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 provides a warm and engaging environment for children. She has formed strong bonds with the children. As a result, they are confident to be themselves and are ready to learn. Children behave well and follow the secure routines the childminder includes throughout the day. She skilfully supports children to understand turn taking and talks about how they might be feeling. Children are kind to each other. Older children help younger children to put their coats on. When younger children help to set the table, older children say 'thank you', modelling good manners and social skills.

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The provision is good

The childminder places a strong emphasis on developing children's communication skills. She listens to children and values what they say to her. The childminder speaks to children clearly and ensures that they hear the correct pronunciation of words. She gives richness to their vocabulary by using words that children are interested in, for instance, the correct names for dinosaur figures. The childminder shares a love of nature with children. She takes them outside every day and uses walks to teach children about the names and shapes of flowers and trees. For example, during a walk, she asks children to stop at the 'tall, skinny tree; a silver birch'. This extends their language further and helps to develop an early understanding of the world around them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of child development and what skills children need prior to starting school. She plans her day effectively to support children to practise these skills. This helps children to make good progress in their learning and be ready for the next stage of their education. n The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to developing her own skills and knowledge further. She networks with other childminders and seeks out information that directly supports the development of the children in her care. n The childminder builds effective partnerships with other professionals who care for children. She shares information about what children are learning in her care. The childminder obtains the curriculum information from other settings and uses this information to provide consistency of learning for children. n Parents value the childminder's services. They report she is welcoming and

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need to do better?

provides a wide range of activities for the children to enjoy. They receive a good amount of regular communication about their child. They report their children are more confident, sociable and have progressed in their speech skills. n The childminder helps children to become independent. Children are eager to show the inspector their 'coat trick' to put on their coats. Young children help to set the table. The childminder encourages children and waits patiently as they try new and tricky tasks, such as unscrewing the lids of pots. This helps children

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need to do better?

18 March 2025 to develop perseverance to do things for themselves. n The childminder provides experiences for children in their local area. They visit churches, libraries and local events. This helps children to gain an awareness of their community. n Children happily play together. The childminder introduces resources and conversation that extend and challenge children's learning. When using play dough, young children spend time building their small muscles by squeezing tweezers to grab pieces of dough. Older children solve problems as they roll the dough out large enough for the cutter to fit. This helps to develop children's critical thinking. n The childminder knows the children well and provides experiences that benefit their learning. She gives them lots of attention and engages them to think creatively. However, on occasion, the childminder does not always fully include younger children in the experiences to ensure that their learning is maximised.

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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 provide more opportunities to help children of all ages make progress in their learning during planned activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY545917 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10372215 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 4 Date of previous inspection 5 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Croxley Green. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder talked to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and during a walk, and assessed the impact that this is having on the children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a planned activity. n The inspector read several parents' testimonials, spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members. n The inspector interacted with the children.

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Inspection activities

18 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.

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Inspection activities

18 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.

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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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