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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children have interesting, enjoyable days with the childminder. The childminder's home is very welcoming and well organised. This helps to support children to become confident, independent learners. The childminder meets the needs of all children well. She is a positive role model and creates a loving environment for them. The childminder praises children's achievements, good behaviour and kindness. Children are friendly and sociable and their behaviour is very good.

p.2

The provision is good

Children can freely access the wide range of exciting resources available, both inside and outside. They thoroughly enjoy being in the childminder's garden. Children learn to balance as they walk on the wooden planks. They negotiate their way around the garden on the ride-on toys. Older children eagerly show visitors photos of themselves learning to ride a bicycle. They splash excitedly as they enthusiastically explore the items in the water tray. Children use their imagination as they assemble the resources in the construction area. They enjoy exploring the natural items available in the well-resourced mud kitchen. Younger children concentrate very well as they explore the activity board. Children's communication and language skills develop rapidly as the childminder continually engages them in conversation. They enjoy singing songs and rhymes and eagerly join in with the actions.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder clearly enjoys her role and enthusiastically joins in with children's activities. She sits at their level, offering lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder makes regular assessments of children's learning and development. This helps her to support children to build on what they already know and can do. n Children take part in a range of activities that support their early literacy skills. They can freely access their favourite books and they listen well to stories. Children make marks using paint, chalks and pencils. Older children show an active interest in letters and the sounds they represent. For example, they concentrate well to make the letters in their name using play dough. n The childminder skilfully supports children in developing their early mathematical skills. Children learn to count and use mathematical language as they play. For example, when they play with stones and conkers in the water, the childminder

p.2

need to do better?

uses words such as 'heavy' and 'light'. n The childminder helps children to learn good hygiene procedures. Young children understand the importance of washing their hands before mealtimes. The childminder plans fun activities to help children learn about how to keep their teeth healthy. Children know why they must have regular drinks throughout the day. They enjoy playing a 'shopping' game to help them

p.2

need to do better?

11 July 2022 understand the differences between healthy and unhealthy food. n Children quickly become independent. They demonstrate this as they put on sun cream and find their sun hats for outdoor play. Children understand why they must protect themselves from the sun. They pour their drinks at snack time and even the youngest children peel their own bananas. The childminder shows them how to hold the banana still to cut it safely. n Parents are very happy with the care and education their children receive. They describe the childminder as being 'amazing' and say that she is 'friendly and professional'. The childminder regularly shares children's progress and next steps with parents. She uses an online app to keep everyone involved and informed. Parents comment on how their children have grown in confidence and how much they have learned since attending the setting. n The childminder makes very good use of all training and development

p.2

need to do better?

opportunities to extend her knowledge and skills. She evaluates her practice very effectively. She encourages parents to share their comments and views on her setting. For example, she regularly provides parents with questionnaires to complete. n The childminder ensures that children learn the key skills to prepare them for later learning. She plans a wide range of exciting activities and experiences for children. The childminder knows the children in her care very well and understands what they need to learn next. However, at times, the childminder does not focus precisely enough on what it is she wants individual children to learn from the activities.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She knows the procedures to follow should she have any concerns. She has a detailed safeguarding policy with relevant contact numbers that she can access if needed. The childminder supervises her assistant and ensures he has the relevant knowledge to keep children safe. She works closely with parents to meet their children's care needs. For example, she gathers information about children's specific allergies and dietary requirements. This helps her to ensure children's safety at all times while they are in her care.

p.3

should:

n focus more rigorously on the aims and intentions for children's learning, to ensure all children make maximum progress.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2523363 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10208160 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 5 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Grays, Essex. She operates Monday to Friday, all year round, between 7.30am and 5.30pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. 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 about training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed the 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

11 July 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