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 very happy in the childminder's welcoming home. They clearly feel comfortable and safe in the environment. They move around freely and confidently, taking toys of their choosing. Children explore toys and activities alone or with the childminder and go out of their way to involve her. Children have developed a strong attachment with the childminder, continually putting their arms up for cuddles. They feel confident in showing their emotions, which are managed well and acted on promptly. Children look for the childminder when attempting challenges and when they feel uncertain. For example, they wait for her to be near before mounting the step or walking down the corridor, showing confidence in her calming presence. The children take part in the planned activities, copying and watching the childminder.

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The provision is good

Children know what is expected of them and follow routines very well. They offer their hand to the childminder when she sings a handwashing song. Children enjoy doing things for themselves. They take fruit from the tray and clean their own faces with the wipes provided. This independence is praised enormously by the childminder. This helps them to feel valued as well as recognise their own achievements.

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need to do better?

n The childminder follows the lead of the children and describes herself as 'child focused'. She supports the children's all-round development by planning around their likes and dislikes. For example, she takes children out on a bus ride because they have been showing a keen interest in the nursery rhyme 'The Wheels on the Bus'. n The childminder understands the importance of early mathematics. She shows children how to count objects into a bowl and sings number songs, using her fingers to emphasise a number. She also prioritises language development and sings and talks to the children all of the time. She recently reorganised the book corner by placing a variety of different books in it to make it more appealing and accessible. n Partnerships with parents are very important to the childminder. Parents, in turn, are very positive and complimentary, trusting her explicitly. The childminder uses an online app to communicate with parents throughout the day. She finds

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need to do better?

this to be the most effective way to share information and ideas. n During the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder followed government guidelines, carrying out virtual tours and arranging visits in the garden. Since restrictions have been lifted, parents have been encouraged back inside the home. n The childminder has two assistants. One of these supports the childminder

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need to do better?

14 November 2022 occasionally, and the other on a weekly basis. While the children are asleep, they use the time to talk about the progress of children. However, other matters, such as how best to promote the professional development of the two assistants, are not explored. n The childminder plans exciting, meaningful activities relevant to the children. For example, she reads the interactive book 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' before encouraging children to stir porridge in a bowl. However, the childminder is not always able to maintain children's high levels of engagement in activities. n The childminder communicates with other provisions that the children also attend. She understands the importance of this joined-up working. The same next steps in learning are followed to help children progress gradually and to ensure consistency. n The childminder makes the most of taking children on trips out to parks, farms

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need to do better?

and toddler groups. The childminder and children meet with another childminder on a weekly basis, sometimes in the home and sometimes for outdoor activities. n The children respond well to the childminder's nurturing approach. Her kind nature enables them to build strong, trusting relationships and have confidence in trying new skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is very safety-conscious and makes sure that her home is checked thoroughly before the children arrive. She asks visitors to sign in and out, and she keeps this record by the front door. The childminder talks to children about road safety to help keep them safe on the school run and any trips out. The childminder knows what to do if she is worried about a child and makes sure her assistants are also aware. She has a good overall knowledge of abuse and knows how to support a child if they make a disclosure. The childminder knows about other safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty and female genital mutilation.

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should:

n support younger children to maintain the highest levels of concentration and engagement in activities n support and recognise training needs for both assistants to better develop their knowledge in child development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2593581 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10251314 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 11 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Canvey Island, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3 and works with two assistants.

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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 inspector discussed what the childminder wants children to learn while in her care and how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector spoke with the childminder about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector read several parents' references during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

14 November 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

14 November 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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