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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are cared for in a nurturing environment. They approach the childminder for cuddles and reassurance, showing they feel safe and secure. Children have formed strong friendships. They make each other laugh when they lie on the floor and copy their friends' actions. Children are motivated to learn. They are curious to find out about the Halloween decorations and ask the childminder what they are. Children hear new words, such as, 'rat' and 'crow' and practise these new sounds. They babble on the toy phone and let the childminder know who they are talking to. This builds on their existing vocabulary and communication skills.

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The provision is good

Children help keep the playroom safe and tidy. They eagerly put the toys back in the correct places when they have finished playing. The childminder teaches them why this is important and tells them it gives them more space to move around safely. Children show resilience and persevere when they try and put on their own shoes. The childminder uses age-appropriate methods to help them remember how to fasten the strap. Children proudly say, 'pull and stick' as they successfully do up their own shoes to go outside.

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need to do better?

n The childminder effectively reflects on her provision. She ensures that the playroom is inviting and attractive to children, for example, by sitting at a child's level to appreciate their view. The childminder accesses regular professional development opportunities, identifying courses that directly benefit children and frequently sharing information from these with parents. Following training about attachments, the childminder adapted her settling-in procedures to tailor these to children's individual needs. n The childminder aims for all children to be confident, independent learners by the time they move on to the next stage of their education. She gathers information from parents about what their children already know and can do when they first start. The childminder uses this information, along with her own observations, to plan activities and provide resources that she knows children will enjoy. This means that children fully engage with what is available, helping

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need to do better?

them make good progress in their learning and development. n Children demonstrate that they are familiar with the childminder's routines when they immediately place their chairs around the table at snack time. This contributes to their sense of belonging and security. Children are well mannered and politely ask for, 'more please'. The childminder enables children to be independent and practise their practical skills. Older children skilfully use a knife to cut up their banana and strawberries. n The childminder interacts with children while they play and engages them in conversation. She listens intently when they recall their experiences. This

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need to do better?

31 October 2022 encourages them to speak more. Children excitedly talk about their trip to the park. The childminder repeats back some of the words they use so children hear the correct pronunciation. She fosters children's love of books. Children enthusiastically turn the pages and join in with their favourite stories. n Children practise their fine motor skills as they scoop oats and fill containers of various sizes. All children are involved and occupied. Babies sit in the tray and relish feeling the different textures. However, although the childminder recognises that children are interested in counting and numbers, she does not consistently capture all possible learning opportunities. For example, she does not introduce mathematical language or concepts, such as size and capacity, to build on what children already know. n Children benefit from regular trips to parks and other local amenities. They visit

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need to do better?

a natural outdoor play provision where they are able to explore and take risks in a safe environment. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder identified that children needed additional support to develop their social skills and mix with others. Therefore, she plans weekly visits to a playgroup and notes that this is helping children to become more sociable and confident. n Parents are well informed about what their children are doing and learning. They describe the childminder as an, 'amazing support' and like a 'second mummy'. Parents say their children have grown in confidence and are more vocal as a result of being with the childminder. The childminder provides information to other settings children attend so that they are fully aware of children's progress, learning and development, to provide consistency.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her safeguarding knowledge up to date. She attends training and receives updates from national organisations and the local safeguarding board. The childminder understands factors that may indicate children who are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. She is clear about the actions to take if she has any child protection concerns. This includes in the event of an allegation against herself or another adult. The childminder recognises the importance of maintaining accurate records of attendance and accidents. This helps her identify any patterns that may alert her to a child who is at risk.

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should:

n enhance the curriculum for mathematics to further develop children's understanding of early mathematics through their play and activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY468567 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10236268 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 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 31 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Brentwood. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder showed the inspector relevant documentation of the suitability for household members. n The inspector took account of parents' written views.

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Inspection activities

31 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.

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Inspection activities

31 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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