Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Children are exposed to hazards because the childminder has failed to risk assess her garden effectively to ensure it is a safe and secure environment for them. As a result, children's welfare is not assured.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Despite this, children enjoy spending time at the childminder's home. They develop close, affectionate bonds with the childminder. Children are offered reassuring cuddles by the childminder, and babies are gently soothed as they become tired and settle for a sleep. Children behave well. They play together and share the resources. Older children show kindness to babies, sensitively playing with them and offering them toys.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children have access to a range of age-appropriate resources. This helps children to make their own choices about their play and learning. Children concentrate as they turn puzzle pieces to make them fit. Older children show good control of scissors as they engage with craft activities. As children interact with the resources, the childminder uses praise and encouragement to help build their confidence and self-esteem. Children regularly go on outings to attend local playgroups and activity centres. This allows children to play with a wider group of children and helps to promote their social skills.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure children are not exposed to risks in her garden. For example, she has not identified that the back perimeter fence is low enough for a child to climb over and leave the premises unsupervised. In addition, the side fence has large gaps between the wooden slats for a child to climb through to access the road. There are a number of hazards stored at the end of the garden, such as piles of bricks, metal building resources and wooden planks. Despite the childminder identifying these as unsafe, she has failed to remove them. As a result, the garden is not safe for children to play in. n The childminder knows children well and plans activities that follow their interests. She uses assessment to monitor children's progress. However, she does not use this information to ensure that she plans precisely to target children's next steps in learning and development, to help them achieve at the

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need to do better?

highest level. n Children enjoy playing with the resources and remain engaged at their self- chosen activities. However, at times, the childminder does not ensure that the planning and teaching of group-time activities gives younger children the best possible learning opportunities. On these occasions, not all children are fully challenged or highly engaged.

p.2

need to do better?

16 March 2023 n Children's speech and language development is supported well by the childminder. She asks questions and gives children time to think and respond. She provides a running commentary as children play and introduces words, repeating these clearly for younger children to copy. For example, she says the name of the different fruits and vegetables that children eat at lunchtime. n Children learn a variety of songs and rhymes. They show familiarity with the songs and join in enthusiastically with the actions. They sway and shake their legs as they pretend to be 'scarecrows'. Children really enjoy shaking and banging musical instruments to make rhythms as they sing. n Children develop an understanding of good hygiene practice. For example, they are familiar with the routine of washing their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. They talk about brushing their teeth and confidently discuss the

p.2

need to do better?

different toothbrushes they use. n The childminder has close links with a local childminding group. She regularly arranges outings and trips with other childminders and the children they care for. The childminder uses these professional links to discuss ideas and improve her provision. n Parents comment that their children enjoy their time with the childminder. They report that the childminder shares regular updates about their child's experiences. Parents comment that their children are making progress. They state that their children enjoy the regular outings that the childminder plans for them.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Children's safety and well-being are compromised because the childminder's risk assessment of her garden is inadequate. The childminder does not identify all potential hazards and deal with these effectively to keep children safe when they play in the garden. The hazards she has identified in her garden have not been removed. However, the childminder knows the possible signs and behaviours that a child may be at risk of harm. She knows how to respond appropriately to any concerns she may have about children in her care.

p.3

Due date

implement an effective risk assessment to ensure that any hazards are identified and removed so that children can play safely in the outdoor area. 13/04/2023

p.3

should:

n sharpen planning to focus more precisely on children's next steps in learning, to help them achieve at the highest level n strengthen the planning and teaching of group activities so that younger children have further opportunities to be highly challenged and engaged in their learning.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY431497 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10264905 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 8 Date of previous inspection 29 June 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Elsenham. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder talked to the inspector about their early years curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

Inspection activities

16 March 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

16 March 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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