Childminder EY357554

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder has a sensitive and nurturing approach to her care. She forms secure, trusting relationships with children. This helps them to feel safe and valued. The childminder is a positive role model, encouraging children to play alongside their peers, share resources, and resolve conflicts. Children show affection and empathy towards one another and learn how to form positive relationships.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder provides a well-designed curriculum that is ambitious and tailored to meet the individual needs of all children. She skilfully differentiates her teaching to meet the needs of children of different ages and abilities. She adapts activities to provide additional challenge for older children and simplifies tasks for younger children. This helps to ensure that all children are appropriately supported and consistently make good progress.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder supports children to build their independence. Children confidently wash their hands and learn how to put their coats on, for example. They learn practical life skills such as using knives to cut up fruit and beginning to toilet train. The childminder provides plenty of praise when children achieve this, helping them to build confidence in their abilities. The childminder weaves mathematical language throughout everyday experiences. She encourages children to count their fruit and compare the sizes of bread sticks, for instance. This supports them to develop their early understanding of number and size.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's communication and language development through a range of highly effective strategies. She reads and narrates stories, describing pictures and asking questions to extend children's understanding and vocabulary. Children confidently learn new words, such as the names of fruits, and engage in discussion that develops comprehension and expressive language. n The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how to plan and implement activities that are closely linked to what children need to learn next. For example, during a creative activity making baskets children learn to identify different colours. They build strength in their fingers as they manipulate glue sticks and peel stickers. Occasionally, the childminder moves children on whilst they are still engaged in an activity, which sometimes limits the scope to extend and consolidate their learning. n Children thoroughly enjoy outdoor play and have plenty of opportunities to build

p.2

need to do better?

on their physical development. They enjoy riding tricycles and exploring sensory activities. Children scoop and pour conkers into jugs, building their accuracy and muscle strength. The childminder delivers music sessions where children learn actions and use instruments. They play along to familiar nursery rhymes,

p.2

need to do better?

23 September 2025 supporting their coordination, rhythm and listening skills. n The childminder applies her knowledge of British values through her teaching. She promotes mutual respect by encouraging children to give each other space and play cooperatively, helping them to build positive relationships. Through their play, children explore differences in appearance such as facial features and glasses, developing their understanding that everyone is unique. n The childminder plans a wide range of meaningful experiences to broaden children's understanding of the world and strengthen their social skills. She takes children on regular visits to farms, local playgroups and music sessions at the library. Children mix with others, build confidence in new environments and develop a deeper understanding of their community. n Parent partnerships are strong. The childminder provides parents with regular updates on their children's progress and shares what they are working on, so

p.2

need to do better?

that learning can be consistently reinforced at home. She offers practical advice on areas such as nutrition, sleep and potty training. This helps parents to feel well informed and supported. Parents report that they greatly value the childminder's excellent communication and the guidance she provides. n The childminder engages in a range of professional development opportunities to continually build on her skills. She works closely with other professionals involved in children's care and learning to ensure continuity for those who attend more than one provision. Transitions on to school are managed well. The childminder liaises with teachers and provides useful information enabling children to be fully supported as they start the next stage of their education.

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 provide children with enough time to fully explore activities to maximise their learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY357554 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10407455 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 3 Date of previous inspection 9 January 2020

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. She operates from Tuesday to Friday from 7.45am to 5.30pm, all year round, except for family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3 and provides funded early education for eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder carried out a joint observation of an activity. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as, evidence of the suitability of the childminder and a selection of other records. n The inspector took account of written views from parents.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6