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 thoroughly enjoy their time with this kind and caring childminder. They demonstrate their happiness and joy as they play together and immerse themselves in a variety of fun and engaging activities. The childminder knows each child incredibly well and has developed secure and trusting relationships with them. This supports them to feel safe and secure and fully engage in their play and learning.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is positive. They respond well to the childminder because she has clear and consistent expectations. When children become upset, the childminder supports them to manage their feelings and recognise how their actions have upset their friends. The rules are used fairly and consistently, which means children develop a secure awareness of them. This supports them to develop a sense of right and wrong and empathy for others. They show a positive attitude to their learning and are able to lead and sustain their interests and engagement in learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder places a high priority on developing children's social skills. Children demonstrate confidence as they organise a show to present to the childminder and inspector. Children listen to their friends and collaborate on their ideas. They show a mature attitude in their social skills, such as sharing their toys and waiting for their turn.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear curriculum intent that helps children develop secure foundations for learning. She has a good knowledge of the skills children need for the future and has included these in the ambitious curriculum. n The childminder uses the art of conversation to support and develop children's communication and language. Children learn British Sign Language, which enhances their communication. Interactions with children are natural and unhurried, and she gives children the chance to think about their answers. Children enjoy a range of rhymes and poems and show joy in listening to stories. n Children are learning to be healthy. They understand that germs can make you sick and exercise makes you healthy. They discuss the correct way to brush teeth and enjoy adding food to pictures of teeth before removing it using a toothbrush. n Children are relentless researchers, asking questions about their experiences.

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need to do better?

For instance, they enquire about why some people have braces on their teeth and what nostrils are. The childminder provides accurate information that helps children understand concepts and extend their thinking and ideas. This builds on their already impressive knowledge.

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need to do better?

20 January 2025 n Children are developing their use of phonics and recognise their names and first letter sound. They count with confidence and know that 21 comes after 20. The childminder uses mathematical language and engages children in counting games and rhymes. This helps to develop mathematical thinking. However, children do not always have opportunities to develop deeper numeracy skills, such as how many objects are represented by a numeral and the fast recognition of a group of items. n Children are developing independence. They manage a variety of tasks, such as putting on coats and peeling their fruit. They remember the correct process for washing hands and remember to turn taps off to save water. n The childminder supports children to develop a positive sense of self. She reminds them regularly that they are unique and that it is okay to have their own ideas. They show good table manners and remember to say 'please' and

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need to do better?

'thank you'. n Children enjoy arts and crafts and making 'splat monsters' with paint. They go on regular outings to the library and shops. At the local farm they visit the animals, and they enjoy soft play and learn about different professions in 'toddler town'. n Children are developing an awareness of how to stay safe. They enjoy the story 'The Pop-Up Gremlins' and remember that you must follow the rules to stay safe online. Children manage their own risks, such as climbing the stairs independently. n Parents are happy with the care and education children receive and express their trust and confidence in the childminder. The ongoing communication means that parents are actively involved in their children's learning and contribute to this. n The childminder uses ongoing assessment of children's progress to identify areas where she can develop her teaching to help children close any gaps in learning. She evaluates her provision through the progress children make and from the

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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 further develop the already ambitious curriculum to extend the opportunities children have to develop mathematical thinking and deepen their understanding of numbers and counting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY348578 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10368366 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 6 Date of previous inspection 18 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 7.30am to 5pm on Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3 and provides funded early education for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector about their time at the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

20 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

20 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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