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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are confident. They welcome visitors into the childminder's home and are proud to show their playthings and drawings. Children excitedly share their books and tell the stories. They are good communicators. Children learn how to listen and take turns when talking about feelings. They readily demonstrate their understanding, describing how each emotion makes them feel and how different behaviours have an impact on themselves and their friends.

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The provision is good

Children are helpful and complete tasks without prompting. For example, they tidy up after they complete each activity. Children know the routine and what they will be doing next. They roll out the carpet for singing time and take turns choosing a song. Children learn how things grow and how to take care of wildlife. They take care of the vegetables and herbs in the garden and fill up the bird feeders. This gives them a sense of belonging and supports their well-being. Children follow good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before snack and after playing outside in the garden.

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need to do better?

n Children listen intently when playing with musical instruments. They copy the rhythm as the childminder plays a tune. Children show enthusiasm and excitement when they take part and are proud of their achievements. n Children have various opportunities to explore the wider community. The childminder takes them on regular outings, including visits to the woods and local parks. Children learn about nature and the world around them. They visit the library and choose their own books. This encourages children's interest in stories and builds their skills for future learning. n Children have a wide range of activities to choose from. For example, they enjoy pushing their hands through a tray of rice, letting it trickle through their fingers, and describing the sound it makes as 'rain'. Children enjoy playing in the garden where they have access to a trampoline, drawing on the ground with chalks, and playing football. However, there are occasions when the childminder directs

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need to do better?

children's play, and this limits their creativity and imagination. n The childminder regularly reflects on her provision, recognising how she can improve her practice. She completes regular training to keep up to date with changes to legislation. The childminder sends surveys to parents to obtain their feedback and implements any necessary changes. n The childminder makes the most of every opportunity to build on children's learning. For instance, to support their interest in Halloween, she provides a range of natural resources and a structure in the shape of a spider's web. Children use tweezers to pick up objects from the sticky web to fill their cauldrons. This supports their developing hand control in preparation for early

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need to do better?

21 October 2022 writing. The childminder introduces mathematics into their play as they count the number of objects they retrieve. n Parents are happy with the care the childminder provides, and find her to be kind and compassionate. They receive regular updates about their children's learning and what they have done during the day. The childminder supports parents to enable them to continue to build on their children's learning at home. n The childminder places great importance on operating an inclusive setting. She knows each child's family background and adapts activities so that all children can feel involved. Children recognise that the childminder values them. They enjoy opportunities to learn about different cultures. Children talk about Black History Month and influential people. For example, they listen and ask questions as the childminder reads about Ella Fitzgerald. This builds on children's

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need to do better?

understanding that everyone is different. n The childminder supports children's physical development. They take part in yoga sessions where they learn to regulate their breathing, stretch and balance, and build their core strength. n The childminder promotes healthy eating. She works with parents to provide children with a balanced and nutritious diet. Children are learning which foods are good for them and which are not. The childminder has a good understanding of children's allergies and preferences, and this helps to promote their health and well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a firm understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She completes regular training to ensure that her knowledge is up to date. The childminder recognises the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She is aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. The childminder has policies in place to follow should she need to raise concerns regarding children's welfare to other agencies. She understands how to deal with allegations against herself or a member of her household.

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should:

n provide more opportunities for children to use their imagination and express their creativity.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2583782 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10249112 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 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Wickford, Essex. She operates from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year- old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has 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 inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used for childminding. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children. She held discussions with the childminder regarding what she wants children to learn. n The views of parents were gathered by the inspector. She took their opinions into consideration. n The inspector viewed a range of the childminder's documentation, including registers and suitability documents for the household members.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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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