Childminder EY375521

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

The childminder designs a highly ambitious curriculum that is firmly rooted in what children need to learn to be well prepared for school. She demonstrates an expert knowledge of child development and uses this to design a responsive and fluid learning environment that is shaped around children's interests. Children are extremely motivated to explore and show an eagerness to learn.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder actively promotes children's communication and language skills. She narrates on children's play, introduces new vocabulary and extends their understanding through skilful questioning. The childminder uses a well-resourced oral health activity with toothbrushes, teeth moulds, books and timers to capture children's interest. Children persevere as they practise brushing teeth on models and use timers to understand how long to brush. They learn and use new words, such as 'molars', join in with songs and confidently use complex language in their play. Children demonstrate rapid progress in their communication and understanding.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder sets high expectations for children's behaviour. She consistently models and promotes positive interactions. Children demonstrate patience, kindness and respect. They take turns effectively and play cooperatively. This helps children to develop strong personal, social and emotional skills. The childminder consistently listens to children's views, which helps them to show high levels of confidence in making choices. Children learn democracy by voting for activities and meals. This gives children a strong voice and sense of belonging.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides an exceptionally rich and enabling environment where children flourish and make rapid progress across all areas of learning. Her expert teaching and deep passion for delivering the highest quality education are evident in every aspect of her practice. She places children at the centre of their learning, skilfully using 'in the moment' planning to extend children's next steps in development. As a result, children consistently extend their learning and are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education. n The childminder plans meaningful opportunities for children to develop their understanding of the wider world. She uses trips to the zoo, splash parks and soft play to broaden children's knowledge, experiences and develop their confidence in new environments. Children learn about conservation projects and endangered animals, building an awareness of the natural world. The

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need to do better?

childminder plans purposeful activities, such as writing and posting letters, to help children to develop practical-life skills and a real understanding of the community around them.

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need to do better?

22 September 2025 n Children develop a strong sense of identity, inclusion and respect for differences. The childminder celebrates cultural and religious festivals meaningfully, working in partnership with parents and carers to ensure authentic representation. For example, children learn about the Hindu festival of Holi, explore authentic foods and learn about the significance of colour in this festival. n The childminder fully supports children to make excellent progress with their self-care skills. Children from a young age swiftly become familiar with handwashing routines, learning they need to keep their hands clean from germs. The childminder supports toilet training well. She weaves songs, books and plenty of praise throughout these routines to motivate and encourage children. n The childminder embeds healthy eating consistently into daily routines. Children enjoy homemade and nutritious meals. They learn about the benefits of different

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need to do better?

foods, including how milk supports strong bones and teeth. The childminder promotes children's understanding of healthy eating through conversations and practical experiences, such as growing herbs, which are used in cooking activities. n Children demonstrate a strong understanding of early mathematics. They confidently count objects, such as dinosaurs and their fingers to 10. The childminder introduces language around shapes, encouraging children to explore shapes in their environment. For example, she encourages children to observe and discuss the shapes of bubbles in the garden. n The childminder demonstrates exceptional commitment to professional development. She ensures mandatory training is complete and actively seeks additional training that is sharply focused to children's needs. For example, recent training in children's behaviour and nutrition guidance has strengthened her knowledge, enabling the childminder to have a positive impact on children's

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need to do better?

outcomes. n The childminder works closely with schools to ensure seamless transitions. She prepares detailed transition reports highlighting children's progress, personalities and learning styles. This helps teachers to have a strong understanding of each child's unique needs. This level of preparation helps children to be exceptionally well supported as they move on to school.

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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 EY375521 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10408092 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 24 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year round, apart from personal holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 5 and provides government funded childcare.

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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 carried out a joint observation of an activity that the childminder carried out with the children. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. The inspector took account of written views from parents. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the childminder and a selection of other records.

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Inspection activities

22 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

22 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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