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 enjoy spending time with the childminder. Her calm, confident manner reassures children and plays a significant part in helping them to settle and feel comfortable to play and learn. The childminder interacts well with children and they respond to her gentle praise and encouragement. For example, children enjoy the challenge of working on increasingly complex puzzles. They persevere until these are complete and are inspired to try further puzzles. These sensitive daily interactions help children to develop the skills that underpin their learning when they move on to school.

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The provision is good

The childminder takes time to understand each child and offers them individual support in understanding their feelings and managing their behaviour. This support is evident in children's mature approach to sharing resources and taking turns. The childminder's ongoing explanations support children in building a practical understanding of safety. For instance, they learn to use large play equipment safely and understand why they need to allow each other space to move and play. Children gain a clear understanding of healthy lifestyle practices. For example, they participate in activities that help them understand why we clean our teeth and how to do this effectively.

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need to do better?

n The experienced childminder demonstrates her ongoing enthusiasm for her work. She is committed to reviewing this and to making ongoing improvements. The childminder completes further training, such as professional online discussion sessions, helping her to develop her practice and keep up to date with changes. n Children make good progress and are well prepared for moving on to school or nursery. The childminder uses her observations of children and her experience to understand the progress they are making. She then plans further activities and play experiences to help children take the next logical steps in their learning. The childminder regularly reviews children's development, offering appropriate support whenever needed so that no child falls behind in their learning. n The childminder appreciates the importance of supporting children to develop their language and communication skills. She talks with young children about

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need to do better?

familiar subjects and encourages them to join in. For example, they talk about family members and learn the words 'brother' and 'sister'. Children eagerly participate in a simple electronic card game where they name the illustrations on the cards, helping to develop their vocabulary further. n Children demonstrate a growing enjoyment of books. Young children are captivated when the childminder reads a favourite story with them. They excitedly join in with the words and make the noises of the animals. They

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need to do better?

15 October 2024 become deeply involved in the story and demonstrate the changing emotions of the characters. n The childminder offers children practical opportunities that help them to recognise and appreciate differences. They regularly use local facilities, such as the library and parks, helping them to understand and feel part of their community. The childminder's good use of books helps children appreciate unique characteristics, such as why some people wear glasses and the different lifestyles and celebrations around the world. n Children enjoy opportunities to express their creativity. For example, they use cardboard boxes to make a 'rocket'. They add windows and a door, and decorate the rocket with intricate patterns. n Children enjoy opportunities to build on their play. For example, young children explore a container of electronic toys. However, on occasion, their opportunities are limited. For example, children are not always able to access a wider range of

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need to do better?

resources and extend their play and learning as much as possible. n The childminder communicates well with parents. For instance, she explains what children have been doing and how their play supports their development. This helps parents to extend their children's learning at home. Parents speak highly of the childminder and note her 'hard work, love and dedication'. Additionally, the childminder has secure procedures to work in partnership with other childcare settings that the children attend, helping to ensure children's well-being and a good continuity of care.

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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 extend the opportunities that help children to build on their chosen play, for example, through easily accessing a wider variety of toys and resources.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY383827 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10363992 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 18 January 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Buntingford. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 2. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that these are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed activities and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. She talked with the childminder about how the early years provision is organised. n The childminder and the inspector reviewed an activity together. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times during the inspection. She also looked at written comments from parents and considered their views.

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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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