Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is inadequate

Children's safety is compromised. The childminder has not ensured that all the required checks for her assistant are complete before leaving children in her care unsupervised. Despite this, children are very comfortable and happily engage in the exciting activities offered. They leave their parents with ease as they have established close bonds with the childminder and her assistant, who know the children well. Young children relish their time outdoors in the garden. They have immense fun using nets to scoop balls and sea animals from the paddling pool. The childminder promotes children's mathematical thinking as they count how many balls they collect. They name the animals with confidence, comparing size of sharks they catch. Children giggle as they splash the water, keeping cool in the heat. They watch closely as the childminder pours sand using shells and listen with intent as she explains about shells and what can be found on the beach. Young children

p.2

The provision is inadequate

enjoy sensory play as they watch with fascination as ice melts in the sun. They mix the water with the sand and enjoy the texture this provides.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children choose from a wide selection of quality toys that are easily accessible within a welcoming lounge. They sit comfortably on bean bags in the book area and enjoy group stories with the childminder. They talk about how they feel and are learning about their own emotions through the stories. The childminder provides new vocabulary, so that they can express and understand their own emotions. Children are very familiar with the routines and expectations of the childminder and their behaviour is good.

p.2

need to do better?

n Although the childminder informed Ofsted of her assistant, so that the appropriate checks could be carried out, she left her assistant in sole charge of children before all checks had been completed that confirm her assistant's suitability to work directly with children. This means children's welfare is not assured. n The childminder and her assistant are both experienced and qualified practitioners. They understand how children learn and provide a broad curriculum to support the seven areas of learning. The childminder invests time in getting to know the children. She understands their preferred way of learning and interests and builds on what children already know and offers suitable challenge. Therefore, children make good progress in their learning. n Parents are very happy with all aspects of care and education provided. They comment that there is good communication between them and the supportive

p.2

need to do better?

childminder. They are reassured when they leave their children that they are in 'good hands'. Parents comment that their children are settled, confident and have made excellent progress, particularly in their speech and language

p.2

need to do better?

15 July 2022 development. n Children are encouraged to initiate their own play and make choices for themselves. The childminder is skilful in how she speaks with the children. She poses challenging questions and allows children time to think and respond. Children are encouraged and provided with some opportunities to problem solve and be independent. For example, when preparing to go in the paddling pool, the childminder encourages and supports children to collect their swim bag and change into their swimming costume by themselves. However, she does not consistently give them the opportunity to be independent at snack and mealtimes as children sit and wait while their food and drinks are prepared for them. n The childminder speaks of the high expectations for the children in her care. She is ambitious, evaluates her practice and has plans in place to develop further in order to have a positive impact on the children. While the childminder is

p.2

need to do better?

committed to improve, she has not completed any recent training or professional development opportunities to ensure she is fully updated with current early years practice. n The childminder has established positive professional working relationships with the parents. She provides them with regular updates of their children's progress and positively encourages them to share what they know about their children. The childminder respects children's individuality, and she teaches them about a wider community other than their own. Through well planned outings and activities, children learn about their similarities and differences. For example, they meet new people and socialise with others at toddler groups.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

On occasions, the childminder has left children in the care of her assistant, who has not yet had all suitability checks carried out, such as a Disclosure and Barring Service check, to ensure they are suitable to work with children. In addition, the childminder has not ensured that her assistant has a good knowledge of safeguarding issues and fully understands the procedure to follow should she have any concerns about a child. However, the childminder does have a sound understanding of the possible signs and behaviours that may cause her to be concerned about a child in her care. She has a good knowledge of wider aspects of child protection, such as the 'Prevent' duty, domestic violence and county lines. The childminder is secure in her knowledge and responsibility to report any concerns regarding children in her care that may be at risk. She routinely risk assesses her home to ensure children play in a safe environment.

p.3

Due date

ensure that assistants are not left unsupervised with minded children until all suitability checks are complete 01/08/2022

p.4

Due date

ensure that assistants have an up-to- date knowledge of safeguarding issues and fully understand their responsibility to protect children from harm. 01/08/2022

p.4

should:

n provide more opportunities for children to develop their independence and the ability to do things for themselves n strengthen continuous professional development opportunities that focus on updating knowledge of current early years practice.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2554286 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10232069 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019. She lives in Theydon Bois, Essex. The childminder operates all year around, except for bank and family holidays from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder works with an assistant. The childminder receives funding for three-year-old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has 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 and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder, assistant, and children. n The inspector took account of the views of the parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. 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.

p.6

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.6

Inspection activities

15 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7