Fordham, Amanda Jane

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 5 January 2018 17 March 2014

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 Children benefit from a spacious, well-resourced and homely environment. They independently access a wide variety of toys and resources that helps to support their good development and individual interests well.  The childminder has good communication skills which she uses to very good effect in her interactions with children. She talks clearly to babies and children and takes every opportunity to teach them new words. This helps to expand their strong listening and speaking skills effectively.  The childminder and her assistant are caring and attentive to the individual needs of children. The childminder joins in with their play and offers plenty of praise and encouragement. This helps all children, including those who are less confident, to develop strong emotional bonds and begin to develop friendships with others.  The childminder works in cohesive partnership with her assistant. She diligently

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This provision is good

oversees the effective implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures to help to ensure children are kept very safe in her care.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Assessment, particularly of children's starting points, is not always used meticulously enough to plan highly challenging activities that promote children's learning as rapidly as possible.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 enhance the use of information about children's starting points to plan highly challenging activities that help children to make rapid progress in their learning from the outset.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities and interactions between the childminder, her assistant and the children.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder, her assistant and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector took account of the views of parents expressed in written testimonials and questionnaires.  The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including evidence of training and the suitability of those living and working at the setting.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder prioritises training to help to inform her good understanding of how to identify the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She regularly discusses local safeguarding procedures with her assistant. This helps to ensure that prompt action is taken to protect children if concerns arise about their welfare. The childminder regularly checks her premises and ensures only those areas safe and suitable for children are accessed by them. The childminder works in effective partnership with other early years providers and local schools. For example, she discusses her plans for children's future learning with the local pre-school to ensure a consistent approach to supporting children's skills in readiness for school. The childminder's self-evaluation of the provision includes regular discussions with parents, children and her assistant. She takes heed of their suggestions to improve outcomes for children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Overall, the childminder plans a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning experiences which help children to make good progress through play. There are good opportunities for babies to explore how things work. For example, the childminder shows them how to turn, twist and pull handles on popular interactive toys. Babies show their enjoyment as they concentrate and babble in response to the sounds made by the toy. The childminder successfully fosters children's interest in books and often shares stories with them. During these activities, the childminder uses commentary, questioning techniques and demonstration. This helps to challenge children's thinking, fosters their understanding of what they hear and extends their vocabulary effectively.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Information is continuously exchanged with parents. For example, the childminder makes meaningful comments about children's routines in a diary which is shared with their parents. This helps children to experience good continuity of care across the setting and at home. The childminder is particularly supportive of the emotional needs of children when they are experiencing periods of change. For example, she offers a stable and reassuring approach which helps to boost their self-esteem and confidence in new situations. This also helps to stand them in good stead for embracing their future move on to school. There are many opportunities for children to develop a good awareness of how to make healthy choices. For example, the childminder purposefully talks to them about the effects of exercise on their bodies when they take part in local gym activities.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make at least typical progress from their starting points. They develop their literacy skills particularly well in preparation for school. They make good attempts at learning how to hold a pencil and writing the letters in their own name. Children of different ages demonstrate tolerance and respect for each other. With the childminder's support, they quickly resolve minor disagreements and show a growing ability to share and take turns. Children are keen learners and readily make decisions in their play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY367400 Local authority Essex Inspection number 1087294 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 11 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 17 March 2014

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Frinton-on-Sea in Essex. She operates all year round from 7.15am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3. She occasionally works with an assistant.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted 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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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, 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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Telephone number

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Telephone number

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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