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

p.1

The provision is good

Children demonstrate a deep sense of belonging in this warm, caring environment. They confidently follow their choice of play from the wide range of resources that are available. Children take pride in their learning environment. They tidy away resources once finished and make sure their younger friends can access their favourite toys.

p.2

The provision is good

Children form close relationships with the nurturing childminder who works hard to ensure that children feel confident and secure in her care. The childminder provides clear boundaries for children and has a consistent approach to promoting appropriate behaviour. Children receive an abundance of affection and praise for their efforts and achievements throughout the day. They observe the childminder's positive behaviours and demonstrate the same respectful approach with one another. For example, children regularly recall the rules and remind their younger friends of why they are important.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are outgoing and confident in new and social situations. The childminder provides a wealth of opportunities for children to explore their community and develop these essential social skills. She works closely with colleagues when planning exciting group play sessions. Children talk enthusiastically about the friends they make and the trips they enjoy together.

p.2

need to do better?

n Parents are highly complimentary about the childminder and the rich set of learning experiences she provides for children. They comment on the close bonds their children form with the childminder and how this supports children's emotional well-being. Parents deeply appreciate the detailed communication they receive about children's time in the setting. They acknowledge how this makes them feel involved in their children's learning. n The childminder is committed to enhancing the care she provides for children. She seeks regular feedback from parents to ensure that her setting continues to meet the needs of all children and their families. The childminder reflects diligently on her skills and knowledge. She ensures that she has the required skills to meet the specific needs of the children who attend. For example, the childminder has recently completed additional training around developing children's mark-making abilities in preparation for their next stage of learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n Supporting children's communication skills is central to the childminder's practice and embedded in all routines and activities. Mealtimes and snack times are sociable occasions where children discuss their favourite foods. During play, the childminder role models age-appropriate language to enhance children's vocabulary. For example, while exploring sand, babies are encouraged to 'squish'

p.2

need to do better?

4 March 2025 the sand between their fingers. As a group, children discuss the shapes of the cutters they use and enjoy singing nursery rhymes about the same shapes. n The childminder demonstrates a deep understanding of children, their early experiences and the impact this may have on their learning. She supports children's individual needs well during play. For example, she seizes opportunities for children to engage in group discussions and become more confident in their communication. During some activities, the childminder does not always consider the different abilities of children in her planning and adapt resources accordingly. n The childminder promotes children's development well by sharing her detailed assessments of their progress with other professionals. She works collaboratively with other settings children attend to provide a consistent approach that supports all children to make good progress.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are well prepared for their next stage of learning. They have a good understanding of appropriate behaviour and the routines they will need to follow. The childminder provides opportunities for children to be independent. When they arrive, children identify their names and hang their coats and bags up. Mealtimes mirror those that they will experience at school. Children sit together at the table, display good manners and enthusiastically engage in conversations with one another and the childminder.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n ensure that group activities are well adapted and support all ages of children to engage and continue making excellent progress.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 129122 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10375734 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 1 May 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1999 and lives in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. She operates from 8am until 5pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers funded early education for children aged from nine months to four years old.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at a sample of relevant documents. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 March 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 March 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6