Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder has worked to improve her practice following a recent significant incident where children's safety was not assured. The childminder has now made necessary improvements to how she supervises children, assesses and manages risks and meets children's individual needs. Overall, this improves children's safety and well-being. However, there are still some weaknesses in the childminder's practice, as not all safeguarding and welfare requirements are consistently met.

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The provision requires improvement

Children develop trusting bonds with the childminder and her assistant. They enjoy cuddles and comfort from them. Children are engaged and enthusiastic learners who are settled in the childminder's care. They pay close attention to adults and smile and laugh when they play together. Children enjoy exploring the childminder's garden. Young children develop their concentration skills as they make chalk marks on a large chalkboard. They become engrossed in feeling and moving sand in the sand pit. The childminder and her assistant ensure that there is a range of activities available that interest the children. This supports children to develop skills in perseverance, as they take their time in playing with what fascinates them. Children confidently explore the toys and resources that the childminder presents to them in an inviting way.

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need to do better?

n Despite recent improvements, there are some weaknesses in how the childminder organises and manages her provision. Elements of the childminder's provision are not yet consistently good. The childminder has appropriately sought advice and guidance from the local authority, following action being taken by Ofsted in relation to recent failures to meet requirements of her registration. However, at inspection, we found that some essential records are not suitably maintained. For example, the childminder does not record children's hours of attendance. While the childminder recognises some weaknesses in her practice, she had not taken swift action to remedy all identified issues. n Overall, the curriculum that the childminder has in place supports children's development. However, when the childminder and her assistant wash children's hands for them, they do not help children to develop their independence or

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need to do better?

develop their understanding of the importance of this health and hygiene routine. n The childminder and her assistant regularly share books, songs and stories with children. However, sometimes, the books chosen for children are not well targeted to their individual age and stage of development. This means that younger children do not become deeply engaged because the storyline is too difficult for them to understand. n The childminder and her assistant respond to the sounds that young children

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need to do better?

10 October 2022 make. This supports their emerging speaking skills. The adults plan activities aimed at introducing new words to children. For example, they help them to name farm animals and demonstrate animal sounds to children. Young children show their enjoyment, as they giggle and smile during the activities. n The childminder works with parents and is establishing partnerships with other providers that children attend. This is beginning to help her to develop a consistent approach to supporting their individual needs. She assesses children's knowledge and skills as she teaches them. Together with her skilled assistant, the childminder plans activities to help children learn and make good progress. n The childminder manages children's behaviour well. She gives young children, who are still learning how to interact with one another, good support to help develop their empathy and kindness towards others. This contributes to children

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need to do better?

learning what is expected of them and how to develop positive relationships with others. n The childminder and her assistant observe children closely, noticing and celebrating the progress they are making in their development. They make changes to the activities and resources on offer based on children's individual learning needs. For example, they plan to make an indoor climbing frame for children who like to climb. The childminder plans outings to help children broaden their understanding and experiences in the local community.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is aware of her duty to keep children safe. She has an appropriate policy in place to safeguard children, in line with guidance from local safeguarding partners. This is shared with the assistant who understands what to do if she has concerns about the safety or well-being of a child. The childminder is vigilant to what is going on in children's home lives. Where necessary, the childminder shares relevant information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.

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Due date

maintain appropriate records to ensure the safe and efficient running of the setting to help ensure the needs of all children are met. 10/11/2022

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should:

10 October 2022 n support children's developing understanding of the importance of handwashing and how this contributes to their good health n enrich the provision of books and stories to capture younger children's attention and strengthen their interest in books.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2680282 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10257829 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 3 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She lives in Braintree. The childminder is open Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7am to 6pm. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and her assistant discussed the curriculum for children and how they deliver this. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint evaluation of a planned activity and evaluated its effectiveness. n The inspector viewed the areas used for childcare and discussed the childminder's risk assessment with her. n The inspector observed the care and learning activities provided for children and evaluated the effectiveness of these. n Essential documentation, including first-aid certificates, were viewed by the inspector. n The inspector spoke with parents and took account of their views, as well as reviewing some questionnaires that the childminder had asked parents to

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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.

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Inspection activities

10 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.

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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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