Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in this exceptional setting. The childminder creates a rich and well- structured curriculum where children develop confidence, independence and essential life skills in preparation for the next stage of their education. Learning is seamlessly woven into engaging and meaningful activities. Children are highly motivated to learn and become deeply engaged as they choose what they want to play with. For example, the childminder skilfully supports children's fine motor skills by encouraging them to manipulate dough using various tools. They press sparkling gems into the dough. The childminder introduces new words, such as 'glistening', to describe and liken the dough to snow. She offers praise and encouragement, which builds children's confidence and perseverance. Children proudly show their creations to each other, demonstrating their high self-esteem.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder forms close bonds with the children, helping them to feel safe and secure. She maintains a calm and nurturing environment, setting clear expectations for behaviour. The childminder supports children in managing their emotions and consistently promotes good manners. She treats children with the greatest respect, listening attentively to children's voices. Children eagerly follow routines, such as tidying up toys and helping to set the table for mealtimes. The childminder's consistent approach helps children develop exemplary behaviour, reinforcing positive interactions and social skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is deeply passionate about her work and is dedicated to supporting children to reach their full potential. She has an excellent understanding of children's development and accurately identifies next steps for children's learning. Using her established skills and organised approach, she provides a range of rich learning experiences that ignite children's interest. This helps children make excellent progress in their learning and development. n The childminder demonstrates an outstanding commitment to safeguarding, making it a top priority in her practice. She proactively stays informed about emerging risks, and through age-appropriate discussions, she ensures children understand how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, she explains the potential hazards of throwing sand and how it can make surfaces slippery, as well as the importance of chewing food properly. This is helping children to

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need to do better?

develop early safety awareness. n Children are confident communicators. Circle time provides an opportunity for children to build on their vocabulary and comprehension. They confidently talk about their breakfast choices and personal experiences. Through singing and interactive questioning, the childminder keeps children engaged while introducing concepts such as days of the week, and they have discussions about

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need to do better?

4 February 2025 the weather. The childminder understands the importance of effective questioning and allowing children time to respond. n Outdoor play is an integral part of the day, providing opportunities for children to explore and apply their learning in a different environment. They observe and describe the windy weather, using newly acquired vocabulary, such as 'howling and wailing,' from an earlier story session. Children enjoy navigating across balancing stones, helping them to build strength in their core muscles. Physical development is further encouraged through dance fitness sessions, where children enthusiastically participate in movement activities that strengthen both their large motor skills and listening skills as they copy actions. n Parent partnerships are strong. Parents are kept well informed about their children's progress through daily updates. The childminder actively supports

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need to do better?

parents by offering guidance on potty training and online safety. Parents are deeply involved in the setting, participating in events such as graduation day, where they celebrate children's transition to school. n The childminder arranges rich and meaningful experiences for children to develop an understanding of what it means to contribute to the local community. They deliver harvest collections to the local church, visit post offices and create birthday cards for grandparents, helping children to form relationships with different members of the community. n The childminder demonstrates an exceptional commitment to her professional development. She ensures all mandatory training is up to date and has carried out a wide range of further studies. For example, a recent mentoring programme has significantly enhanced her knowledge of how children learn and helped her to refine her curriculum even further to support the needs of children. The

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need to do better?

childminder is highly reflective in her practice, employing a range of strategies to continuously assess and enhance her provision to ensure that children have the very best outcomes.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number EY544339 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10367995 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 5 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity carried out with the children. n The children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their written views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the childminder and a selection of other records.

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Inspection activities

4 February 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

4 February 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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