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 are very happy at this setting. They arrive with a big smile, and they quickly separate from their parents. The childminder creates an environment that is dynamic, stimulating and very inviting. She offers children opportunities to make choices about what they would like to explore next, indoors and outdoors, to develop their curiosity and sense of discovery. For example, children become engrossed in exploring the role-play resources. The childminder prompts them to name the vegetables they are about to put in their basket, while talking about their favourite fruits and vegetables. This helps build on children's understanding of the world.

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The provision is good

The childminder is very kind and thoughtful. She has very high expectations of children and is always readily available to guide them and support them. The childminder supports children to become positive and independent learners. For example, at snack time, children choose their favourite fruits and attempt to cut them into smaller pieces to strengthen their fine motor skills. As a result, children behave very well, display good manners, and navigate the setting with confidence and ease.

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The provision is good

Children form strong relationships with the childminder. She offers cuddles and reassurance to all children to build on their emotional resilience. The childminder also values and recognises children's efforts and achievements and praises them for their ongoing perseverance.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of children's development. She completes regular observations and assessments to track children's progress, while ensuring that her setting is diverse and inclusive. The childminder carefully considers children's interests and next steps when planning a wide range of inspirational activities, following specific topics for learning. She also organises trips and outings to enrich children's experiences and strengthen their social interactions. n The childminder is a great role model for the children. She models language well and engages children in conversations. She offers clear explanations and introduces new words such as 'slithering' and 'potion'. However, on occasions, the childminder does not use all opportunities to help children, particularly younger children, repeat and learn the new words that extends their vocabulary. n The childminder provides inspirational opportunities for children to explore

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need to do better?

various natural resources and utensils to build on their fine motor skills, hand- eye coordination and sensory exploration. In the garden, older children have a great time using coloured foam and scoops to fill pots. The childminder then

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need to do better?

15 November 2024 prompts children to make 'magic potions' to build on their problem-solving and imaginative skills. Children pretend to drink the 'magic potion' to turn into dinosaurs, cats and even mummies. They take an active role in this play and laugh and giggle with great enthusiasm. n Children enjoy books and develop a passion for reading from a very young age. Younger children enjoy looking through books with the childminder, carefully observing the characters. Older children choose their favourite books and explore them independently. This further develops children's early reading skills. n The childminder encourages children to stay active and healthy. In the garden, children operate all climbing apparatus with great control and confidence to build on their gross motor skills, balance and coordination. They share resources well and take turns when using the toy cars. Younger children enjoy exploring the

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need to do better?

rice and pasta tray. They concentrate well and find effective ways to scoop the rice and pasta to then fill a bowl, smiling with pride. This further develops children's critical thinking and cognitive development. n The childminder is very reflective. She has an ambitious vision for her setting, striving to deliver high-quality care and education for all children. The childminder values self-improvement and always completes training courses to build on her knowledge. n Partnerships with parents are robust. They appreciate the activities and sensory experiences on offer, praising her kind and caring nature. Parents comment that the communication is effective and that their children are happy and safe at this setting. However, the childminder does not consistently share information, regarding children's progress, with parents to help them guide their child's learning at home.

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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.

p.3

should:

n review and adapt activities that extend children's communication and language skills n strengthen practice that allows for consistent information-sharing with parents.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2689241 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10363696 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 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She lives in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. She operates from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education to all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the setting. They discussed how the curriculum is organised and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and education, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Some parents spoke with the inspector who took account of their views. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of suitability to work with children.

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Inspection activities

15 November 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 November 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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