Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Children's safety and welfare are not assured, and they still do not receive the level of education to which they are entitled. The childminder has failed to address the actions and recommendations raised at her last inspection, which means the quality of education has not improved and requirements are still not met. The childminder continues to demonstrate a poor understanding of how to support children in their learning, and the curriculum remains weak.

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The provision is inadequate

Although the childminder has some appropriate toys and resources, she does not structure the environment well enough. This does not help children to make appropriate choices about what they want to play with or what to do next. For example, in the role-play kitchen, children do not have any resources available for them to support their pretend play. As a result, children are unfocused because they have limited opportunities to engage in positive activities that promote their play and learning.

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The provision is inadequate

At times, children play alongside each other. However, at other times, children are unable to self-regulate their emotions and behaviour. They snatch from each other and struggle to share. Despite this, children form good relationships with the childminder. They seek her out for comfort when they are tired or upset and are soothed when she responds with affection.

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need to do better?

n Despite support and advice from the local authority adviser, the childminder has failed to rectify the weaknesses in her practice and provision. This demonstrates that her capacity to improve the service she provides for children and parents is weak. As a result, children do not receive good-quality learning experiences. n The childminder has not engaged in any professional development opportunities to improve her knowledge and skills and address any weaknesses that were raised at the last inspection. As a result, her practice remains weak, and her understanding of how to provide good-quality care and learning for children remains poor. n The childminder's understanding of the learning and development requirements remains poor. She has weak knowledge about children's individual learning needs. As a result, she does not plan challenging learning opportunities that build on what children already know or plan for what they need to learn next.

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need to do better?

For example, the learning intent for the activity during the inspection was to group toy vehicles by colour. This was too challenging for very young children, and they quickly lost interest. The lack of clear intent for children's learning, poor planning and weak knowledge means the childminder cannot implement a suitable curriculum. As a result, children do not make the progress they are

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need to do better?

15 May 2023 capable of. n The childminder does not provide a stimulating learning environment that helps to challenge and motivate children, promote their curiosity, and build on what they know and can do. She provides limited resources for children to lead their own play. During the inspection, children spent a lot of time in unfocused activities, such as picking up the few toys that were in a pot on the window ledge. Consequently, children become bored and significantly miss out on their learning. n The childminder does not implement effective methods to manage children's behaviour. She does not consistently remind children about expectations of behaviour. Although the childminder encourages children to take turns during an activity, she does not support them to understand their own feelings and the impact of their behaviour on others. As a result, children's behaviour remains variable. n The childminder states that she obtains written permission from parents before

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need to do better?

administering medication to children. However, she has not retained any records to evidence this permission or the details of when she administered medication to children in her care. This compromises children's safety and welfare. n Children are beginning to develop good manners. For example, they are reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you' by the childminder. n Parents comment that their children settle well and enjoy the fun outings the childminder arranges, such as visits to the zoo. They say the childminder is kind and caring, and they appreciate her flexibility. They comment that their children develop their independence.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's medication records are not retained and this compromises their safety and welfare. Despite this, the childminder recognises the potential signs and behaviours that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. She knows how to report any concerns regarding children in her care or any allegations about herself or household members.

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Due date

15 May 2023 improve knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements in order to provide a well- designed and stimulating curriculum to support children's learning, development and good progress 12/06/2023

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Due date

ensure records are accessible and available at all times, including those relating to the administration of any medication to children 12/06/2023

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Due date

implement effective strategies for managing children's behaviour so that children receive the support they need to learn to manage their feelings and behaviour appropriately. 12/06/2023

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Due date

ensure that knowledge of children's development is accurate so that teaching and learning experiences can be tailored to each child's needs. 12/06/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY357918 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10267369 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 10 Date of previous inspection 18 November 2022

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Chelmsford, Essex. She operates from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm, all year round, 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 The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials. n The inspector checked key documentation during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

15 May 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

15 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

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