 'high five' for their achievements. This helps to boost children's self-esteem and confidence.

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The provision is good

The childminder gathers detailed information about children before they start at her setting. This helps her to find out about children's interests and their individual care needs. She uses this information, alongside her observations and assessments, to identify what children can do and what they need to learn next. As a result, children are making good progress.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses songs and stories to build children's communication and language skills effectively. She reads familiar books to children to build on their understanding and vocabulary. The childminder pauses frequently to allow children to finish some sentences, encouraging them to remember familiar phrases. Children excitedly take turns picking painted stones from a bag to help them decide what songs they will sing next. Young children jump up and down and join in with the actions of the songs. n Children gain increasing confidence to do things for themselves. The childminder has created opportunities for children to develop their independence. For example, she has provided steps for younger children to reach the sink and wash their hands before eating, and older children take themselves to the toilet. Children enjoy responsibility and show pride as they set the table for lunch. n The childminder encourages children's early mark-making skills. For instance,

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need to do better?

children eagerly use chalk on a large chalkboard, which helps to promote fine motor skills in preparation for later writing. Children enjoy daily opportunities to play outside and be physically active. Babies develop their core muscle strength as they pull up to stand at tabletop activities.

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need to do better?

1 October 2024 n Overall, the childminder has an ambitious curriculum and plans interesting activities for children to explore. Young children learn to fill and pour coloured rice into containers using spoons and scoops. They concentrate intently as they pour rice into funnels and feel the texture between their fingers. However, the childminder sometimes plans too many learning outcomes for adult-supported activities that are too complicated for the children's stage of development. As a result, planning is not fully focused on what children need to learn next. n Partnerships with parents are positive. Parents appreciate the daily updates and photos the childminder provides. They feel well supported and value the support and guidance they receive on a range of topics, such as sleeping. Children benefit from continuity as the childminder follows their individual routines from home. n The childminder thoroughly reviews her practice and strives for continual

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need to do better?

improvement. She makes good use of a range of courses online, such as training programmes and podcasts related to the early years. Furthermore, the childminder liaises with other childminders to share ideas and extend her knowledge and skills further to support children's learning. n The childminder is committed to safeguarding children. She places children's welfare at the heart of everything she does. She has a good understanding of how to identify and respond to possible signs of abuse. The childminder ensures that she checks children and their sleeping environments regularly to keep them safe.

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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 simplify planned activities to focus more precisely on specific learning intentions to further support children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2672264 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10355147 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 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She lives in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire. The childminder operates from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5pm, and 8am to 4pm on Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant level 3 early years qualification.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

1 October 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

1 October 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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