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

The childminder creates an exceptionally warm and homely environment where children feel safe and secure. They happily explore activities independently and cuddle up with the childminder to read stories. Children's interests are at the heart of the childminder's practice. She enthusiastically joins in their play, supporting children's learning needs around their chosen activities. For example, in a role play activity, children create 'ice creams' for the childminder. The childminder skilfully introduces discussions about size, colour and appropriate manners when joining in their game.

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The provision is good

Children are confident and outgoing in the reassuring presence of the childminder. They welcome visitors warmly, inviting them in to their play and chatting to them enthusiastically. The childminder provides opportunities for children to develop these vital social skills. Together, they attend various group play sessions, where children interact with adults and play cooperatively with other children.

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The provision is good

The childminder encourages children to complete age-appropriate tasks during their day. They tidy away toys, understanding how this keeps the environment safe. Children help prepare snacks and meals by chopping up fruit. These responsibilities encourage children to be independent and develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

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need to do better?

n Relationships between the childminder and parents are strong. Parents comment on how children enjoy their time in the childminder's care and the exceptional bonds that children form with her. Parents appreciate how the childminder goes out of her way to support children and families. They acknowledge how this promotes children's emotional well-being. n The childminder understands the importance of promoting children's language development. She models new and descriptive language at every opportunity. For example, the childminder encourages young children to mimic words such as 'spiky' and 'smooth' when exploring pine cones and conkers. She provides lots of opportunities for children to discuss their ideas and thoughts at their own pace during both group and one-to-one discussions. On occasion, children's communication skills are not fully promoted. During these conversations, the childminder does not always correct children's mispronunciations and their

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need to do better?

incorrect use of the English language. n Children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder ensures that all equipment is suitable for the ages of all children who attend. She completes regular risk assessments, both of the premises and when on trips out.. The childminder has a strong understanding of safeguarding issues. She has created

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need to do better?

15 October 2024 a dedicated safeguarding area in her home. This enables her to identify when children may be at risk from harm and access appropriate help swiftly. n The childminder discusses the importance of preparing children for the next stage of learning. She plans activities that support them to be confident, independent and to develop a love of learning. For example, children confidently put shoes and coats on before going outdoors and are able to focus on activities for increasing amounts of time. However, current routines do not always promote children's understanding of expected and appropriate behaviours at mealtimes. n Children of all ages form close, caring relationships with one another. On arrival, they greet one another with cuddles and kisses and genuinely love the time they spend together. Children talk fondly about their older friends who go to school. They are excited to pick them up and eagerly plan the games they will play

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need to do better?

together. n The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual learning needs. She plans and adapts activities to support their development based on their interests. For example, children are deeply engaged in an autumn sensory activity. Older children count objects and create the corresponding numbers out of modelling dough. Young children delight at the different textures of objects and create patterns with them in the modelling dough. This precise teaching 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 further promote children's communication skills by consistently correcting their mispronunciations and modelling correct language during conversations n establish appropriate mealtime routines that better support children's understanding of the behaviours expected at school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 130116 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10354917 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 12 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1994. She lives in South Oxhey, near Watford, Hertfordshire. The childminder operates from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, except 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 a sample of relevant documents. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and the 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

15 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

15 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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