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 Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

Children have opportunities to explore their community and learn outside the setting, taking part in various fun and interesting activities. They learn about each other and the cultural celebrations of others, such as Mother's Day in Lithuania. This helps them to learn about the lives of others and their similarities and differences. The childminder promotes children's communication and language skills well. She provides many opportunities for children to hear new words which helps to develop their vocabulary. They enjoy circle time, listening to songs and rhymes. The childminder uses props and puppets well to engage children's attention and this encourages them to join in.

p.2

The provision is good

Children demonstrate a positive attitude to learning and they quickly settle into the routines of the setting, engaging in their play. The childminder and her assistant are positive role models. They say 'please' and 'thank you' to each other and the children. The childminder offers lots of encouragement that helps to support their confidence and independence. She praises children for their efforts and this helps them to keep on trying. Children attend to their personal care needs. They wash their hands before and after eating, and competently clean their faces.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles and involves children to help develop their awareness of food that is good for them. She informs parents of ways to provide a healthy diet for their child. The childminder uses a range of ways to teach children about good oral hygiene and discusses the effect of bad eating habits on their teeth. n Children enjoy playing outdoors where they can run around, climb, balance and develop their physical skills. However, the childminder does not make consistently good use of the outdoor environment to build on the learning experiences for those who prefer to play outside. n The childminder supports children's social and emotional development well. She encourages them to listen to each other and helps them to resolve their differences. Children learn to share and take turns with popular resources. n The childminder regularly reflects on her practice. She supervises and observes

p.2

need to do better?

her assistant to identify any strengths and weaknesses and takes appropriate action. The childminder attends a variety of professional development opportunities and attends local network meetings. This helps to keep her early years knowledge up to date. n Children are making good progress in their learning. They are inquisitive and enjoy demonstrating what they know, sharing their ideas and experiences. The childminder helps children to learn about shapes and colours. They are beginning to count and understand about size.

p.2

need to do better?

24 February 2022 n Feedback from parents is positive. They speak highly of the childminder and the service she offers to their children. Parents say that the childminder always goes above and beyond in looking after their children and that their child is happy and safe. The childminder works well with parents to discuss any concerns about children's progress and identifies how to meet their learning needs. n The childminder observes children closely to find out what interests them and talks to parents to find out what their child can do at home. She makes regular assessments of what children can do and uses this information to plan for the next steps in their learning. Occasionally, the childminder does not provide enough rich opportunities to challenge older children and extend their learning to a higher level. n The childminder understands the importance of helping children to be ready for school by ensuring they learn key skills. For example, children learn to follow

p.2

need to do better?

simple instructions, manage their personal care, and share resources.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection and attends training to maintain her good knowledge of a wide range of safeguarding issues. She is confident about the signs of abuse and what actions to take should she have concern about a child in her care. The childminder makes sure her assistant keeps up to date. She has a whistle-blowing procedure in place to follow should there be any concerns about staff. The childminder has a continuous risk assessment procedure that enables her to identify risks quickly and address them immediately. She ensures children are supervised at all times.

p.3

should:

n make better use of the outdoor environment to support the continuing good progress of children who prefer to play and learn outside n provide more highly challenging activities to extend older children's learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY269690 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10137563 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 20 Date of previous inspection 15 September 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003. She lives in South Stifford, Essex. The childminder operates all year round from Monday to Friday, 8am until 6.30pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She receives early education funding 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 inspector observed activities indoors and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to the childminder during the inspection about the views of parents and took account of their written feedback. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss and understand how the early years provision is organised. The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the childminder's qualification certificates and records of children's attendance.

p.4

Inspection activities

24 February 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

24 February 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