Childminder in Thurrock

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. She is warm, welcoming and caring, and is very attentive to children's individual needs. Children have a highly enjoyable time with the childminder. They clearly show that they feel safe, settled and happy. Children demonstrate this at sleep times, as they settle well and quickly fall to sleep. The childminder is a very good role model. Children learn to play together well and treat others with respect. Their behaviour is very good. Children are actively encouraged to use good manners, be polite and say 'please' and 'thank you'. They receive lots of praise and encouragement. Consequently, children show high levels of confidence and self-esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

Children develop a keen interest in the natural world. The childminder builds on their knowledge through exciting activities, stories and songs. For example, children learn about life cycles as they observe the caterpillars grow and change into beautiful butterflies. They have great fun watching them fly away. The childminder uses opportunities such as these to help children appreciate the awe and wonder of the world in which they live. Children are developing the skills they need to be successful in their future learning and eventually for starting school.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has high expectations of all children. She considers the skills that she wants children to develop, and plans activities to support each child's next steps in learning. This helps them to make very good progress from their starting points. n Young children happily use a variety of art and craft materials. They confidently make marks with paintbrushes. As part of their topic about the 'Big Garden Birdwatch', children have fun painting their birds. They enjoy mixing the colours and sticking on brightly coloured feathers. These activities help them to develop their small-muscle skills in preparation for early writing. n The childminder's setting remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. She adapted her practice in line with government guidelines. For example, children spent a lot of time outdoors. They had daily walks in the woods and enjoyed collecting the crispy autumn leaves. Children also enjoyed trips to the beach and

p.2

need to do better?

the local park. These activities ensured that they benefited from lots of active play and fresh air. n The childminder encourages children to do as much as they can for themselves. For example, children help to tidy away the toys and put them in the correct boxes. They have a go at putting on their coats and boots before playing outside. n Young children are developing their speech very well. The childminder successfully supports their language skills through continually talking to them.

p.2

need to do better?

28 January 2022 She models words clearly to help them learn and use new words, such as 'iguana' and 'parrot'. Children join in with singing, and enthusiastically do the actions to their favourite rhymes. n The childminder supports children's mathematical development well. She encourages children to explore numbers, shapes and colours as they play. Children become deeply engrossed in their chosen activities. They show perseverance as they confidently fit shapes into the shape sorters and puzzles. Children take great pride in their achievements. n Parents speak very fondly of the childminder. They describe her as a 'wonderful childminder who always puts the children first'. They say she is 'warm and friendly', and that 'she encourages good behaviour, kindness and compassion'. Parents regard these as important skills for their children to have. The childminder keeps them well informed of their children's achievements.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is well qualified and experienced. She makes effective use of all training opportunities to extend her knowledge and skills. The childminder reflects effectively on her practice. For example, she asks parents to complete questionnaires. Their positive feedback shows that they are very happy with her provision. n The childminder carefully plans a wide range of activities linked to children's interests. Children can access toys freely and readily engage in activities. However, there are fewer opportunities for younger children to explore and investigate, for example, using open-ended resources that can be used in many ways.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Children are very well protected as the childminder has a very good understanding of her role in safeguarding. The childminder confidently describes the action she would take if she had concerns about children's safety and well-being. She knows how to identify if a child is at risk of harm, including from extreme views or behaviours. The childminder keeps her safeguarding knowledge up to date through regular training. This includes wider safeguarding issues such as radicalisation, county lines and online safety. The childminder has been particularly vigilant in providing a safe environment for the children and their families during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

p.3

should:

n provide more opportunities to support younger children to freely explore and investigate, for example through a wider use of open-ended resources.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY295019 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10073454 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 17 May 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in South Ockendon. She operates all year round from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence of training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed children and the childminder taking part in activities, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the childminder's house. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

28 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6