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 confident in the childminder's care. They show that they feel settled and secure as they move around the playroom, selecting toys and involving the childminder in their play. The childminder knows the children well and provides them with the support and reassurance they need to make good progress. Children enjoy using animals, figures and vehicles, making them move and explaining what they are doing. They are particularly keen to use the walking, talking robot with its deep voice and flashing lights. The children try to make bridges with their legs for the robot to pass through.

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The provision is good

The childminder supports children to learn how to behave responsibly. She encourages them to share, take turns and help tidy up. Children are showing that they are developing their understanding of how to behave as they become increasingly willing to cooperate and help. They assist the childminder in placing toys into storage boxes before washing their hands ready for lunch.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses her experience of what children need to know and be able to do by the time they leave her care to attend school-based provision. She uses information gathered from parents and her own observations to plan for children's learning. The childminder places a strong focus on supporting children to learn through play, making sure they get plenty of fresh air and opportunities to mix in the local community. n The childminder helps children to learn how to do things for themselves. She explains how she finds that this helps children to become independent and confident. The childminder recognises the importance of teaching children to wash their hands, use the toilet and put on their coats and shoes by themselves. She is encouraging, helping children to try things before intervening. She is very responsive to children's needs and gives them praise and encouragement, which they enjoy. n The childminder has sound reasons for choosing particular experiences for the

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need to do better?

children. For example, when out walking, the children collected a variety of natural resources, including twigs, leaves and pine cones. The childminder successfully engages children in an activity that uses these resources. The activity provides children with opportunities to explore and solve problems. Children show that they have good hand control as they successfully use the small plastic tweezers to pick up leaves and pine cones and place them in containers and tubes. They take time to work out how to manoeuvre items from the tray to the tube, and they enjoy finding out what fits easily and what does not. The experience helps children to build their concentration and to practise and refine their physical skills.

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need to do better?

3 December 2024 n The childminder completes additional training to help keep her knowledge up to date. She uses what she learns to support teaching. The mathematical module of her course inspired her. She promotes this aspect of children's learning well. Children are eager to count items and to talk about size and shape of objects. They are beginning to correctly identify where things fit. n The childminder helps children to use their voices to express themselves, teaching them new words and giving them opportunities to use their speech. Although there is plenty of talk, the childminder does not always provide optimal support to help children speak as clearly as possible. However, the childminder is aware of how to use children's interests in their learning and plans to use these to promote children's speaking and listening skills. n The childminder works closely with parents and other settings children attend.

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need to do better?

She establishes successful relationships that help to ensure that children's needs are known, understood and met. The childminder gives parents regular feedback about their children's experience and achievements. She shares assessments and provides parents with some ideas to support learning at home. Parents value the work the childminder does with the children and the positive impact this has on children's happiness and achievement.

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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 explore further ways to support children's clear communication, and implement strategies to help children make even better progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 404256 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10363858 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 8 Date of previous inspection 14 January 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Ware. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She provides government funded childcare places.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and the childminder held a discussion to help the inspector understand how the early years foundation stage curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector viewed the areas of the childminder's home that are used by children inside and outside. n The inspector spoke to the children and the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector reviewed relevant records, including suitability checks for all persons living in the childminder's home. n The inspector took account of parents' views through written references.

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Inspection activities

3 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

3 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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