Childminder EY294982

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 are at the heart of this exceptionally nurturing and fun-filled environment. The childminder is extremely kind and caring and the children love to be with her. They clearly demonstrate feeling safe and secure, which gives them the confidence to explore the stimulating activities offered to them. They have lots of wonderful opportunities to develop their small-muscle skills, such as 'rescuing' the treasure from underneath the tape. They learn how to keep themselves safe while manoeuvring the scooters around the garden. They have lots of opportunities to play and learn outdoors and enjoy digging up the vegetables they planted earlier in the year.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has high expectations of the children, and they are polite and very well behaved. They play on the small indoor slide and learn to wait patiently for their turn. The children concentrate fully on their activities because the childminder is precise at planning the correct level of challenge. The childminder is highly adept at developing the children's language. Younger children learn the names of things they see at a great rate and older children learn about more complex concepts, such as hibernation. The childminder promotes the importance of developing early reading skills and children enjoy listening to stories.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has used her qualifications and experience to design and plan a marvellous environment, indoors and outdoors. Key elements are exploration, awe and wonder, which motivate and stimulate children, who then develop a very positive attitude to learning. n The childminder has a highly ambitious curriculum that is based on what is happening in the children's lives at present. For example, children learn about autumn and collect and count the apples that have fallen in the garden. Children make excellent progress in their learning and development. n The childminder has a very deep insight into how children learn and this, with regular observations, ensures that she keeps track of children's progress and steps in quickly to support when necessary. n The childminder skilfully supports children to learn about the world around them and how it changes over time, making connections with prior learning. For

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need to do better?

example, they plant sunflower seeds and measure them as they grow. They collect the heads and observe the changes and count the petals. They collect the seeds to start the process again. n Children take part in many trips on a weekly basis. They visit toddler groups, where they socialise and learn to make friends with children from other childminder settings. In addition, they go on walks in the local area, visit the garden centre to buy seeds and plants and, more occasionally, visit a care home

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need to do better?

17 September 2025 where they take part in activities with the residents. Children have a wide range of opportunities to develop their understanding of the world. n Children are very familiar with routines. They know that after snack they go outdoors to play and are independent at putting their own boots on. The childminder strongly supports children to be independent by giving instructions to help older children put on their coats and make decisions for themselves. Younger children use the step to reach the sink and wash their own hands. Children choose their own activities through the day, which helps to develop their concentration and focus skills. n The childminder is passionate about teaching children to be healthy. They learn how the food they eat supports their body. She provides home-cooked, nutritious meals and snacks. They know they need to wash their hands before eating. They have opportunities to run around and to rest.

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need to do better?

n Parents speak incredibly highly of the childminder, they say there is effective communication and that their children make excellent progress. They say that she goes above and beyond the expected when they need support. n The childminder continually strives to improve her practice. Since the last inspection, she has made changes to the environment and resources to further improve the learning and experiences of the children. She has attended focused training to ensure that children in her care are safe and to better understand how they learn.

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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 EY294982 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10407908 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 21 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. She operates all year round from 7.45am to 6.30pm, Monday to Wednesday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector read written feedback from the parents and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the suitability of all household members. n The inspector held several discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

17 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

17 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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