Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Children settle quickly when they arrive at the childminder's home. They show that they feel comfortable and secure, cuddling up to the childminder when they feel shy and a little wary of new people. The childminder is not meeting all of the requirements of the 'Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage', and this affects children's opportunities to make the best possible progress in their learning.

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The provision requires improvement

Many children frequently demonstrate their confidence as they choose what to do in the playroom. They sustain their concentration and become deeply absorbed as they organise toy cars into a line around the road mat. Children learn to play alongside others from an early age. They begin to cooperate with their friends, sharing the toys and agreeing what to do, especially where they share an interest in the same activity.

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The provision requires improvement

Children listen well and follow instructions. The childminder and her assistant support children to follow appropriate hygiene routines, such as wiping noses and washing hands. Children are free to sleep and rest when they feel the need. Young children settle for a sleep, snuggled up with blankets in buggies, and older children settle themselves in their chosen comfy place.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistant do not always consider children's individual learning needs when planning activities. They fail to take account of what children already know and can do. They do not give children sufficient information to help them gain new knowledge, and themes take priority over meaningful learning. n Interaction between children and adults is warm and friendly. However, there are too many times when adults do not support children to solve the problems they encounter as they play. Adults readily provide solutions or do things for children. This prevents children from thinking for themselves and working out how to find their own solutions. n Children enjoy looking at books and getting involved in the story telling. They recognise familiar stories and are eager to listen and join in when they know the repeated phrases or what comes next in the story. This supports children to develop their vocabulary and is particularly beneficial to children learning English

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need to do better?

as an additional language, helping them to gain confidence in communicating with others. n The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe. She makes the most of daily routines to help children learn valuable independence skills. For example, together, they make sandwiches for lunch. The childminder reminds

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need to do better?

6 December 2022 children how to use the knife safely to spread the filling over the bread. She encourages children to choose the filling for themselves. n The childminder receives positive feedback from parents when she sends them photos of their children through the online system they use to communicate important information. Parents appreciate the variety of activities that children get involved in. There are plenty of outdoor experiences included throughout the year. n The childminder provides parents and children with opportunities for learning at home. She offers a variety of activities, and these often link to themes that the children have covered with the childminder. For example, at Halloween, the childminder provided parents with a printed picture of a pumpkin for children to colour or decorate at home. Furthermore, the storybooks have had a positive impact on children's willingness to listen to stories at home. However, some of

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need to do better?

the worksheets provided are not matched to children's ability and do not link to current early years teaching strategies. For example, the childminder provides alphabet sheets printed with capital letters before they are ready for writing, and children would usually be introduced to lowercase letters when first learning to write. n The childminder works closely with other agencies to help families access vital services. She is particularly keen to work to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to ensure they can access play and learning opportunities. n The childminder and her assistant participate in training. Despite this, the quality of the support for children's learning has not been maintained. At times, interaction with children is limited, and there is too little chance for children to extend their learning. The childminder and her assistant have not identified aspects of their practice that need improvement.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant attend safeguarding training. This helps them to recognise the possible signs that children may be at risk of harm. The childminder is particularly knowledgeable about child protection issues and is very familiar with the reporting process to ensure children are protected. The childminder and her assistant have relevant first-aid training, and this helps to ensure they can assess injuries to children and administer treatment for minor accidents.

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Due date

6 December 2022 plan and deliver experiences that offer appropriate challenge and build on what children know and can do, taking into consideration the individual needs, interests and development of each child 24/02/2023

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Due date

make sure supervision of staff provides them with support and helps to ensure that knowledge gained through training is used well to secure continuous improvement. 24/02/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY347774 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10266291 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 12 Number of children on roll 31 Date of previous inspection 19 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 5. The childminder receives funding for the early education of two-, three- and four-year-old children. She works with an assistant.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the organisation of the early years provision, the curriculum and the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector observed a planned activity and discussed the impact on children of the quality of the education provided. n The inspector spoke to children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of household members over the age of 16 years. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

6 December 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

6 December 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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