Childminder EY268764

This provision meets requirements

Children are excited when the childminder arrives to collect them from school. They engage confidently in discussions about their day and respond thoughtfully to questions and prompts, demonstrating secure relationships and a strong sense of emotional safety. On the walk back from school, children notice spiders in webs and eagerly share their observations. The childminder skilfully nurtures their inquisitiveness through spontaneous learning opportunities, praising their contributions and supporting self-esteem and motivation.

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This provision meets requirements

Children demonstrate positive behaviour and a clear understanding of expectations. For example, during the walk back to the setting, older children stop at the roadside and ask the childminder if it is safe to cross. This shows a strong awareness of road safety and well-established routines.

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This provision meets requirements

Children remain consistently engaged and focused during their time with the childminder. They make independent choices from a broad selection of easily accessible indoor activities and enjoy frequent access to the garden and local park, promoting physical development and well-being. Children show perseverance as they work on small clay models, growing in confidence as they experiment with new techniques and refine their skills. The childminder uses her knowledge of each child's interests to plan purposeful, engaging activities that promote language development, critical thinking and self-regulation.

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need to do better?

n Older children act as excellent role models for their younger peers. They take responsibility during tidy-up routines, helping to return resources to their correct places. At snack time, they offer gentle guidance, reminding younger children how to scoop their food, and consistently demonstrate kind, supportive behaviour. As a result, younger children develop confidence, independence and an understanding of cooperative play. n Children's health and hygiene are exceptionally well supported through consistent and meaningful routines. They wash their hands before eating, understanding the importance of cleanliness. The childminder is well informed about each child's allergies and dietary requirements, ensuring all needs are carefully met. Healthy eating is promoted through a variety of nutritious snacks, helping children make positive food choices from an early age. Mealtimes are more than a routine, they are enjoyable, social experiences, where older children

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need to do better?

confidently include younger peers in conversation, enhancing their language and social communication skills. n Children speak very positively about their time with the childminder. They

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need to do better?

29 September 2025 express enjoyment in playing with friends and taking part in a wide range of creative activities, particularly arts and crafts, which are often new and exciting for them. Consequently, children feel happy, secure and valued. Their enthusiasm for learning new skills is nurtured, and they develop confidence in expressing themselves socially and creatively. n Highly effective partnerships with parents are a key strength. Parents speak positively about the open communication, nutritious snacks and broad range of engaging activities their children enjoy. n Children benefit from the childminder's active involvement in a local network of childminders, where resources are shared, and joint outings are organised during the school holidays. These experiences give children valuable opportunities to interact with a wider group of peers, developing their social skills and confidence in larger groups.

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need to do better?

n Ongoing professional development is embedded in the childminder's practice. She completes relevant training and participates in online forums and webinars to stay up to date. This commitment to continuous improvement, combined with her reflective and proactive approach, ensures a safe, well-managed environment, where children's well-being and development are consistently prioritised.

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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 EY268764 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10407590 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 13 Date of previous inspection 14 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Hertford. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 6 and has early years professional status.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around her home and discussed how she organises her provision, the safety and suitability of the setting. n The inspector spoke to children, to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation.

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Inspection activities

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

29 September 2025 29 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

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

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