Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

The childminder provides a warm and friendly home-from-home environment. Children are happy and safe in the childminder's care. The childminder knows the children very well and provides an array of interesting activities that are based around their interests. She meets children's individual needs well.

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This provision meets requirements

Children make their own decisions about what they want to do. The childminder provides a helping hand if asked, but otherwise enables children to implement their own ideas. For example, they selected building materials and train tracks from the wide range of resources provided. When children required support to complete their 'blue model' the childminder gently stepped in to locate the desired blocks to enable them to reach their goal.

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This provision meets requirements

There is a buzz of conversation around the dinner table, as older and younger children talk together. For example, they excitedly discuss past events, such as making pancakes, and going on trips to exciting places, such as a crocodile park. Parents speak very highly of the childminder and comment on how happy their children are at her setting. Children are extremely well behaved. They are very polite and display excellent manners.

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This provision meets requirements

Children have wonderful opportunities to learn about the world and how things change over time. They regularly visit the childminder's allotment, where they grow raspberries and strawberries which they collect and bring home to eat and cook with. Outside, in the childminder's garden, children have opportunities to access the mud kitchen, climb on logs and roll them over to look for minibeasts.

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need to do better?

n Despite the childminder now only caring for children before and after school, and during the school holidays, she strives to support their learning and development to the highest level. She uses her knowledge of the early years foundation stage curriculum and the areas of learning to provide a broad range of interesting activities that excite children to learn and engage. She organises areas of her house and garden very effectively. This allows children to play and find quiet space away from others if they want to read or engage in calm activities. n The childminder works well in partnership with parents. She ensures that she gathers information from parents before children start, to help her plan according to their individual needs and interests. She shares information with parents about progress younger children make and liaises with them about updates from schools. She ensures clear systems are in place to maintain

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need to do better?

16 March 2020 communication effectively. n Children are familiar with routines and manage their own care needs independently. They know where to hang their belongings on arrival and to clean their hands before sitting at the table to eat. Children understand the importance of caring for their own personal hygiene and do so well. For example, they sing a song about washing hands and discuss washing them efficiently. n The childminder interacts well with children during their play. She commentates on what children are doing, tests out their knowledge and asks open-ended questions, encouraging children to respond. The childminder gives children regular praise, which helps to boost their self-esteem and encourages them to recognise their own achievements. n The childminder understands how to develop children's language skills through modelling good speech and introducing new words as children play. She plays

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need to do better?

games with children, which helps to promote their language and their social skills. She has a range of equipment to encourage children to make marks and practise early writing skills. n The childminder is passionate about making children feel happy and valued. She recognises the importance of meeting both the developmental and emotional needs of all children in her care. Additionally, she understands how children develop independence skills and self-esteem so they are prepared for their future learning in school. The childminder aims to help children value one another, understand boundaries and show respect for other people in society. n The experienced childminder is committed to looking at ways to improve the service she offers. She seeks the opinions of both parents and children to make ongoing improvements. Presently, the children and the childminder are planning for their summer outings.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She is aware of the signs that could indicate a child is at risk of harm, including wider safeguarding issues. The childminder has robust policies and procedures to follow, and knows who to contact if she has a concern about a child's welfare. She is highly vigilant, conducts thorough risk assessments and minimises any hazards. The premises are secure so that children cannot leave unsupervised and unwanted visitors cannot gain access.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY240223 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 10134049 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 6 Date of previous inspection 10 November 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2002 and lives in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. She provides care before and after school during term time, and from 7.30am to 6pm during the school holidays. The childminder holds a relevant level 3 qualification.

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Inspection activities

n Ofsted is aware of the challenges that Covid-19 is currently posing to those we inspect. During this visit, the inspector took into consideration the impact of any measures being taken to slow the spread of Coronavirus by the childminder. This has included the effect these measures have had on the current attendance of the children. n The inspector had a tour of the premises and held discussions with the childminder to understand how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector sampled documentation. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written testimonials. n The inspector spoke to children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

16 March 2020 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

16 March 2020 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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