Childminder in Thurrock

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 are confident and settled in the childminder's home. They have established close bonds with the childminder, who is attentive and caring. She invests time in getting to know the children and their families, which supports children's emotional attachments and helps them to feel happy and secure in her care. While children enjoy a selection of activities, the childminder does not plan an ambitious and challenging curriculum to meet their individual learning needs effectively. Some toys provided support children's interests. For example, children concentrate and persevere stacking shapes in size order and make structures from building blocks. However, the organisation of the play areas mean children cannot easily initiate their own ideas. Play is often interrupted due to the cramped floor space. Therefore, children do not consistently make good progress in their learning.

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The provision requires improvement

Despite this, children are eager to learn. They enjoy counting and use simple mathematics in their play as they count and talk about shapes and colours. The childminder engages children in meaningful conversations and allows them time to think and respond. Children make attempts to match pictures to the letters of the alphabet, and enjoy the praise they receive from the childminder for their efforts.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is not at a consistently good level. Although the childminder knows the children well and observes them as they play, she is not always ambitious and does not always extend or challenge children's knowledge. This means that, although children make some progress, the childminder does not fully support them to make the best possible progress they can. n The organisation of the play areas and the accessibility of resources do not promote a strong focus on learning. This is because children cannot easily initiate their own play without the support of the childminder. Children demonstrate that they are frustrated when they cannot access resources and when their play is interrupted. n The childminder provides children with some activities that she knows they enjoy. For example, children enjoy making music and singing. They show interest in interactive stories and join in singing familiar songs related to the

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need to do better?

story, with the childminder. However, activities are not always challenging. As a result, children lose interest and become bored quickly. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They comment that they are reassured their children are settled, safe and happy. Parents say the childminder is reliable, flexible and meets their needs. They comment that they appreciate the support she provides. n Older children can take care of their personal needs and can independently visit

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need to do better?

27 January 2023 the bathroom. The childminder is on hand to provide support if required. However, children do not have sufficient opportunities to learn the skills they need to be independent. For example, at mealtimes, they are not fully supported or encouraged to feed themselves. n The childminder engages children in conversation. They listen to instruction and show good manners. Children respond to the childminder's requests to help tidy away when they have finished playing. The childminder plans some outings outside of the home. However, regular opportunities are not available for the children to receive fresh air and exercise, and develop their large physical skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children from harm. She has a sound knowledge of the possible signs and behaviours that may cause concern. The childminder and her assistant have completed appropriate training to ensure they are up to date with current practice. This includes the wider aspects of child protection, such as 'Prevent' duty and county lines. The childminder is aware of how to report any concerns to ensure children's welfare. She closely supervises the children throughout the day to ensure they are always kept safe.

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Due date

improve the planning and implementation of the curriculum to ensure that it is ambitious and sequenced, builds on what children know and can do and offers challenge to help them make good progress 11/02/2023

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Due date

seek professional development opportunities to improve knowledge on how children learn and how to provide an exciting play environment. 11/02/2023

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should:

n ensure the play space indoors is organised and enables children to easily access resources so that they can lead their own play

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should:

27 January 2023 n maximise opportunities for children to develop their independence skills n provide regular opportunities for children to receive fresh air and exercise, and develop their physical skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY536361 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10263344 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 8 Date of previous inspection 27 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Grays, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is registered to work with an assistant.

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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 childminder and the inspector had a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector took account of the written views of parents and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

27 January 2023 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

27 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

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

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