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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children explore the safe, well-planned environment enthusiastically, inside and outdoors. It is carefully organised to encourage children to be curious and independent. The childminder uses her knowledge of the children to provide resources that she knows will interest them. For example, she places diggers in soil to attract children who are fascinated by things that move. Guttering is added to extend children's learning experiences, so they discover more about what the vehicles can do.

p.2

The provision is good

Children become engaged in water play. They are gently supported to scoop water into a small jug. The childminder skilfully uses new words while she plays alongside them, helping children to understand the meaning of words, such as 'ladle' and 'scoop'. The childminder inspires children to work things out for themselves and asks questions that help them think creatively. Children show that they are inquisitive and enjoy solving problems. They follow the childminder's lead and ask 'I wonder if I can fill this up to the top?'

p.2

The provision is good

Mealtimes are sociable occasions. Children sit together and talk about what they are eating. The childminder and her assistant discuss which foods are nutritious, helping children develop an age-appropriate understanding of eating healthily. Sensitive guidance encourages children to have a go. They persevere when peeling their own satsumas and smile happily when they have finished.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is extremely knowledgeable about how children learn. Her expertise and enthusiastic approach to childminding positively informs her practice. She puts a great amount of thought into the resources she provides. As a result, children have plenty of opportunities to build their large-motor skills and improve communication. They are beginning to master these important skills needed before they are able to, for example, read and write. n The childminder's assistant receives targeted support to enable her to continually develop her professional knowledge. The childminder focuses on specific areas of her practice and monitors progress. This contributes to the childminder's aim of delivering consistently high-quality care and teaching. The childminder is generally well organised. She maintains all required records. However, occasionally these are not completed in a timely manner. n Children learn about the world around them. They visit local amenities, such as

p.2

need to do better?

the park, the beach and an all-weather forest school. These outings enhance the childminder's curriculum, providing children with a range of different experiences. n The childminder celebrates diversity. Children play with resources that raise their

p.2

need to do better?

5 July 2022 awareness of Pride and read about different types of families. They visited the park at Holi and enjoyed recreating a traditional powder paint festival. Children who speak English as an additional language are well supported. There are books written in their home language and displays of basic vocabulary prompts for the childminder to use in conversation. This helps children feel secure and valued. n Children develop a love of books and reading. They bring the childminder a book for her to read. Children enjoy listening to her read expressively and become engaged. The childminder allows the children to lead their learning and uses spontaneous opportunities to assess what they know. For instance, when children start singing 'Twinkle, twinkle', the childminder finds the bags of nursery rhyme props to encourage them to make an association between the rhymes and the toys. n The childminder prioritises children's well-being. She has thoughtfully developed

p.2

need to do better?

a self-regulation area that children can freely access when they need time to themselves. The childminder explains how this helps comfort children and gives them time to develop the skills they need to be calm and present. A display of emotions and connected books supports children to express their feelings. n Good links are forged between the childminder and children's homes. Children take turns to take 'Sunshine Bear' home and bring in a photo of what he has done. This is displayed and accompanied by the child's own explanations of where he has been. This helps children feel confident to share their own experiences. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They credit her with teaching their children new skills, ranging from riding a bicycle to widening their vocabulary. Parents appreciate the personalised care their children receive and comment that the childminder has worked with them on matters, such as toilet training

p.3

need to do better?

and routines. They are pleased with the information they receive about their children's learning and development and say their children have thrived.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant recognise the signs that might indicate a child is at risk of harm and know where to report their concerns. The childminder keeps her safeguarding knowledge up to date through training and reading. She is confident to take appropriate actions if there is an allegation made against her, her assistant or a member of her family. The childminder provides parents with guidance on how to keep children safe at home when using the internet.

p.3

should:

5 July 2022 n review the organisation of records, so they are maintained in a timely manner and easily accessible at all times.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2562059 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10233485 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 12 Number of children on roll 15 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Dunmow, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds qualified teacher status and works with an assistant.

p.5

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 her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk, discussed her curriculum and how she supports children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder carried out a joint observation of an activity carried out by her assistant. n The childminder spoke to the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection. She took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided. n The childminder showed the inspector relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of household members and her assistant.

p.5

Inspection activities

5 July 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.5

Inspection activities

5 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