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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children form strong relationships with the childminder, her assistant and each other. They invite the childminder to join in with their games and make her a delicious 'dinner'. She uses opportunities such as these to engage children in conversations and extend their understanding of which foods are good for them. Children are beginning to take an interest in writing their own names. They use chalks to eagerly copy letters and shapes on the ground. These types of activities also help children develop the small hand muscles they need in preparation for becoming competent writers.

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The provision is good

Children have lots of fun playing in the childminder's garden. They build on their physical skills when they climb on the climbing frame and navigate the wheeled toys. Older children excitedly call out to the childminder's assistant to watch them come down the slide. They wait patiently for others to have their turn before they climb up the steps. This shows a developing understanding of rules and how to keep themselves safe. While the childminder and her assistant supervise closely, they stand back to allow children to solve problems for themselves. For instance, children show resilience and proudly work out how to get down safely from the climbing frame.

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need to do better?

n The childminder accesses professional development opportunities to improve her knowledge and practice. She explains how recent training refreshed her understanding of the importance of building on children's vocabulary. n The childminder's assistant feels well supported. She meets regularly with the childminder to discuss children's needs and development. This contributes to a consistent approach to their care and learning. n The childminder has created a clear curriculum. She knows what she wants children to achieve and plans activities for them to gain the essential skills they need to make progress. The childminder passes on information to teachers to smooth children's transitions to school. However, she has not yet established links with other settings children attend to gain a greater understanding of what children are learning elsewhere and how she can support them further. n The childminder uses her observations to get to know children's interests and

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need to do better?

how she can help close gaps in their learning and development. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognises that some children need more support with their social skills. The childminder gives them increased reassurance and encouragement to join in with games and activities. n Children listen attentively to stories and name objects that they can see. This helps to increase their vocabulary. Books are easily accessible, so children can choose to look at them when they want to. The childminder places immense

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need to do better?

18 July 2023 value on reading together and says, 'Books open up a whole new world.' n Children begin to develop an understanding of diversity. For example, each child has a book that contains photos of them and their families. They look at them together and gain an appreciation of their similarities while learning that all families can be different. n The childminder helps children to understand their emotions. For instance, she tells them she can see they are sad and asks if they want a cuddle. In turn, children show compassion and consideration. They make sure babies are wearing their sun hats and offer to fetch drinks for others. n Children gain a developing understanding of mathematics. They compare the sizes of bubbles and use mathematical language such as 'bigger than'. They look out for butterflies and count how many they can see. n The childminder works in partnership with other professionals to provide

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need to do better?

excellent support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She strives to meet every child's specific needs and includes them in all the activities. n Parents say that the childminder is 'amazing' and that their children have made progress. They appreciate texts and photos that keep them informed about their children's day. However, the childminder does not gain sufficient information from parents when children first start or on an ongoing basis. Therefore, she is not fully aware of all of the factors that may affect each child's well-being, learning and development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant complete regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge current and up to date. They are both aware of the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child. This includes the risks of a child being exposed to extreme views or behaviours. The childminder and her assistant are both confident about the actions to take in the event of an allegation against themselves or any other adult who lives in the home. They understand the importance of keeping accurate records to be able to monitor and protect children's welfare.

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should:

n strengthen communication with other settings children attend to foster a shared approach to supporting children's learning and development n develop systems further for obtaining information from parents to understand more about children's individual needs and experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY449544 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10289430 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 12 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 24 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Hockley, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year old children. She works with an assistant. The childminder and her assistant both hold full and relevant level 3 childcare qualifications.

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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 her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk around the setting. They discussed how the environment is organised and how the childminder plans her curriculum to support children's learning and development. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder, her assistant and the children and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation. n The inspector spoke to the children and the childminder's assistant at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She also took account of parents' written views.

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Inspection activities

18 July 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

18 July 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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