Brooks, Catherine Cairney

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 and babies arrive happily at the childminder's home. Children show their developing confidence as they talk to visitors about their weekend. The childminder builds her curriculum and environment around children's interests and learning needs. There are many opportunities for children to engage in free play and exploration. The childminder uses spontaneous learning moments to build on children's skills and knowledge. For example, as children sort by colour, she adds numbers and counting into her teaching. The childminder is also very aware of the learning needs of babies. She makes sure they can reach the resources, resulting in babies enjoying filling and emptying containers at the same sorting activity.

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The provision is good

Children have secure routines and know what is expected of them. Mealtimes are relaxed and unrushed. The childminder sits with children at the table and conversations flow. Children have healthy diets and show great excitement when they see the childminder preparing fruit. The childminder provides many opportunities for children to be active, such as on outings. The careful placing of toys encourages babies to crawl and to pull themselves to standing. Children are also learning how to use their small muscles, such as when using tweezers to pick up small objects. Children are content to play independently or alongside others. They are learning how to respect each other's choices, and their behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows each child very well. She identifies what their stage of development is and works out what they need to learn next. The childminder tracks the progress children are making and puts extra strategies in place if she notices any gaps in their learning. Her effective teaching skills support children to make good progress. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They say their children are very happy to attend her setting and are learning well. The childminder shares information with parents on a regular basis. This helps her to know how they can support children's learning at home. n Children are developing a strong interest in books. Babies enjoy looking at books independently and lift flaps to find out what is underneath. Children share books with the childminder and show they know how to handle them correctly, and they listen to stories with interest. n The childminder endeavours to build strong partnerships with other settings that

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need to do better?

the children attend. She understands the importance of sharing information with them. This promotes continuity in children's learning and development effectively. n The childminder has effective systems in place to keep children safe. She explains to children why she needs to sit in a certain place so that she is able to

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need to do better?

9 December 2024 see babies playing. Children are learning to take care of themselves, such as in using the bathroom. The childminder encourages children to have a go at tasks and to ask for help if they need it. n Children's communication and language skills are developing well. The childminder models language very effectively, adding complex words to children's vocabulary. For example. when children are pretending something has a smell, the childminder describes it as 'pungent'. She talks to children about 'creating', rather than building, when they are using blocks. The childminder is aware when children need additional support in their communication and language development. Her effective intervention enables gaps in children's learning to swiftly close. Children demonstrate they are now capable of expressing their own thoughts and ideas. However, at times, the childminder does not give children enough time to process the information she gives them or

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need to do better?

to answer questions. n The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to her work. She reflects on her practice to ensure that each child receives high quality care and education. The childminder regularly undertakes training and research. She talks about how this impacts on her knowledge, skills and practice. The childminder networks closely with other childminders, greatly benefiting from their friendship and peer support.

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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 continue to support children with their communication and language development, providing more time for them to process information and to answer questions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY399433 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10364201 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 9 Date of previous inspection 30 January 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Berkhamsted. She operates from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and the childminder looked at the areas of the childminder's home that she uses with the children and discussed how she plans her curriculum and operates her practice. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with the children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n A sample of policies and procedures was looked at by the inspector. These included documents relating to the suitability of household members and safeguarding and complaints procedures. n The inspector discussed the needs of individual children with the childminder and talked with her about the progress they are making. n The inspector took into account the views of parents and discussed the childminder's reflections of her practice with her.

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Inspection activities

9 December 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

9 December 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

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