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 show that they feel very happy and secure in the care of the nurturing childminder. They confidently introduce themselves to the inspector and show a strong sense of belonging. The childminder gathers a wealth of information from parents before children start attending. She uses this well to ensure that settling-in arrangements and early planning meets the individual needs of children. The childminder implements an ambitious curriculum, where all children make progress from their initial starting points.

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The provision is good

The childminder is a positive role model. She consistently models good manners. This motivates children to say please and thank you when talking to each other and the childminder. Children welcome the childminder's interactions in their play. She introduces them to new resources, such as interconnecting toy eggs. Children persevere to solve problems and develop good critical thinking skills. They work out through trial and error how to match the two halves of the eggs together. Children develop dexterity and the small muscles in their hands in preparation for writing. They use small tools and mould dough to create different shapes and models. Children are independent and responsible individuals. They choose what they would like to play with from a rich range of resources and successfully manage their own personal needs. Children know to clean their hands prior to eating and after using the toilet. They eagerly help to set up and tidy away the activities they

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need to do better?

n The childminder places a strong emphasis on incorporating children's interests into planning. However, she does not fully consider how to build on children's experiences from home to further enhance her planning to help embed and extend children's learning. The childminder's regular assessments ensure that most aspects of the curriculum intent are clear and any gaps in children's learning are swiftly identified and addressed. However, children's next steps are sometimes too challenging and not implemented in a sequenced approach. For instance, identifying numerals when they have not yet securely mastered counting objects. Therefore, the childminder does not consistently focus on the smaller steps that children need to ensure new knowledge is embedded. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder speaks with them daily and provides them with regular updates of their children's achievements and

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need to do better?

ideas to support children's learning at home. Feedback from parents is positive. They comment how the childminder is very professional and how she 'loves children as if they were her own'. The childminder works in partnership with other providers that children attend to support their continuity of learning. n The childminder places a strong emphasis on promoting children's health.

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need to do better?

8 January 2025 Children learn about the importance of good oral health. They practise brushing off chocolate from a model set of teeth. The childminder teaches children the correct amount of toothpaste to use. Children persevere to brush until all the chocolate is removed. The childminder sustains children's engagement by encouraging them to sing along to a familiar toothbrushing song. Her use of questions motivates children to recall previous learning and talk about forthcoming visits to a dentist. Children build good strength and stamina using large apparatus at daily visits to local parks. n The childminder is highly reflective and frequently evaluates her provision. She completes training specifically aimed at enhancing her knowledge of the unique needs of the children attending and their families. Recent training has increased her understanding of identifying and supporting children's emotional well-being.

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need to do better?

The childminder works in close partnership with a local childminder. This enables her to share good practice and gain new ideas. n Children's behaviour is good and appropriate to their stage of development. They enjoy each other's company and show friendly, respectful relationships. For instance, they share their love of books together by talking to each other about what they see on the pages. The childminder provides children with sensitive reminders of the boundaries in her home, including those that increase children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe, such as sitting safely on the chair while eating their lunch. n Children benefit from many experiences that give them the opportunity to build on their social skills and enhance their knowledge of the wider world. The childminder regularly organises outings with another childminder and the children they care for. For example, they visit a local wildlife park and go on

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need to do better?

nature walks together. Children learn about the habitats of animals and the meaning of new words, such as 'extinct' and 'endangered'.

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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 concentrate more sharply on implementing a sequenced approach to children's next steps in learning n refine planning to build on children's experiences from home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY540727 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10367664 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 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Royston. She operates from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, 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 inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder carried out a joint evaluation of an activity with the inspector, and they discussed their findings. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

8 January 2025 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

8 January 2025 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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