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 Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children are exceptionally well settled and happy. The childminder places a high value on ensuring that children's voices are heard throughout the setting. She implements this through providing choice and promotes a culture of democracy as children vote for their favourite stories. Children feel listened to and their views respected, which helps to develop their confidence, independence and a strong sense of self-worth.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder implements an exceptionally rich and ambitious curriculum where children thrive. Learning opportunities are carefully tailored to meet individual needs, interests and previous experiences. The childminder skilfully extends learning through meaningful discussions, such as recalling the planting of sunflower seeds, when exploring fruits and seeds in the garden. Children learn new vocabulary such as 'stem' and 'roots'. The childminder explains their functions in a way that supports children's early scientific understanding as they create their own sunflowers, using dough and a range of resources.

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The provision is outstanding

Children display an excellent understanding of kindness and respect and are very well behaved. They naturally use manners, share resources and support their peers, ensuring they all have their choice of fruits for snack. The childminder reinforces these positive behaviours through praise and encouragement, strengthening children's social skills and emotional intelligence.

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need to do better?

n The childminder places a strong emphasis on ensuring children develop a sense of belonging in the setting. Thoughtful strategies, such as family photos displayed at child height and personalised family books, help children settle quickly and support them through transitions. Robust settling-in sessions allow children to experience all parts of the daily routine, including meals, naps and playtime, ensuring they adjust confidently to their new environment. n Parent partnerships are highly effective. The childminder ensures parents are fully involved in their children's learning. They are encouraged to actively participate through stay-and-play sessions and social events, including Mother's Day brunches and parties. Regular parent evenings and detailed summary reports keep families well informed of their child's progress. The childminder offers parent workshops and provides valuable guidance on oral health to equip

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need to do better?

families with the knowledge to support their child's development and learning at home. n The childminder consistently promotes children's language development across all activities. She skilfully introduces new vocabulary and extends conversations, ensuring children of all ages benefit. Activities, such as 'What's in the Box?' and

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need to do better?

19 March 2025 interactive story time, help children to recognise and pronounce initial letter sounds. Books are exceptionally well used to help children build on their understanding of topics in a meaningful way. n The childminder actively promotes independence, ensuring that children are well-prepared for school. They are encouraged to serve themselves at snack time, dress independently in outdoor clothing and take responsibility for tidying up and self-care routines. n Children enjoy diverse, tailored experiences that enrich their understanding of the world around them. These include forest sessions, where children develop practical skills. This includes sawing, toasting food on an open fire, music sessions, which provide a sensory-rich and immersive experience, and 'welly walks' in the local community. A 'pen pal' project connects children with peers in Wales, enhancing writing skills and broadening their understanding of different

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need to do better?

communities. The childminder promotes children's understanding of diversity through visits to places of worship and hands-on activities, such as dressing up and cooking cultural foods. n The childminder seamlessly integrates physical development into daily routines. Morning exercises encourage children to develop spatial awareness and gross motor skills while learning about their bodies, such as noticing how their heart beats faster after movement. This is further reinforced during discussions about hydration, where the childminder explains the importance of drinking water to keep their bodies healthy. n The childminder demonstrates an exceptional commitment to professional development, engaging in a wide range of training. She ensures that her staff complete all mandatory training and actively seeks further development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This results in highly knowledgeable staff who provide outstanding support, enabling children

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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 2705904 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10375835 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Rickmansworth. She operates Monday to Wednesday from 8am to 5.30pm, and Thursday and Friday from 7am to 5.30pm, all year round, apart from personal holidays. The childminder works with three assistants and holds a relevant qualification at level 6. She provides government funded early education for all 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 in the playroom with the children. n The children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. The inspector took account of written views from parents. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the staff working in the setting and a selection of other records.

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Inspection activities

19 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

19 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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