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 demonstrate that they are happy and settled in this homely environment. They confidently explore the wide range of activities and learning opportunities that the childminder creates based on their individual interests. For example, children relax with their favourite books, complete puzzles and explore different textures in sensory activities. Those who prefer more physical play delight at navigating the indoor climbing frame and slide. This careful consideration of children's differing interests supports all children to remain engaged in play throughout their time in the childminder's home.

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The provision is good

The childminder creates opportunities to support children's social development. Along with colleagues, she plans exciting group-play sessions. Children learn to play cooperatively, take turns and develop age-appropriate social skills. These behaviours are transferred well into the childminder's home, where children behave well and demonstrate the close bonds they have with each other. For example, older children fetch cars for their younger friends so that they can play with them together.

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The provision is good

Children are confident and outgoing, and they persevere when faced with challenges. The childminder promotes these behaviours by developing children's self-esteem. The childminder provides advice and support, and she offers an abundance of praise for children's efforts and achievements in activities.

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need to do better?

n Relationships with parents are strong. The childminder communicates well with families from the start. She forms a deep understanding of children's early experiences. From this, she plans activities that children find exciting and support their interests. For example, children delight at recalling a recent trip to a museum, where they explored different aircraft. Parents value the wide range of experiences that the childminder offers. They deeply appreciate the detailed communication they receive and comment on how this keeps them involved in children's learning. n The childminder monitors children's progress closely. She has a detailed understanding of children's learning dispositions and development needs. This enables her to plan interesting activities that support children to make good progress. For example, the childminder uses her knowledge of children's schemas to support their colour recognition by encouraging them to 'post'

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need to do better?

coloured discs into corresponding boxes. n Activities are exciting, age-appropriate and well adapted to support children's learning needs. For example, children become engrossed in unwrapping and exploring autumnal objects. Babies delight at the sounds and textures of the

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need to do better?

14 October 2024 different papers. Older children develop fine motor skills by carefully peeling back tape on their parcels. Sometimes, these engaging activities are tidied away prematurely, and children do not have the opportunity expand their ideas further. n The childminder promotes children's language development well and in age- appropriate ways. The youngest children who attend are encouraged to use sign language to communicate their needs. Older children explore more complex language. For example, the childminder models alternative vocabulary such as 'delicious' and 'scrumptious' when children discuss their 'yummy' sandwiches at lunchtime. n The childminder reflects well on the care she provides. She is committed to enhancing her practice to meet the changing needs of children and families. For example, the childminder communicates with parents using various online methods. She understands how this enables parents to gather a deeper insight

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need to do better?

into children's time in her setting. n Children's safety is paramount. The childminder ensures her environment remains safe for all children who attend. She conducts regular risk assessments of her home and when on trips. She ensures all equipment is safe and age- appropriate. The childminder demonstrates extensive safeguarding knowledge. She discusses how she remains up to date with local concerns and the impact they have on children of all ages. n All essential assessments regarding children's learning are completed to a high standard. The childminder shares this information with parents along with ideas to further promote children's learning at home. She discusses circumstances when it may be necessary to share this information with other professionals, such as with other settings that children attend. This collaborative approach supports all children to make good progress.

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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 adopt a more flexible approach to planned activities that allows children to fully explore their ideas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2757627 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10349586 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 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered with Ofsted in 2023 and operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education and care for children aged from nine months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at samples of relevant documents. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

14 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

14 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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