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

The childminder knows children exceptionally well and sensitively supports them through any changes in their lives. Children are happy and show that they feel safe and secure. They have warm, nurturing relationships with the childminder. Children regularly give the childminder cuddles which are always lovingly reciprocated. The childminder creates a stimulating, homely environment for children where they are confident and show a strong sense of belonging. They eagerly introduce themselves to the inspector and share their family photo books with her.

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The provision is good

The childminder's ambitious curriculum motivates awe and wonder in children. They take their explorer pack on frequent woodland walks where they search and observe bugs and insects. Children learn that tree roots anchor the tree in the soil and absorb water to support its growth. They are fascinated in the animals they see in different seasons and use a digital camera to try and capture these. These experiences inspire children to politely ask the childminder to read specific poems and ask inquisitive questions. The childminder has high expectations of children. This results in them having a positive attitude to learning and they are fiercely independent. They manage their own clothing and prepare their own snack. Children thoroughly enjoy joining in with action songs that the childminder sings, these challenge children to solve mathematical problems, such as subtraction. The childminder skilfully introduces children to early phonic sounds that have meaning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder implements a sequenced curriculum that supports children to learn through meaningful connections with nature. She uses her frequent observations of children's development and works in partnership with parents to find out about children's experiences from home and what they know and can do. She uses this information to precisely identify children's next steps in learning and implement interesting experiences. This supports all children to make good progress. n The childminder plans highly interactive activities that help to embed what children know and can do. Children show a genuine love of books. The childminder reads familiar stories to children with such enthusiasm and makes this an interactive experience. This immediately captures children's focus and attention, and they have a wonderful time using toy characters to retell and act out stories. However, the childminder does not always adapt planned activities to

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need to do better?

extend all children's learning as much as possible. n The childminder has established very positive partnerships with parents. She communicates with them daily and keeps them well informed about their children's ongoing achievements. Parents appreciate the childminder's suggestions to support their children's learning and promote their safety at

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need to do better?

12 February 2025 home. They are very pleased with their children's progress. Parents describe the childminder as 'an absolute gem' who has a 'nurturing and reassuring approach'. n Children's behaviour is good and appropriate to their stage of development. Children talk fondly about their friends who are not present and overall show friendly respectful relationships with each other. The childminder's interactions with children support them to understand the importance of sharing resources and taking turns. However, the childminder does not always make strong use of daily occurrences to help children think about how they and others are feeling. This does not help them to form the foundations to regulate their own emotions. n Children develop good physical skills and have a clear awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They laugh with delight as they learn different dance moves to their favourite songs, such as how to rock their hips from side to

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need to do better?

side. Children are highly motivated to develop their strength and balance. This is because they receive an abundance of praise from the childminder and children clap each other for their achievements. Consequently, children independently climb the steps to the slide and learn to push themselves down the slope. The childminder teaches children the positive impact of exercise on their body and the importance of drinking water. n The childminder is committed to developing her knowledge and skills. She regularly communicates with a network of local childminders. This enables her to share good practice and gain new ideas. She also completes regular training. As a result, the childminder has an increased understanding of how to teach children to use specific movements to develop their early writing skills.

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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 adapt the teaching of planned activities to extend all children's learning as much as possible n make best use of situations that arise to help children to learn how to self- regulate their emotions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY539164 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10376160 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 1 Date of previous inspection 20 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Stevenage. She operates from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday, during term time and some school holiday periods. 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 outdoors 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

12 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

12 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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