Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

Children take turns and chat amiably to each other and the childminder on the walk home from school. They are supported by the childminder to keep themselves safe. Children show a clear understanding of road safety through their actions and lively discussion. Children wait by the roadside, looking and listening for traffic. They only cross when the childminder tells them it is safe to do so. Children identify dangerous behaviour when crossing the road. They talk about 'running across without looking' or 'wearing headphones', so that they cannot hear nearby traffic.

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This provision meets requirements

Children quickly settle into the childminder's home. On arrival, they wait for their turn to put their coats and bags in the designated area. Children show a clear understanding of good hygiene practice as they wash their hands in preparation for a snack of fresh apple. Children have plenty of fun at the childminder's home. They laugh and giggle as they play board games together, such as snakes and ladders. Children wait patiently for other players to have their turn before throwing the dice. They are able to identify, and then count out loud, how many times each player is allowed to move around the board. Carefully watching each other, they quickly identify if another player has moved too many times.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works hard to ensure that she can successfully offer an inclusive service to families. She knows the children in her care very well and shows a good understanding of their individual needs. Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminder's home. All children show plenty of interest in the toys and equipment on offer. They are able to make decisions about what they would like to play with and communicate their needs very clearly to the childminder. n Children enjoy activities that challenge them to think and problem solve. For example, during a game of tiddly winks they show good hand eye coordination and concentration as they flip counters into a container. Children show a great sense of achievement when they successfully land all of the counters. n The childminder works in partnership with parents. She keeps them well informed about the service she provides and shares any information forwarded

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need to do better?

from school. n Children behave very well. They show high levels of consideration towards the childminder. The children are also very caring towards each other. They play well together, sharing resources and taking turns in games. n All children demonstrate very good levels of confidence. They are self-assured when they speak to visitors and are happy to ask the childminder for help if needed. The childminder provides children with good support, helping them to

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need to do better?

23 May 2023 thrive in her care. n The childminder makes sure she is always well deployed. This helps her to ensure that all children are happy and involved. n The childminder values feedback from parents and children about the service she provides. This information helps her to identify future priorities, so she can continue to meet the needs of children and their families. n Parent feedback is positive. They confirm that they keep the childminder updated with important information. They also describe how the childminder keeps them updated with information from the school, such as if their child has an accident. Parents comment, 'we are very lucky to have her, she is very flexible about the times she cares for children.' n Children describe the childminder as 'really nice' they say that she is 'kind of like a parent'. Children explain that the childminder 'treats us well' and that 'she is lovely'. n Information about children's personal needs is sought from parents before their

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need to do better?

children are cared for. The childminder uses this to support her understanding of each child's needs, such as food intolerance or allergies. Children enjoy a balanced range of meals and snacks that are freshly prepared by the childminder.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard the children in her care. She knows how to identify possible indicators that a child could be at risk of harm. The childminder has a clear understanding of the process to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder regularly completes training that helps keep her understanding up to date. She checks the identity of any visitor and records their name, along with the date and time they enter and leave her home. The childminder carries out ongoing risk assessments of her home and outings. This helps her to identify and minimise risks to children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 202172 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10285608 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 3 Date of previous inspection 12 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995. She lives in Chelmsford, Essex. She operates during term time from 7.30am to 8.50am and from 3.20pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 6pm in the school holidays, except for bank and family holidays.

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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 her, and this has been taken into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk of the childminder's home. n The inspector spoke to the childminder about activities children were taking part in, and together they evaluated these. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they were doing during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including the suitability checks of all adults living and working in the household. n The childminder spoke with the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

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

23 May 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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