Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and content in the childminder's affectionate care. They are supervised well and receive regular praise and affirmation. Children play well together. They are learning to take turns and share their playthings. Young children are learning to regulate their own behaviour through the childminder's consistent and nurturing guidance.

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The provision is good

Children form close attachments to the childminder and her family. They feel safe in her homely environment. Children learn to care for, and show consideration to, the family's pets and this gives them a sense of responsibility and respect for living beings. They like to go to the childminder for cuddles and snuggle on her lap in the cosy reading corner. Children are fascinated as they discover that they can identify different colours when they look through transparent building blocks.

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The provision is good

Children make good progress in their learning. They are inquisitive and enjoy looking at picture books and listening to stories. Children are physically active and look forward to the many adventures and experiences the childminder provides for them outdoors. Children learn to manage their own personal care appropriately. They know when to wash and dry their hands and tidy away the toys.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands how children learn and the stages of their development. She discusses their development with parents when they first attend her setting and shares regular updates on their progress. The childminder teaches children to use their resources in an imaginative way and not only as they were intended. This helps children to become creative and critical thinkers. n Children are confident to discuss their play with the inspector. The childminder supports children's play and stimulates their imagination. Older children play with younger ones as they dress up as pirates and go hunting for ghosts. They pack a bag of supplies to take with them and offer everyone an imaginary drink. Children introduce hand puppets into their play and decide to put on a puppet show. The childminder supports their choices and offers resources to extend the play further. n The childminder builds on children's understanding and creates new experiences

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need to do better?

to extend their learning. For example, she provides trips on public transport to museums or the seaside, where this is a first experience. She took the children to a camp site where they helped to pitch a tent and learned about outdoor living. The childminder gains parental permission for these outings and takes account of the limitations and precautions needed, due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Parents say their children thrive in her care and they praise her for her enthusiasm and 'outstanding communication'.

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need to do better?

18 August 2021 n Children learn to identify their name using labels to register their attendance. Those children who are getting ready to start school use the labels to help them learn to write their name. The childminder pays close attention to the practical tasks that children need to learn when they start school, such as using the toilet, dressing themselves, eating their lunch and being confident to ask for help. n The childminder supervises children well as they all sit together to eat their packed lunch. This is a time for socialisation and for the children to learn together about the benefits of healthy eating and good hygiene procedures. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure younger children have regular sleep time routines, so parents are able to settle them better at night. n The childminder liaises closely with other early years professionals and undertakes training, which is now only available online due to COVID-19

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need to do better?

restrictions. The childminder follows recognised guidance to plan for the next steps in children's learning. However, her planning is not always sharply focused to ensure that children make rapid progress in all of the areas of learning. For example, children are not confident in their knowledge and understanding of the wider world and the diversity of language and culture beyond their own experience.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is confident in her knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She knows how to identify if a child is at risk of harm. She knows where to report any concerns. The childminder regularly updates her knowledge through training and research. She keeps a register of children's attendance. She understands the importance of maintaining appropriate records. The childminder knows how to respond if she receives an allegation or complaint affecting her setting. She is fully aware of her responsibility to protect the children in her care and how to maintain a safe environment for them.

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should:

n enhance planning for children's development to ensure they are consistently challenged in their learning in all areas of the curriculum to help them make even more rapid progress n extend children's understanding of the wider world and build on their curiosity and desire to learn.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY556367 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10174905 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 5 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. She lives in Harlow, Essex. The childminder operates from Monday to Friday, from 7am until 5pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder discussed her educational programme and how she supports children's development and learning. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection and took account of the views of parents by reading written testimonials. n Relevant documentation was available for inspection, including suitability and qualifications, children's attendance records and the policies of the setting.

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Inspection activities

18 August 2021 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

18 August 2021 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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