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

Children are eager to see the childminder and their friends when they arrive. They demonstrate that they feel secure and comfortable. For example, babies snuggle to fall asleep in the childminder's arms. Older children ask for a cuddle when they seek reassurance. They confidently invite the inspector to join in with their games.

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The provision is good

Children clearly understand the childminder's rules. For example, they stand by the kitchen door because they know they must not enter the room when the childminder is cooking. The childminder supports children to share and take turns. If they need reminding, the childminder gets down to their level and explains, in an age-appropriate way, why it is important to be kind and play together. The childminder gives plenty of praise and encouragement when children manage this well. She thanks children for helping when they tidy toys away.

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The provision is good

Children learn how to cross roads safely. The childminder guides them to look out for cars and explains the dangers of traffic. Children begin to appreciate nature. For instance, the childminder draws their attention to budding flowers and blossom on the branches. They develop their listening skills. Children stop to hear birds singing and excitedly announce, 'I can hear it!'

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need to do better?

n The childminder seeks out professional development opportunities to expand her knowledge. She continually reflects on ways to improve her provision. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she created a planting area for children to learn about growing and caring for plants. She has focused action plans to further improve her garden so that children can benefit from more outdoor experiences in all weathers. n The childminder recognises each child's unique strengths. She modifies her interactions to support each child and skilfully considers how to challenge them. For example, when children show they can easily complete a puzzle, she provides a range of pieces from different puzzles so that they can have fun finding where they all belong. n The childminder focuses on promoting children's independence and communication skills to prepare them for school. She regularly assesses their learning and addresses gaps in their ongoing development. The childminder

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need to do better?

carries out the required progress checks for children aged between two and three years. However, she does not actively involve parents in this process. n Children begin to learn basic mathematics. They excitedly show the childminder that they recognise numbers on puzzle pieces. Children count and sort plastic bears by size and colour. They adeptly use tweezers to pick up small objects and place them in bowls. This helps children's to develop the skills that they will

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need to do better?

27 February 2023 need to eventually become competent writers. n The childminder repeats back what children say, when necessary, so that they hear the correct pronunciation and sentence structure. She teaches children simple sign language, such as 'eat' and 'drink'. This helps children to express their needs from an early age. The childminder responds animatedly to babies' babbles. This encourages them to keep practising their communication skills. n Children enjoy sharing stories with the childminder and name familiar objects in books. They feel different textures and hear descriptive words, such as 'fluffy'. Children enthusiastically join in with their favourite action songs. These activities build on children's existing vocabulary and help them to develop a greater understanding of the meaning of words. n The childminder takes children out every day and they get to know the local community. She plans interesting opportunities to build on children's current

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need to do better?

interests and extend their knowledge. For example, when children were fascinated by a display of bees at a museum, the childminder followed this up with a trip to a garden centre, where children could see more beehives. n Parents provide information about their children's routines, interests and development from the start. They describe the childminder's setting as instantly feeling like a 'home from home' and say that they want their younger children to also attend. They appreciate how the childminder shares information about their children's care and learning and how they can support this at home. Several children attend other settings as well as the childminder's setting. However, the childminder does not consistently work in close partnership with other professionals to ensure a coherent approach.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her safeguarding training up to date. She is able to identify children who may be more at risk of neglect or abuse. The childminder has clear procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child. She understands her responsibility to record and report any child protection issues. The childminder knows how to report allegations against herself or concerns about other adults who work with children. She recognises the importance of keeping accurate attendance records to identify patterns that may indicate a child is at risk.

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should:

n enhance procedures to involve parents when carrying out the progress check for children aged between two and three years n strengthen partnerships with other settings that children attend, to promote continuity in their learning and development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY488356 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10276406 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 8 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 Ongar, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision and curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector accompanied the childminder and children on a walk. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate her suitability.

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Inspection activities

27 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

27 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

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