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

Children are welcomed and ready to start their day at the childminder's home. They show care and affection to the childminder as they bring her into their play. The childminder ensures that children have many choices they can make throughout the day. For example, during activities, the childminder asks children if they would like to use more tools with their playdough. The childminder sits with children at their level and carefully role models to develop their skills and confidence.

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The provision is good

The childminder talks to children and reads them stories. She introduces new words and children enjoy taking on the role of the teacher. Children use books and point to single words and say them confidently. The childminder asks questions about the words children say, to build their communication and language. As a result, this helps children to make good progress and initiate conversations.

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The provision is good

Children behave well and listen to the childminder's directions. They say 'please' and 'thank you' and talk about their needs. The childminder helps children to build independence. They are taught to use cutlery and wipe their noses. Children have developed deep bonds with the childminder, feeling safe and secure in her care.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a secure understanding of how children learn. She provides a curriculum that is designed to give children a range of experiences. She collects information about children to assess what they can do and their next steps in learning. As a result, she knows children exceptionally well and carefully plans activities to ensure children make good progress. n Children show a deep interest in learning. They learn how to take care of toy babies and what they need to make them feel better. For example, children use a stethoscope to check the toy baby's heartbeats. This sparks conversations about what children show they are interested in. Overall, children have exposure to new words to build their communication and language. n The childminder understands those children who may require additional support. She can identify gaps in their development and understands the importance of partnership working with other professionals. However, there is more the

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need to do better?

childminder can do to offer more targeted support and active intervention to help close gaps in children's learning and increase the progress they make. n The childminder supports children's physical development. For example, she teaches children to use tools correctly when exploring playdough. Children have a secure grip as they hold tools to cut play dough. They use two hands to roll, which is carefully demonstrated by the childminder. This has a positive impact on children's development and extends their learning into using cutlery effectively.

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need to do better?

31 March 2025 n Children show a love for books and access these easily. They select what they would like to read based on their interests. They use their finger to follow the word and relish in taking on the role of the teacher. Children role model in their play to show the the childminder how to read, and experience meaningful learning opportunities. n Parents positively feedback on the childminder and the service she offers. They make recommendations of the childminder to others. There is an appreciation of the communication the childminder shares with parents. This helps parents to understand further what their child likes and dislikes. As a result, parents see progress in their children's development. n The childminder ensures children explore outdoors. She organises frequent outings to build on children's experiences. Children visit local farms and make links to what they know. Children show deep interest in visiting a forest and like

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need to do better?

to collect sticks they find. They talk about the different things they see to engage with the world around them. n The childminder recognises the importance of professional development. She connects with others to build her knowledge and understanding, and to remain up to date with legislation. She undertakes mandatory training to ensure she prioritises children's safety and welfare.

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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 build on supporting children's individual needs with more proactive and targeted support to increase the quality of their learning experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY426619 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10372665 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 6 Date of previous inspection 30 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Watford. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

31 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

31 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

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