Johnston, Shelley Marie

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

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The provision is good

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. They confidently introduce themselves and invite the inspector to join them in their play. The nurturing childminder values children as unique individuals and they have trusting relationships with her. The childminder recognises when some children require reassurance and offers them plenty of cuddles when needed. This helps children feel safe and secure in her care. The childminder takes children on outings in the local community where they learn about the wider world. She teaches children how to use technology, such as a tablet to take photos of what interests them on nature walks. The childminder uses these photos to inform her ambitious and well- sequenced curriculum.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder praises children for their achievements and rewards them with stickers. This supports children to have a positive attitude to keep on trying when problems occur or during key transitions in their lives, such as toilet training. Children develop the small muscles in their hands as they manipulate putty and make marks in paint using interesting tools, such as whisks and toy vehicles. The childminder supports children's mathematical skills. She introduces them to number sequences, shape and measurement. Children are independent. They manage their own self-care and know to put on their shoes before going outdoors.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans a wide range of meaningful learning experiences within the enabling environment she creates for children, both indoors and outdoors. This promotes children's inquisitiveness. They are fascinated as to why the sand is dry. Children enjoy the freedom to explore how it changes in consistency when they add different quantities of water. They remain consistently engaged in a good balance of adult-led and child-led activities that reflect their individual interests and learning needs. The childminder's effective use of questions motivates children to recall previous learning. This helps to embed new knowledge. The childminder uses additional funding successfully so that it is precisely targeted to support children's developmental needs. n The childminder has links with other childminders. This enables her to share good practice and gain new ideas. The childminder completes mandatory

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need to do better?

training, such as first aid and safeguarding. However, she does not routinely identify and use other professional development opportunities to extend her skills and knowledge to enhance the quality of her teaching to the highest level. n The childminder is a positive role model. She consistently advocates a positive culture of respect for all. She calmly encourages children to take turns and follow the clear boundaries in place that help them to keep safe. For example, to remain seated when eating. Children show friendly relationships. They enjoy

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need to do better?

18 June 2025 each other's company as they engage in imaginative play together and share ideas how to explore paint in different ways, such as mixing different colours together to create new ones and spreading it on their hands. n The childminder keeps parents well informed about their children's good progress. She shares photos of children's achievements, along with detailed summaries and their individual next steps in learning. Although, she is yet to provide parents with specific ideas how they can support these next steps at home. Parents are extremely happy with the care that the childminder provides. They appreciate the warm nurturing environment she creates and describe her as a 'superstar'. The childminder has not yet forged relationships with other settings that children attend to fully support children's continuity in learning. n The childminder teaches children good personal hygiene routines, such as

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need to do better?

handwashing before meals. Mealtimes are a social experience. The childminder skilfully uses these pertinent times to talk to children about the importance of brushing their teeth so that they remain strong and healthy. Children enjoy healthy, wholesome and nutritious snacks that support children's well-being and knowledge of making healthy choices. They build physical skills as they use large play equipment during regular visits to parks and develop good balance and coordination by learning dance routines. n The childminder places a strong focus on supporting children's language development. She speaks clearly and sensitively, repeating words to support children's correct pronunciation. Children show high levels of excitement as they participate in daily rhyme time. They are eager to choose a rhyme pouch containing resources and props linked to rhymes and songs from the special bag. The childminder sings with great enthusiasm, this motivates children to join

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need to do better?

in with the words. She introduces children to new words and their meaning, such as 'glaze' as children use a pastry brush.

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 identify and use a wider range of professional development opportunities to enhance the quality of teaching n enhance the support offered to parents so they can support their children with their individual next steps in learning at home n develop partnerships with other settings that children attend to promote continuity in children's learning and development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2721254 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10394474 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 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Stevenage. She operates from 8am until 5pm, 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 outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder and spoke to 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 childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

18 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

18 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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