Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Good Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision requires improvement

While children are happy and secure in the childminder's care, she has limited knowledge of how to plan a curriculum to successfully challenge and motivate them to make progress in their learning. She does not make the most of opportunities to extend what children already know and can do. For example, when playing with building bricks, the childminder asks children a limited range of questions, such as the colour of the blocks. As a result, she does not consistently support children to learn more or to explore their own ideas. Despite this, children have a warm, trusting relationship with the childminder. When they become upset, she validates their feelings. The childminder tells them that she sees they are sad and that, 'it's ok to be sad'. Children feel comforted and reassured, ready to go and play.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children show care and consideration for their friends. They play in the toy kitchen and ask each other what they want for dinner. Children take great pride in their work. They build a 'house' and ask the childminder to take a photo to show their parents. They smile broadly while posing proudly with their model, eager to show what they have made. The childminder recognises that some children need more support to build on their social skills as a result of the pandemic. Therefore, she regularly takes children to playgroups and meets up with other childminders with their minded children. The childminder and parents have seen a positive impact on the children's confidence and interactions with others.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder does not make effective use of assessment to clearly identify what children already know and can learn next. This reduces her ability to plan effectively for each individual child's learning. For example, she explains that she wants all children to now learn their colours and numbers. This does not take into account each child's varied ages, levels of development and unique interests. n The childminder takes positive steps to keep statutory training up to date. However, she does not focus on accessing professional development opportunities to ensure she is knowledgeable about how to successfully drive the quality of teaching to a good level. n Children learn how to keep themselves safe. They look around and listen out for cars, telling the childminder that no cars are coming and, 'it is ok to cross'. Children challenge themselves on the large climbing equipment in the park. The childminder is very aware of their capabilities. She provides a suitable level of

p.2

need to do better?

supervision and does not intervene unless necessary. This gives children the confidence to explore different ways they can move and climb, while beginning to manage their own risks.

p.2

need to do better?

7 September 2022 n The childminder encourages children to be independent. They persevere when trying to put on their own shoes. The childminder sensitively asks them if they want help, before she assists them. This provides children with a voice and a sense of responsibility. The childminder gently coaches younger children when they are unsure on the climbing frame. They celebrate their achievements when they eventually go down the slide by themselves. n Children clearly understand the childminder's rules. They know she does not allow shoes to be worn in the home and question if they can go back to fetch their water bottles, despite wearing shoes. Even the youngest children learn about taking turns. They wait patiently to use the swing and tell the childminder 'my turn'. She gives children a five-minute warning when it is time to leave the park. This eases the transition and prepares them to get ready to go.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder effectively supports children's language and communication skills. She engages children in meaningful conversations and gives them time to express themselves. The childminder listens carefully when children talk about their families. This helps them feel valued. The childminder reads animatedly, encouraging a love of books. Children are interested in the story and point out familiar characters. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They comment that their children are cared for in a home-from-home environment. Parents are very happy with the level of communication they receive and feel well informed. The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's individual health needs, such as managing allergies.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is able to identify children who may be more vulnerable to neglect or abuse. She confidently discusses the signs and symptoms that can indicate a child is at risk. The childminder knows the procedures to follow to safeguard children or in the event of any allegations. She is aware of the importance of monitoring children's attendance and existing injuries to be able to recognise any patterns that could cause concern.

p.3

Due date

ensure that the curriculum for children is well planned, effectively delivered and provides appropriate challenge to meet each child's developmental needs 07/10/2022

p.3

Due date

7 September 2022 make effective use of assessments to clearly identify what children need to learn next, focusing on assessing children's progress. 07/10/2022

p.3

should:

n prioritise training and professional development opportunities to strengthen knowledge of teaching and learning in the early years foundation stage.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY445586 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10235751 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 5 Date of previous inspection 11 October 2016

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012. She lives in Loughton, Essex. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together. The inspector observed the quality of teaching and considered the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector accompanied the childminder and children on a trip to the park. n The childminder and inspector completed a joint observation together. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder, interacted with children and took into account the written and spoken views of parents. n The childminder showed the inspector key documentation.

p.5

Inspection activities

7 September 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

7 September 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