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 radiate joy and enthusiasm at this unique, child-centred setting. The nurturing childminder creates an inviting and inspiring environment where children feel happy and thrive. They settle very well and are positive and inquisitive learners. For example, children are fascinated with a caterpillar toy, following a recent visit to the theatre to watch a production about a very hungry caterpillar. The childminder encourages them to recall and discuss what the caterpillar eats and how it transforms into a beautiful butterfly. This helps support children's communication and language skills to very high levels.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is very warm and intuitive. She has very high expectations of children and is always readily available to support their needs and learning. Children behave exceptionally well and are very considerate and respectful towards their peers and other adults. They understand the setting's routines and navigate their learning provision with curiosity and confidence. For example, when children express an interest towards activity boards and puzzles, the childminder ensures that children quickly learn how to operate locks, flaps and buttons. They also practise shape recognition, learning triangle, rectangle and oval. This further develops children's fine motor skills, thinking and problem-solving skills.

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The provision is outstanding

The supportive childminder always recognises and praises children for their efforts. She proudly shares children's achievements with their parents to positively contribute to their emotional resilience. As a result, children feel valued and appreciated during their time at this setting.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is very knowledgeable and experienced. She has a very clear understanding of what she wants children to learn and has created a rich and meaningful curriculum that is extremely well sequenced. The childminder completes regular observations and progress assessments. She carefully considers children's next steps in learning, needs and interests when planning a wide selection of inspirational activities. She supports children to develop a passion for learning, and they make rapid and remarkable progress in their learning. n The childminder is an excellent role model for the children. She values the importance of promoting effective communication and language skills. The childminder continuously engages children in meaningful conversations and introduces new words, such as 'boat', 'sail' and 'nocturnal'. She clearly explains the meaning of the new words and provides examples to ensure these are

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need to do better?

securely embedded. Children are then able to use the newly acquired vocabulary in context.

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need to do better?

20 February 2025 n The childminder provides fantastic opportunities for children to become little explorers and scientists in the garden. As children are fascinated to explore the water tray, the childminder prompts them to fill the jugs with water, hold them steadily and pour the water down the pipes to observe how it 'travels' into the tray. Furthermore, children then think of their own ideas and roll conkers and balls down the pipes to learn and understand the concept or 'rolling'. They even use sticks to move the conkers when they stop rolling. This further develops children's understanding of the world and thinking while enhancing their sensory experiences. n Children absolutely love books and develop a passion for reading from a very young age. They choose their favourite story about a giant and are mesmerised to follow the narratives. The caring childminder encourages children to look at the pictures and characters and talk about what they are wearing and how they

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need to do better?

might be feeling. They learn new words such as 'sandals', 'belt' and 'tie'. This supports children's communication and language skills, emotional development and early reading skills. n The childminder is very ambitious and focused. She continuously reflects on her practice and makes positive changes to benefit children's learning and development. The childminder formed effective relationships with other childminders from the local community with whom she collaborates to enhance children's experiences. n Partnerships with parents are excellent. They praise the nurturing and supportive environment where their children feel safe and thrive. Parents are very appreciative of how well the childminder involves them in their children's learning by sharing story sacks and providing detailed feedback.

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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 EY452843 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10368500 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 3 Date of previous inspection 22 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012. She lives in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The childminder operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, 50 weeks of the year. She holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early years education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the setting. They discussed how the curriculum is organised and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and education and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Parents provided written feedback and the inspector took account of their views. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of suitability to work with children.

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Inspection activities

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 February 2025 20 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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