Childminder in Thurrock

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children love their time spent with the warm and friendly childminder. They form close bonds and feel comfortable at the setting. Children are welcomed into an exciting environment with stimulating resources that reflect different areas of learning. They are able to take a lead in their play, choosing their favourite toys and activities. The childminder is receptive to children's needs. She lets them express themselves by dressing as their favourite character that day. As a result, children become confident and settled explorers.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is outstanding. The childminder acts as a superb role model for manners and respect for others. Children learn the importance of tidying up after themselves and sharing with others. The childminder sets clear boundaries and expectations for behaviour. Children develop an understanding of emotions. They copy expressions in mirrors and talk about when they feel these emotions. Children learn to regulate their behaviour as a result.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

A love of animals is highly promoted. The childminder has a friendly dog and a loving neighbourhood cat that visits. Children are taught to be gentle and help pet and play with the animals. They also see wildlife on their many adventures into the community. Children learn to respect and show care and concern for living things because of these experiences.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder provides exceptional quality interactions and teaching moments. She introduces mathematical concepts, such as counting and shapes, to activities. The childminder builds on skills and knowledge that children have already. She takes learning to deeper levels, as she questions and challenges them during play. The childminder uses questions such as 'What are you going to do with that one?' and 'What comes next?' to support with problem-solving. n The childminder uses clear observation, planning and tracking processes. By getting to know children well, she plans based on individual developmental needs and interests. The childminder creates relevant learning targets that are achievable for all children. She provides a large variety of fun educational activities to boost learning opportunities. This ensures that children make significant progress in their personal development. n The childminder provides a language-rich environment. She recognises the

p.2

need to do better?

impact a delay in communication and language can have on all aspects of learning. The childminder therefore creates targets in these areas as a focus. She uses techniques such as modelling and repeating to encourage clarity of speech. As a result, children become highly confident and competent communicators.

p.2

need to do better?

4 October 2022 n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are incredibly well supported. The childminder is proactive in reporting concerns sensitively to families and outside professionals. She plays an integral part in referrals, assessments, multi-agency meetings, diagnosis and creating support plans. As a result, children make excellent progress, with obtainable targets and support in place. n The childminder encourages children to have high levels of independence. She teaches the importance of keeping germs away by washing hands. Children develop an understanding of when to wash their hands, such as after playing outdoors or before eating. Handwashing times are fun, with songs and actions. Children thrive on praise for feeding themselves, brushing their teeth and finding their coats and shoes. This results in confident, self-aware children. n The childminder is incredibly self-reflective of her practice. She has taken on

p.2

need to do better?

board previous recommendations by regularly attending training events. This ensures she has up-to-date knowledge and understanding in all key areas of early years. This also supports her confidence in her practice, which results in provision of the highest standards. n Community involvement is superb. The childminder creates amazing opportunities for children to access their local community. Children enjoy trips to the woods, farms, beach, parks and the local library for a singing and story group. They also attend local playgroups to interact with others. As a result, children have extended learning opportunities outside of the setting. They also develop a deep respect for others and their local community. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents report choosing this setting over options closer to home. This is due to the inviting areas and the caring, welcoming childminder. Parents appreciate the support the childminder offers,

p.3

need to do better?

especially if children have additional needs. They are grateful for the regular information about what children have been enjoying and learning daily.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a strong understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe. She has stringent procedures in place to promote children's safety. The childminder is clear about the fire and intruder procedures to keep children and herself safe at all times. She has clear processes in place to deal with any accidents and incidents, including first-aid treatment, recording and reporting. The childminder has a great knowledge and understanding of the key safeguarding principles, including how to record and report any concerns she may have about a child's welfare. She is also confident in recognising any early warning signs that may relate to wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk of being drawn into radicalisation.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY474443 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10236330 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 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 25 October 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Grays, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 2.

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 joined the inspector on a learning walk of the setting to discuss the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection, sharing their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and evidence of relevant training.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 October 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.4

Inspection activities

4 October 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