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 are happy and settled and enjoy their time in the nurturing environment created by the childminder. She takes care to understand each child, enabling her to offer them well-tailored support and encouragement. The childminder shares her enthusiasm and high standards with the children and they respond positively to this, happily trying new experiences. For example, children enjoy rolling a dice and counting the dots. They relish the challenge of counting out the corresponding number of sticks to add to their coloured dough.

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The provision is good

Children follow the childminder's good example and are kind and caring towards each other. For instance, children frequently show one another how to use the toys, such as stacking coloured rings in the correct order. With the childminder's sensitive support, children are learning to share and to resolve minor disputes. The childminder assesses all areas, helping her to promote children's safety. Her ongoing explanations aid children in understanding how to keep themselves safe. For example, when they see mushrooms illustrated in a book, children remember that they must not pick these as they could be dangerous. Daily play opportunities, such as threading pipe cleaners through a colander and using play equipment in the garden, help children develop control and coordination.

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need to do better?

n The childminder maintains a genuine enthusiasm for her work and is committed to reviewing this and making improvements. She completes further training and reads childcare literature, helping her to develop her practice and ensure that she is up to date with changes. n Children make good progress and are well prepared for the move to nursery or school. The childminder conscientiously tracks their progress, offering support wherever needed so that no child falls behind in their learning. The childminder makes good use of her experience and written guidance to support her in understanding each child's development. She carefully plans activities that support children in taking the next logical developmental steps. n The childminder recognises the importance of children developing good language and communication skills. She incorporates opportunities to promote these throughout children's play. For example, when singing a favourite song,

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need to do better?

she pauses to encourage children to say the missing words. They smile and laugh as they fill these in, eagerly remembering 'window, door' and 'ceiling'. n The childminder encourages children's love of books. They become engrossed when she reads to them, eagerly describing the illustrations and remembering the story. The childminder skilfully links children's daily experiences to books. For instance, when children talk about having tea and cakes, the childminder reads a related book and the children set out a tea party and act out the story.

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need to do better?

26 November 2024 n With the childminder's gentle encouragement, children learn to keep trying when they come up against challenges. For example, when children find it hard to roll coloured dough into a ball, the childminder helps them to work out how to break this into smaller pieces. Children then persevere and are pleased when they succeed. n The regular use of local facilities, such as parks, walks and a nearby farm, aid children in understanding their community and feeling part of this. Books and specific activities help to build children's awareness of diversity and the wider world. For example, they note the seasons changing, looking at what grows and the festivals and celebrations associated with each season. n Children enjoy making choices about their play and the childminder usually allows them time to explore their chosen activities and resources. For example, children choose to play with a toy farm and enjoy making the animal sounds.

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need to do better?

However, on occasion, the childminder moves children on quickly to another activity and they do not have sufficient time to fully explore their thoughts and ideas. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They particularly note the wide variety of activities she offers children. The childminder communicates well with parents. She provides detailed information about what children have been doing, enabling parents to build on this 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.

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should:

n extend the opportunities that enable children to fully explore their play and follow up their thoughts and ideas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY366191 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10367661 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 4 Date of previous inspection 18 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in St Albans. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides government funded early years education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure 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 inspector discussed and reviewed activities. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She also reviewed written feedback from parents and considered their views.

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Inspection activities

26 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

26 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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