Childminder 149512

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the care of this knowledgeable childminder, who uses her extensive expertise to deliver a stimulating curriculum across all seven areas of learning. Children are eager learners who spend long stretches deeply absorbed in purposeful play. They frequently repeat enjoyable activities, strengthening their understanding. Children's behaviour demonstrates that they feel extremely safe in the childminder's care. They share smiles and laughter, often exclaiming they are having fun as they engage in play.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children express delight as they explore a variety of toy animals. They talk to the childminder about the 'duck', 'cow' and 'pig,' and eagerly make the correct animal sounds. The childminder fosters children's thinking and mathematical skills by prompting them to find 'one more' animal. She invites children to count the toy ducks they are playing with, and sings counting songs to further children's mathematical development.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children refine their fine motor skills, such as they focus on threading toy worms through a wooden apple. The childminder offers encouragement and helps children to notice that they need to reverse their movements when the string runs out. The childminder supports children to learn about plants. Together, they grow potatoes and herbs in the childminder's garden and tend to flowers. Children gather blackberries with the childminder, who explains the importance of picking only safe and recognisable berries.

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need to do better?

n The childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of the developmental level and interests of the children in her care. She uses this knowledge to plan and implement activities that engage and extend children's learning and development. The childminder flexibly engages with children as they play, responding to what catches their interest. As a result, children spend sustained periods of time focused and building on their learning. n The childminder has a clear focus on supporting children's communication and language development. She skilfully joins in with children's play and conversations. The childminder introduces them to new words and sensitively supports children's pronunciation. She is quick to respond when children may be at risk of a delay in their language. The childminder puts in place appropriate support to help children catch up. n Children enjoy cosy cuddles as they share books with the childminder. They

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need to do better?

make links back to real-world experiences. The childminder helps children to remember the tractors they have seen ploughing fields and cutting hedges as they read books about a farm. As children point at cows being milked, the

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need to do better?

11 September 2025 childminder explains that this is where the milk that children drink comes from. This supports children to make links in their learning. n The childminder monitors children's progress and completes detailed developmental checks of children between the ages of two and three years. She notices quickly when children may be at risk of developmental delay. The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers and other childcare providers that children attend. This helps to provide consistent support to ensure that children make the best possible progress. n Children learn the importance of washing their hands before mealtimes, after going to the toilet or having their nappy changed. The childminder makes use of the regular walk to pre-school to develop children's understanding of road safety. This helps children to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. n The childminder extends her curriculum with activities outside her home.

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need to do better?

Children regularly go on nature walks, noticing the signs of autumn while they collect twigs, leaves and conkers. They feed and watch ducks at the local pond. The childminder uses visits to local toddler groups to enable children to gain experience of playing alongside a wider group of children and talking to other appropriate adults. n The childminder places a high priority on her ongoing professional development and regularly takes part in online training. She explains how training helps to refresh her engagement with children and reminds her of fun and engaging activities to support children's learning and development. n Parents are extremely complimentary about the childminder. They describe her as 'professional and dedicated' as well as 'warm and caring'. Parents talk about how their children enjoy spending time with the childminder and taking part in a wide range of fun activities. Parents feel well informed about their children's

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need to do better?

learning and value the support the childminder provides to them.

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

Setting details

Unique reference number 149512 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10407775 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 8 Date of previous inspection 17 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in Therfield, near Royston, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She provides government funded childcare for children aged from 9 months.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation, including attendance records and the childminder's paediatric first-aid certificate. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

11 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

11 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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