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 Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

Children have a positive attitude to their learning. They persevere when faced with difficult tasks. This helps them to develop resilience and a can-do attitude. Children are confident speakers. They happily engage with visitors and encourage them to join in with their play. For example, they independently set up a game of snap. They deal the cards out evenly and invite visitors to join in with the game. As the children are familiar with the game they brim with confidence and demonstrate high levels of independence as they play.

p.2

The provision is good

Children build very positive relationships with the childminder and with each other. They benefit greatly from the childminder's calm and positive attitude. Their friendly behaviour demonstrates that they feel safe and secure. Children make independent choices in their learning from the wide range of resources and activities on offer. They confidently ask for help if needed and are keen to include the childminder in their play. They concentrate well and receive good support to complete their activities.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder has clear rules and boundaries in place so that children know what is expected of them. For example, she encourages children to remember to say 'please' and 'thank you' as they play and at mealtimes.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children behave very well and are friendly and inclusive towards visitors. They play harmoniously together, engrossed in activities that they have chosen. On the rare occasion when children find sharing difficult, the childminder encourages them to think about how their actions have an impact on others. Children recognise that not sharing might make others feel sad. n The childminder promotes children's independence well. Older children put on their own shoes, set up and lead their own games and can go to the toilet by themselves. The childminder supports younger children with their care needs and promotes their emotional well-being. n Children learn how to keep themselves healthy, such as learning to wash their hands carefully. The childminder teaches children about healthy lifestyle choices. She provides a range of healthy meals and snacks and helps children understand that healthy foods and water are good for them.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children enjoy plentiful opportunities to be physically active and benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. They run, jump and sing together in the garden and enjoy walks in the local area. Children inquisitively check on the grass seeds they planted the previous week. They look closely to see the tiny shoots emerging from the soil and then watch as different types of birds swoop across the sky.

p.2

need to do better?

24 March 2022 n Partnerships with parents are highly successful. The childminder gathers a wealth of information from parents about their children. She uses this effectively to help younger children settle in her home. Parents speak very favourably of the childminder. They report that she has a caring nature and always puts children's care and safety needs first. n The childminder completes training regularly to update her knowledge and skills. She has recently attended training on identifying children's speech delay. This has strengthened her understanding of how to meet children's individual needs. The childminder evaluates her provision by reflecting on her practice and through discussions with other local childminders. However, she does not always use her self-evaluation to identify different ways to enhance the quality of her provision to an even higher level. n Children benefit from many opportunities that support their communication

p.2

need to do better?

skills. Throughout activities, the childminder provides a commentary, models good conversational skills and introduces new vocabulary. Young children repeat familiar words and phrases in response to her warm interactions. n The childminder plans activities children will enjoy. She hides bugs in a pirate ship and the children rescue them with tweezers. They understand that by using tweezers they are making their hands stronger, which will help them hold pencils even better.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a robust understanding of safeguarding issues and knows how to recognise the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She is clear about the procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child in her care. She knows who to contact if an allegation is made against herself or a member of her household. She demonstrates a good awareness of wider child protection issues, such as exposure to extreme views. The childminder supports children in keeping themselves safe. For example, she teaches the youngest children how to go down the steps in the garden safely. The childminder carries out regular checks on the indoor and outdoor environment to identify and minimise any hazards to children.

p.3

should:

n extend the use of self-evaluation to identify ways to increase the quality of the provision to an even higher level.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 590227 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10127082 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 5 Date of previous inspection 24 May 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001 and lives in Benfleet Essex. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Wednesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for 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 childminder. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities inside and outside, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of all household members and qualifications of the childminder. She also discussed the childminder's self- evaluation. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials.

p.4

Inspection activities

24 March 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 March 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