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

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled at this warm and nurturing setting. They enjoy their time in the friendly and homely atmosphere provided by the childminder and her assistants. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. For example, new children are confident to explore their surroundings and look to adults for reassurance when needed. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement. They enjoy the responsibility of being able to choose a song to sing during group times. Children are encouraged to share and consider the needs of their friends, including children who are younger. For example, they are reminded to share the teacups, and adults count them out with children. Children are very confident and readily choose what they want to play with.

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The provision is good

Children are confident to freely explore the wide range of toys and resources inside and in the garden. They enjoy mathematical challenges throughout the day, using words like 'lots' and 'more' as they play. Children mix colours with paint, squeezing it into pots from bottles, and they learn about capacity. They learn positional language, such as 'on top' and 'underneath'. Younger children delight in the sensory experience and have fun as they explore water and paint with their hands. Children have great fun with the childminder and her assistants.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of children's abilities, interests and learning styles. She adapts activities in the moment to reflect the interests of children. For example, children add dinosaurs to a paint activity, and this then becomes a swamp. She regularly monitors their progress and shares this with parents. The childminder uses the information gained to plan an engaging learning environment that builds on what children already know and can do and promotes further learning. n Children thoroughly enjoy song and rhyme time. They select instruments and pass them to their friends. Children recognise familiar songs and begin to sing while shaking bells. The childminder provides children with a range of books that are easily accessible to them. She reads stories with expression and provides children and babies with opportunities to join in with the story, taking turns lifting flaps. n The childminder helps children to learn about the wider world. She takes

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need to do better?

children on outings into the local community, visiting the park, supermarket and library. They regularly celebrate different festivals and recently have been learning that there is a new king. n Children are encouraged to be independent during activities. They persevere and try to remove lids from bottles to squeeze paint. Children climb stairs independently. However, at times, the childminder does not give children the

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need to do better?

16 September 2022 opportunity to participate in self-care routines independently. This means they may not have the necessary skills to prepare them for later life. n The childminder gathers information from parents about children's care routines at home and visits children in their homes. This promotes their emotional well- being very successfully by building effective partnerships. The childminder also finds out what children know and can already do when they start. She uses this information to build on children's existing skills. She plans a variety of activities that reflect children's interests and stages of development. n Parents' feedback shows that they are very happy with the childminder's care. They say that the assistants are fun, friendly and knowledgeable. Parents state that the 'physical space is utilised well' and 'they provide challenge for children of all ages.' They describe how the childminder keeps them well informed about

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need to do better?

their children's day, stating that it is always reassuring to see photos of children engrossed in activities. n The childminder is reflective and regularly reads professional publications to keep up to date with good practice. She is clear about the positive changes this learning has made to the way she supports children's development. She also makes certain that her assistants have good knowledge of early years development to ensure consistency in the care and education they provide.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her role and responsibility in protecting children from the risk of harm. She is alert to the possible indicators that identify when a child needs help. She is aware of the relevant agencies to contact for guidance or for making a referral. The childminder and her assistants have completed relevant training to secure their knowledge and understanding of their responsibility to keep children safe. The childminder is clear what she should do if there are any safeguarding allegations made about any of her household members and assistants. She ensures her home is safe and secure, and she is vigilant in her supervision of children.

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should:

n support children to participate in self-care routines independently to equip them with the necessary skills for later life.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY442944 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10231817 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 9 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection 19 September 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012. She lives in Loughton, Essex and works with three assistants. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 children and the childminder taking part in activities and assessed the impact on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

16 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.

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Inspection activities

16 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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