Ball, Vikki Anne

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy in the childminder's care and confident to explore. The childminder uses children's interest to provide a broad range of activities. Children choose resources that interest them. They explore inside and outside at the childminder's home. The childminder is always on hand. She supports children to negotiate the steps as they move into the garden and when using the slide. Children smile and engage with the childminder. Children develop their imagination as they play alongside the childminder in the role play kitchen. She supports children's play by providing play ideas, such as making their favourite food. Older children pretend to prepare hamburgers. Younger children practise their hand-eye coordination banging the pots and putting the play food inside the pans. Children love being in the garden developing their balance and coordination. Children receive praise from the childminder when they throw the balls. This helps children

p.2

The provision is good

to recognise their achievements and raises their self-esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

Children generally behave well. The childminder models to children how to use good manners. Children show kindness to each other, passing cars to their friends when they cannot reach them. The childminder encourages children to take turns. She reminds children to wait for their friends to get off the sit on toy, before they try to sit on it.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows children well and talks in-depth about their progress and development they are making. She takes steps to help close any gaps in children's learning. This supports children to make good progress from their starting points. n The childminder takes children on a variety of outings. Children enjoy trips to the park, farm and local supermarket. They meet up with other childminders and their children. This helps children to develop an understanding of the wider community and how to socialise in larger groups. n Children join in with mark-making activities. They make marks using chunky chalks on the ground outside. This supports them to develop their pre-writing skills. The childminder encourages children to express themselves with their creations. n The childminder supports children to develop their independence and self-care skills. She reminds children to wash their hands before eating and after feeding

p.2

need to do better?

the pet rabbit. n The childminder generally encourages children's good behaviour. She is responsive to children's needs. The childminder cuddles and gives reassurance when children need it. However, she does not always explain to children why certain behaviours are not acceptable. When children have minor disputes, the

p.2

need to do better?

11 April 2025 childminder tells them 'no thank you' or 'stop'. She does not explain to the children what she would like children to stop doing. This means that children do not always understand what is expected of them and gain a deeper understanding of how to behave next time. n The childminder promotes children's language development well. For instance, when children are planting seeds, she names the different herbs. She introduces them to new vocabulary such as 'germinates'. However, at times, she does not always use the correct words when narrating play. This does not help children to hear the correct pronunciation to further develop their speaking and listening skills. n The childminder promotes children's healthy lifestyles well. She offers nutritious snacks and meals. She helps children recognise and name different fruit, she encourages conversations about why the fruits are good for them. n The childminder helps children to learn how to be caring and helpful. Children

p.2

need to do better?

help to feed the pet rabbit and how to care for the seeds they have planted. They spray water onto the seeds to help them grow. These opportunities help children learn about looking after plants and animals. n Parents are positive about the childminder. They enjoy the regular photos they receive of their children. Parents are pleased with the trips and the variety of activities the childminder provides. The childminder works with parents to encourage children in their self-help skills. She shares the activities that children enjoy and the next steps in their learning with parents. This helps parents to continue children's learning at home.

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 review behaviour management strategies so that children are given clear messages about the expectations for their behaviour to fully support them in managing their behaviour independently n model the correct pronunciation of words to fully support children's developing vocabulary.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2741165 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10400109 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 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Ware. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education places to all eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about the children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this is having on the children's learning. n Parents shared their written views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

11 April 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

11 April 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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