Childminder EY548552

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in this warm and homely environment. The childminder's nurturing approach ensures children settle swiftly and feel safe and secure in her care. The highly-skilled childminder has a robust understanding of how children learn and plans a rich curriculum that supports them all to be well prepared for their next stage of learning. Children develop independence and confidence completing age- appropriate tasks throughout the day. They take ownership of their environment by tidying away, setting the table and preparing their meals and snacks and managing self-care routines with minimal support. Children explore a wealth of resources and activities that are focused on their precise interests and learning needs. They practise their physical skills on indoor climbing equipment, have free access to mark-making materials and develop a deep love of stories that builds on their early literacy skills.

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The provision is outstanding

Children demonstrate high levels of emotional fluency that are reflected in their kind behaviours and positive attitudes to one another. Young children are aware of boundaries and adhere to them well. Older children show empathy and support when identifying when their younger friends may need help in tasks. All children demonstrate that they have the skills to regulate their behaviours and emotions. The childminder encourages children to reflect on and identify their feelings using photos, books and discussions.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's communication skills superbly in this language-rich environment. Continuous narrative and exposure to new words supports all children to develop a wide vocabulary and a strong understanding of the English language. Young children routinely extend their vocabulary by learning alternative words. For example, they exclaim that animals have 'snouts' rather than noses. Older children identify more complex themes such as rhyme during exciting story sessions and routine conversations. n The childminder builds exceptional relationships with other care providers. Communication between settings is very strong and fluid. This provides a highly effective and collaborative approach to children's development. This is particularly evident when supporting children's transitions where processes are seamless. Children develop a strong insight into their new environments by exploring photos, accompanying the childminder on visits and engaging in

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need to do better?

positive discussions about their changing routines. This supports all children to have a very positive attitude to their future learning. n Children benefit from teaching that is well sequenced and builds on what they know and supports them to achieve their next steps. The childminder rigorously monitors the effectiveness of her teaching, skilfully adapting her approach to

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need to do better?

9 September 2025 further expand children's skills and knowledge. For example, children explore a sensory activity to develop their fine motor skills and tolerance of textures. The childminder provides various cereals to touch, crush and manipulate. She explains how she will then add liquids to create different textures to challenge children further in sensory play. n Children are self-assured and outgoing. They engage well with adults and other children and show confidence in new situations. The childminder supports this well by placing sharp focus on children's social development. Children attend various group sessions and have numerous opportunities to engage within the local community. The childminder extends this approach by engaging families in local events and fostering close, mutually supportive relationships. n The childminder has a very clear understanding of individual children's learning needs that she develops through robust assessments and meticulous monitoring

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need to do better?

of progress. All learning activities and teaching support these precise needs superbly. When the childminder identifies areas where children may need additional support, she is swift to intervene. She works with families, other settings and professionals where appropriate to implement appropriate strategies that bridge these gaps and allow children to make the best possible progress. n The childminder is committed to providing exceptional care for all children who attend. She embraces additional training opportunities to enhance her knowledge and skills and carefully evaluates all aspects of her practice, swiftly implementing well considered changes. For example, having recently completed a professional development programme, the childminder has modified her environment to further support the physical development of her new cohort of babies and young children. n Relationships with families are incredibly strong, with parents praising the

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need to do better?

'exceptional' care and support the childminder provides for them and their children. Parents particularly value the detailed and varied communication the childminder shares. The childminder routinely signposts parents to additional support and learning to enhance their knowledge and skills. This enables them to promote children's safety and extend their learning at home to an exceptionally high level.

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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 EY548552 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10407667 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 3 Date of previous inspection 15 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Abbots Langley. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Wednesday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds qualified teacher status. She provides the government-funded places for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of training courses completed. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

9 September 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

9 September 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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