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 Good

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The provision is good

This nurturing childminder has formed a wonderful bond with children in her care. The childminder creates an inviting play environment for the children based on their individual interests. She is aware of what they can already do and uses this to inform her planning. For example, she provides activities at different levels to support young children to cruise around the play space. Children feel safe and they confidently seek out the childminder to join them in their play. Children enjoy exploring the sensory treasure basket and talking about the texture of each item. This helps to support children's well-being.

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The provision is good

Children behave well and are inquisitive learners. They confidently explore available activities and identify what they would like to do. The childminder is quick to respond to this and supports them to engage in their play. Children excitedly share stories with the childminder and remain highly engaged, repeating familiar parts of the story. They identify descriptive words such as 'spiky' and recall previous learning experiences where they looked at the characteristics of plants at the local community allotment. The childminder gives children plenty of time to explore the books and share their own ideas on what they can see in the pictures.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has good knowledge of the impact of COVID-19 on the children's development. She understands how this may have affected the experiences children have had and uses this information to provide them with new and exciting opportunities to explore the world around them. Children benefit from regular trips to explore their local community. For example, they attend groups at the local children's centre to participate in 'song and rhyme time' to promote their communication and language development. n Children are provided with healthy and nutritious snacks during their day. Older children are encouraged to 'thread' fruit and pancake on small wooden sticks, to promote their fine motor skills. They show excitement as they succeed in getting different fruits to stay on the stick. At mealtimes, children independently wash their hands supported by the childminder, which helps them to learn about their

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need to do better?

own self-care routines. However, the childminder does not consistently provide opportunities during the day for older children to develop their independence. For example, she collects children's cutlery for them at mealtimes and wipes their noses. This does not help children to learn essential skills for the future. n Overall, the childminder supports children's communication and language development well. She provides warm and sensitive interactions and responds positively when correcting pronunciation of words. However, the childminder does not consistently enhance younger children's vocabulary, for example by narrating her actions during their play or during mealtimes.

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need to do better?

20 February 2023 n Older children show a good level of mathematical understanding. They confidently use number names in sequence during play and the skilled childminder encourages them to try and count backwards. She encourages children to identify different shapes in the flour and rewards them with praise as they copy them with their fingers. n The childminder values working in partnership with parents and other professionals. She has a clear understanding of the abilities of the children in her care and how to support them next. She regularly monitors their progress and this allows her to recognise when a child may need the support of other outside agencies. n Parents highly value the care and education their children receive in the care of the childminder. They appreciate the educational activities she provides and highlight how she 'goes above and beyond' to support children's understanding of the world around them. They state they trust the childminder completely.

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need to do better?

n The childminder regularly reflects on her provision and the care she provides for the children. She makes changes to her play environment to support the interests of the children to ensure they maintain positive attitudes to learning. She places significant value on her own professional development and is proactive in identifying relevant training and attending courses that enhance her own practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and her own roles and responsibilities to protect children from harm. She confidently demonstrates actions she would take if she was concerned a child was at risk of harm and knows the importance of keeping accurate records. She understands the importance of attending training on wider issues such as preventing radicalisation and what this means for her role. She assesses the ongoing suitability of household members and demonstrates a good understanding of the action she would take if an allegation was made against them or herself.

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should:

n promote older children's independence with self-care routines consistently, to prepare them for the next stage of their education n support babies' and young children's language development further and enable them to hear a wider range of vocabulary during their play and care routines.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY487148 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10276404 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 5 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 13 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Colchester, Essex. She operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.15pm for 45 weeks of the year. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 2. 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 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 the inspector discussed how the childminder organises the early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the childminder, electronically, with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

20 February 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

20 February 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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