Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hertfordshire

This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy being with this calm, nurturing childminder. Her excellent knowledge of each child's needs and her sensitivity in meeting these aid children in settling quickly and building warm, trusting relationships with her. Children respond to the childminder's positive approach and encouragement. For example, children eagerly complete a craft activity they have chosen, concentrating on this and offering one another praise for their finished work. Opportunities such as this significantly aid children in developing the skills that support their learning.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children respond to the clear boundaries in this calm, fair environment. Their behaviour is excellent and they show genuine care and concern for one another. For instance, older children play gently with the younger ones and include them in their discussions. Children are building a good understanding of the relevance of healthy practices. For example, when helping themselves to fillings for their wraps at dinner time, children make sure they include vegetable and salad items. The childminder's sensitive practice supports children in feeling confident to express their feelings, knowing their views are valued and taken seriously. She gently supports them in understanding how to keep themselves safe. For example, children understand about respecting their own and other people's need for privacy.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder fully appreciates children's need to rest and relax, both before and after school. She ensures that they have time for this relaxation, balancing this very well with opportunities for children to participate in a choice of activities that closely reflect their interests. The childminder's excellent organisation means that children have easy access to a wide range of resources, independently choosing what to play with and where to play. n The experienced childminder remains committed to continuously reviewing her practice and making sure she is doing all she can to offer the best possible childcare service. For example, she plans to introduce further outdoor play opportunities, such as gardening. She works exceptionally well in partnership with her co-childminder, enabling her to offer children a safe, secure base. The childminder regularly exchanges information with other childcare professionals,

p.2

need to do better?

helping to ensure she is up to date with any changes. n The childminder recognises the importance of supporting children to develop their language and communication skills. She offers them lots of opportunities to talk about their interests and recent events. For example, she talks with children about a recent craft activity. This sparks lots of discussion and the children eagerly describe the different items they made with beads and how they intend

p.2

need to do better?

7 October 2024 to use these. n The childminder plans meticulously and ensures that children's needs are always met and their experience is a positive one. For example, mealtimes are exceptionally well planned and are a particular highlight. Children demonstrate their genuine enjoyment as they eat nutritious, freshly prepared meals while chatting with the childminder and other children. They learn valuable social skills as they pass one another the food and share their news, naturally learning the rhythm of conversations as they listen and join in. n The childminder is observant and offers children good opportunities to extend their chosen activities. For instance, children drawing animals enjoy the inspiration they get when they look through an associated book provided by the childminder. n Children have many opportunities that support them in becoming aware of differences and respecting these. For example, while eating, children talk about

p.2

need to do better?

what they eat at home, going on to compare the different family compositions and celebrations. n Parents speak very highly of the childminder and her co-childminder. They particularly note the excellent food offered to children. They state that the childminder 'goes above and beyond', for example, in making each child feel special by making each a birthday cake. The childminder communicates very well with parents so that they know what their children have been doing and can pass on important information from home.

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

Setting details

Unique reference number EY468060 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10359992 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 25 Date of previous inspection 18 December 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Hitchin. She operates during term time only, from 7.45am until 9am and from 3pm until 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with a co- childminder.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector talked with the childminder and her co-childminder. They showed the inspector the areas used for childcare and discussed how they ensure these are safe and suitable. n The inspector accompanied the childminders when they collected children from school. n The inspector observed children playing after school. The inspector and the childminder discussed activities and daily routines. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector held discussions with children and took account of their views. Additionally, she reviewed written feedback from parents.

p.4

Inspection activities

7 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

7 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.

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