Childminder in Thurrock

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they are happy in the childminder's welcoming home. As they arrive, they readily leave their parents at the door. The childminder has a warm and reassuring approach to help children relax into their day. Children start their day with a story and song time. They identify the different animals in the story and make the animal sounds together. This helps children to settle quickly and be ready to learn.

p.2

The provision is good

Children freely choose from the resources available to them. They take pleasure in 'magic painting', using just brushes and water on a special mat. Children delight as they watch the hidden pictures and shapes appear. They talk to the childminder about the colours and shapes that they identify, demonstrating their knowledge.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy daily outdoor learning experiences. The childminder takes children on trips out to the local park and 'stay-and-play' sessions at the local children's centre. This helps children to mix with larger groups of children to help them to develop their social skills. Children enjoy exploring the childminder's garden. They giggle with the childminder as she swings them back and forth on the swing. The childminder uses these opportunities to help children to tune into sounds in the environment, such as birds and aeroplanes.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has worked hard since her last inspection to address the weaknesses identified. She has completed additional training to support her knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures. She has applied this learning to amend and update her policies and practice. n The childminder gathers information from parents when children start at her setting. She uses this information and the children's interests to plan a curriculum that builds on what children already know and can do. She regularly monitors children's development to ensure that all children make good progress. n Children benefit from choice in their learning. For example, when the childminder suggests they move to another activity, children confidently tell her they wish to continue painting. The childminder is patient and allows the children to bring their play to a satisfactory end before moving on. n Children's mathematical development is supported throughout the activities the

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need to do better?

childminder provides. For example, children are provided with lots of opportunities to practise their counting, recognise written numbers and sing number songs. This helps children foster a growing interest in numbers and counting. However, the childminder has not yet considered other aspects of mathematics, such as measurement and capacity, to further children's knowledge and skills.

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need to do better?

4 April 2023 n Children's emotional well-being is a high priority for the childminder. Interactions between the childminder and children are gentle and supportive. She uses emotion cards to help children to identify and communicate how they are feeling. The childminder is a good role model to children. She frequently praises and encourages children to build their self-esteem. For example, when children successfully match small animals with the correct picture, she gives them a 'high five' and praises their efforts. n The childminder places high importance on supporting children's speech and language development. She continually talks to children, asking them questions such as what they can hear or see. The childminder incorporates songs and rhymes into every activity. This helps to develop children's early speech. The childminder asks children simple questions, such as the colour of items they see. However, on occasion, the childminder does not use skilful questioning

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need to do better?

techniques during activities to help them to develop their thinking skills further. n Children are observant and keen to explore. They are encouraged to use their senses. The childminder talks to the children about what they can see and hear all around them. Children notice rainbows appearing around the room from a hanging crystal, and try to catch them in their hands. Out in the garden, children tell the childminder that they can hear a bee flying near the flowers. n Children are learning the skills they need for future learning, for example, being independent. The childminder encourages young children to wash their hands at appropriate times. Children copy the childminder to take off their wellington boots before going indoors after playing in the garden.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to safeguard children and protect their welfare. She has renewed her safeguarding training to ensure that her knowledge is current and up to date. The childminder confidently identifies the signs and indicators that may mean a child is at risk of harm or abuse. She knows where to report concerns that she may have regarding a child's welfare or an allegation against her or a member of her household. The childminder holds a current paediatric first-aid certificate.

p.3

should:

n enhance teaching, so that the curriculum for mathematics further supports children to explore other mathematical concepts during play n build on the use of questioning to support children's thinking skills and learning further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY449882 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10261299 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 11 October 2022

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Tilbury, Essex. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure those are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision including the aims and rationale for their curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

4 April 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

4 April 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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