Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Inadequate

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The provision requires improvement

Children do not have suitable space indoors to immerse themselves in purposeful play. This means that often children have to step over each other to move around. Large furniture, as well as boxes full of resources, further hinder children's ability to find space to play. Children do not always have enough opportunities to complete suitably challenging activities. Despite this, children are happy, settle easily and enjoy being with the childminder and her assistant. Even babies new to the setting quickly develop confidence. When children arrive at lunchtime, those already present excitedly greet their friends and chat about what they have been doing.

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The provision requires improvement

Children have good social skills and behave well. Older children play well alongside their younger peers. They wait patiently for their turn to sit on the special 'song chair'. Children say hello to their friends before choosing a song to sing. They enthusiastically sing along, remembering the actions which accompany their chosen song. Children learn the importance of good hygiene to support their good health and well-being. The childminder and her assistant help younger children to sanitise their hands on arrival, while older children independently wash their hands before eating. This helps children to keep themselves safe from germs.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has not accurately measured her usable indoor space to ensure that she meets the legal requirements with regard to how many children she can care for indoors. An outdoor area provides plenty of space in the warmer weather. However, as stated in the legal requirements, this area cannot be taken into account when deciding how many children can be cared for. This means that children do not have sufficient space to move freely about as they play. n The childminder does not challenge children's learning, particularly during adult- led activities. Children learn about the birds which visit the garden and how to help keep them well. The childminder provides children with an activity to make bird feeders from plastic cups, straws and bird seed. She talks to children about what needs to be done. However, the childminder does not provide enough opportunities for them to take part and challenge their existing skills to extend

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need to do better?

their learning further. n Parents are very happy with the care their children receive. Parents share how eager their children are to go the childminder's and how easily they say goodbye before going off to play. Parents comment on the 'home from home' environment and how flexible the childminder is when they require additional days of care. The childminder makes effective use of social media to keep parents aware of what is happening. For example, the childminder's assistant updates parents regularly after babies and children have slept and/or eaten.

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need to do better?

27 January 2022 n The childminder has met the action set previously in relation to keeping mandatory training up to date. She constantly checks when training, such as safeguarding and paediatric first aid, requires renewing for herself and her assistants. The childminder checks that her assistants are happy in their roles and understand their responsibilities during supervision meetings. Frequent team meetings help to keep everyone aware of any upcoming celebrations or training that the childminder wants them to complete. n Children learn a range of key skills, such as putting on their shoes and coats, which helps to ensure that they have good levels of independence when the time comes to move to school. The childminder and her assistant have good links with local school teachers, which help to support children as they prepare to start school. n The childminder and her assistant constantly talk to the children, which helps

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need to do better?

them to develop good communication and language skills. They respond to babies babbles and celebrate enthusiastically when they learn new sounds or words. This further encourages babies to repeat and practise their newly acquired skills. Older children are inquisitive and ask questions. They share their ideas and talk to the childminder and her assistant about what they have done at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant regularly update their child protection knowledge to ensure that they know what to do in the event they have any concerns about a child in their care. They work closely together, which helps to identify any signs which could indicate a child is at risk of harm or abuse. The childminder ensures that all suitability checks are in place for those living and working on the premises.

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Due date

ensure that the indoor space meets the needs of the children and provides sufficient space as laid out in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage 28/02/2022

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Due date

develop further the educational programme to appropriately challenge children to support their learning and help them to make good progress. 28/02/2022

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY434012 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10205285 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 12 Number of children on roll 28 Date of previous inspection 2 August 2021

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. The childminder works with an assistant who holds a level 6 qualification. The childminder also works with additional assistants when her business warrants this.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and inspector discussed an observation and how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss their intentions for children's learning.

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Inspection activities

27 January 2022 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

27 January 2022 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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