Childminder EY332073

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 thrive in a nurturing, homely environment, where the childminder works in close partnership with parents to provide personalised care. She takes time to build strong, trusting relationships with children and their families, ensuring that their individual needs, routines and interests are well understood. This consistent and nurturing approach creates a sense of security and belonging, supporting children's well-being, reinforcing trust and enabling them to make good progress in their learning.

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The provision is good

Children show high levels of engagement and focus as they immerse themselves in play and learning. The skilled childminder provides a broad and ambitious curriculum that builds on what children already know and can do, while also reflecting their interests, seasonal events and cultural celebrations. Stories are central to these themes and offer rich opportunities for learning. For example, after reading a story about bees, children dress up and take part in role play. Consequently, children deepen their understanding, make purposeful connections in their learning and develop curiosity and creativity.

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The provision is good

Children behave well, show respect and use good manners, which are consistently modelled by the childminder. She supports their self-regulation through calm, sensitive responses. For example, when children become frustrated while using plastic tweezers, she encourages perseverance and offers support. As a result, children develop resilience, confidence and the ability to manage their emotions effectively.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a strong understanding of child development. She knows the children exceptionally well and uses this knowledge to plan effectively for their next steps in learning. This supports children to make sustained progress, engage confidently with new challenges and achieve their developmental milestones. n Children are focused and purposeful, maintaining interest in their activities. For example, young children independently build a variety of construction flowers and concentrate for a significant period of time without adult supervision. Consequently, they develop problem-solving skills, and the ability to think critically, applying their learning to overcome challenges and make decisions independently. n Children make rapid progress in communication and language, supported by the childminder's provision of a language-rich environment. She introduces new vocabulary through meaningful contexts, such as stories and play, enabling

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need to do better?

children to confidently use and understand words like 'swarm, hive' and 'pollen'.

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need to do better?

18 September 2025 As a result, children develop a wide vocabulary, express themselves with increasing confidence and participate in meaningful conversations with adults and their peers. n Children develop early mathematical skills through play, exploring concepts such as shape and number. For example, they investigate the hexagonal patterns of honeycomb and count the eyes of bees. This supports the development of reasoning abilities, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in relevant, real-life contexts. n Children develop an understanding of their local community through regular outings. Visits to places such as Knebworth House, adventure playgrounds and toddler groups enable them to explore new environments, interact with others and develop social skills, curiosity and a sense of belonging. n The childminder generally promotes children's good health. Parents provide nutritious meals and snacks from home, which she stores safely and

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need to do better?

appropriately. She encourages children to drink water regularly and reminds them to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. However, children's understanding of good hygiene practices is not consistently promoted. On some occasions, they share a bowl of water to wash their hands, which increases the risk of cross-contamination. n The childminder builds trusting relationships with parents, who feel well informed, supported and actively involved in their children's learning. Parents highly value her effective communication and the positive impact this has on their children's development, confidence and overall well-being. n The childminder maintains strong professional networks with other local childminders, which help her stay informed about new developments and share effective practice. She undertakes regular training and continually updates her knowledge to enhance the care and learning experiences she provides for

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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 improve handwashing routines to help children develop good hygiene practices and stay healthy and safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY332073 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10399902 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 19 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She provides government funded early education for children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about the children's learning and development and how she organises her provision. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector talked to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the childminder with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

18 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

18 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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