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 smile with delight as they receive a warm welcome from the caring childminder as they arrive at her home. They are eager to explore the enticing activities that reflect their individual interests. The childminder's curriculum places a strong focus on supporting children's language development. She speaks clearly, sensitively repeats words to support children's correct pronunciation and introduces them to new words, such as 'dinosaur'. Children thoroughly enjoy singing and modelling the actions to their favourite songs. They show a love of books as they point and talk about the characters they see on the pages. The childminder brings stories alive through story sacks. This helps children to recall and act out familiar stories using props, such as puppets. Children develop the small muscles in their hands in preparation for writing. They make marks using magnetic pens and shapes and learn to wipe the board clean by sliding the button.

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The provision is good

The childminder is very pro-active to supporting children to explore their emotions and help them to adjust and have a positive attitude to changes in their lives, such as the arrival of a new sibling. The childminder teaches children about other peoples' similarities and differences outside of their own communities. For example, children learn about the traditions and religious beliefs behind festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Lunar New Year. Children benefit from outings in the community and visiting professionals that broaden their experiences and help to enhance their understanding of the wider world. For instance, they learn about the roles of fire and police officers and carefully handle animals, such as giant cockroaches, hedgehogs and a snake.

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need to do better?

n Children demonstrate positive behaviour appropriate to their age. They play well together and follow the childminder's expectations, willingly tidying up and sorting resources correctly. The childminder's use of praise and high-fives reinforces their efforts and supports the development of their self-esteem. n The childminder knows the children she cares for very well and designs an ambitious curriculum through a balance of adult-led and child-led activities. These sustain children's engagement and incorporate what children need to learn next in a sequential manner. For instance, the childminder challenges children to develop their critical thinking and mathematical skills. They predict how many spoons of dried cereal it will take to fill a cup and develop a secure understanding of positional language. Children have a wonderful time exploring the texture and sound of the cereal as they crush it in their hands and sprinkle it

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need to do better?

from a height to replicate the sound of rain. However, the childminder does not always recognise children's emerging interests. This means that she does not consistently adapt her interactions or activities to fully support and extend their

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need to do better?

4 June 2025 learning further. Nevertheless, the childminder meticulously monitors children's progress to swiftly identify and address any gaps in their learning so that all children make good progress. n The childminder is very reflective on the provision she provides. She regularly meets with a local childminder enabling her to share good practice and gain new ideas. The childminder is dedicated to her continued professional development to improve outcomes for children. She completes regular training, such as a recognised government funded course. As a result, the childminder has developed a stronger understanding of how to create a meaningful learning environment and implement targeted strategies to support core aspects of child development. n Children build strength and coordination through regular nature walks and park visits, where they use large equipment and develop ball skills. The childminder

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need to do better?

helps to broaden children's tastes as she encourages them to try exotic fruits, such as passion fruit and pomegranate. She encourages children to manage their own outer clothing and self-care. For example, children remove their shoes as they arrive and know to place them together next to their friends shoes. The childminder supports children to recognise when they need to use the toilet and consistently follow good hygiene routines. However, there are occasions when the childminder does not consider how to support children to develop their independence further, such as during lunchtime, to help prepare them for their transition to school. n Partnerships with parents are a key strength. The childminder keeps them fully involved in their child's time in her care from the outset. She regularly shares photos and videos of children's achievements and invites them to regular parent evenings. The childminder provides ideas to aid children's learning at home.

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need to do better?

Parents comment how impressed the childminder knows their children exceptionally well and wholeheartedly trust her. They describe her as 'energetic and extremely experienced'.

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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 review planned activities to better recognise children's emerging interests and adapt interactions to fully support their enjoyment and extend learning further n use everyday routines to develop children's independence further so they can do more things by themselves.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549734 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10394639 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 17 September 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Royston. She operates from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She provides government funded early years education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder carried out a joint evaluation of an activity with the inspector, and they discussed their findings. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

4 June 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

4 June 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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