Cash, Sarah May

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 happy, settled and excited to learn in this cosy setting, which is located in a residential area. Children experience a range of local outdoor learning opportunities. For example, they visit the local park to explore nature, including feeding the ducks. The secure garden offers a range of learning opportunities that support children's development. For example, children learn how to keep themselves safe when negotiating a climbing frame or jumping on the trampoline.

p.2

The provision is good

The well-designed indoor space allows children to choose activities from storage boxes or to sit on the cosy sofa to read a book. Curriculum content supports children's individual interests, stage of development and next steps. For example, a child who is interested in dinosaurs explores building them a habitat and painting their feet to compare the sizes. Children learn about the wider world by celebrating events and festivals, such as Chinese New Year. Additionally, they experience trips out to places of interest, such as a discovery centre.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. Children are encouraged to talk about how they are feeling and are comforted when upset by the childminder. They share, take turns and have developed friendships with each other. Children have secure, trusting attachments with the childminder, and they are confident to explore and play independently.

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need to do better?

n The childminder implements an effective curriculum that promotes children's learning and development. She encourages children to be independent in selecting activities and understands when to join in to enhance their learning experiences. For example, she encourages children to count, discuss size, and talk about habitats when they are playing with the toy dinosaurs. n Routines are well established, and children anticipate what is going to happen next, especially at mealtimes. Children wash their hands before meals while singing the 'happy birthday' song, something introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children cut their own fruit for snack and enjoy a healthy cooked meal for lunch. Mealtimes are a social occasion, where children talk about what they are eating. For example, they discuss how a cottage pie is made and what meat and vegetables it contains. n Teaching is good. Children enjoy exploring the various resources and activities

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need to do better?

available. They enjoy looking at books independently, talking about the colours and naming the animals as they turn the pages. Additionally, children join in adult-led play experiences. For example, they make a dinosaur house using mud, stones, twigs, pine cones and leaves. However, the childminder puts resources away too quickly and does not always leave time for children to revisit

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need to do better?

10 January 2023 these to recall, practise and extend their learning experiences. n Transition arrangements are effective. Parents are welcomed into the setting to exchange vital information and settle their children. The childminder then tailors her provision to the individual needs of each child. For example, a child who was particularly upset settling in is taken out for walks, as they enjoy being outside. This strategy is effective, as the child is happily settled into the setting and has developed close relationships. n The childminder implements support plans for children with additional needs. She works with families to support children's personal development. Furthermore, effective behaviour management strategies support children to regulate their feelings. For example, children talk about not being happy or not enjoying something instead of crying or being angry. Additionally, children have good manners. They say 'please' and 'thank you' and are respectful of each

p.2

need to do better?

other. n Parent partnerships are strong. Parents speak highly of the childminder and how supportive she is to them as families. They value information provided about their children's development and next steps. They also welcome advice on how to support their children's learning at home. Additionally, they feel their children are making good progress in all areas of learning, especially in their emotional development. Parents say this is important to them following the COVID-19 pandemic. n The childminder is a qualified teacher who enjoys extending her knowledge of working with children. For example, she completes training on multicultural teaching and promoting a healthy food environment. The childminder evaluates her provision and seeks out training to further enhance her knowledge and skills.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of how to keep children safe. She can recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse. Furthermore, she can confidently discuss the steps to take if she were to have a concern about a child's welfare. The childminder attends regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. Additionally, she has undertaken further training on exploitation, radicalisation and neglect. The childminder is confident about protecting children from online risks. She ensures that the setting is secure and a safe place for children. She has a paediatric first-aid qualification and knows how to record and report accidents and incidents.

p.3

should:

n give children more opportunities to explore and revisit activities to recall,

p.3

should:

10 January 2023 practise and extend their learning experiences.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2619488 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10264754 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020. She lives in Dunmow, Essex. The childminder opens Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank and family holidays . Sessions are from 7.30am to 6pm. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The childminder holds a qualification at level 6 and qualified teaching status.

p.5

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 childminder. n The inspector completed a learning walk with the childminder and discussed the intent of the curriculum and the organisation of the setting. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector spent time observing the quality of education and teaching. n The inspector talked to and listened to the children. n The inspector talked to a parent and viewed written feedback from other parents. n The inspector viewed documentation, including evidence of suitability and training certificates. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder.

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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 January 2023 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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