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 Good

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The provision is good

Children clearly enjoy spending time with the warm and nurturing childminder. They form close relationships with her, helping them to feel safe and settled in her care. Children have a positive attitude to learning. They spend much of their time outside and clearly thrive in this environment. Children eagerly explore the interesting resources and relish discovering new things. They remain engaged as they experiment, pouring and mixing different-coloured water into bowls to create new colours. Toddlers delight as they roll a ball down wooden guttering, watching intently to see where it goes, and then repeating it.

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The provision is good

Children develop their physical skills. They build on their strength, balance and coordination as they play games together, such as football. Children benefit from spending time outside of the childminder's home. For example, they visit the local pond, community farm and gymnastics group. This helps to extend their learning and build on their social skills.

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The provision is good

Children play cooperatively and enjoy doing things together. For instance, they take turns to blow into their wands to make bubbles, laughing together as the bubbles float upwards. Children receive positive praise and encouragement from the childminder, helping to build their confidence and self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n The dedicated childminder is committed to developing her knowledge and skills. She reflects on her provision and makes improvements to enhance children's experiences. Following recent training, she has adapted the environment to help extend children's curiosity. As a result, children become deeply involved in activities. n The childminder is passionate about engaging children in outdoor play and learning activities. For instance, she regularly takes children to her allotment, where they learn how to grow vegetables, planting and caring for the seeds until they harvest their produce to eat at snack time. n The childminder gets to know children well. Before they start, she finds out from parents what children can already do and what experiences they have at home. She works closely with parents to provide settling-in sessions that are tailored to each child's needs. This helps to promote children's confidence and self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n Children's communication and language skills are supported well. The childminder engages children in conversations, helping them to build on their language and understanding. She speaks clearly and repeats words that children mispronounce. Children demonstrate their growing vocabulary as they confidently share their thoughts and ideas. n Children are supported to develop their small hand muscles in preparation for

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need to do better?

26 July 2023 early writing skills. For example, children use tools to manipulate play dough, eagerly squashing the dough through a garlic crusher and saying, 'It looks like worms.' Toddlers join in the fun and push their tiny hands into the dough to flatten it. n The childminder helps children to be ready for school by ensuring they develop the key skills for their future learning. For example, children learn to manage their personal care, develop relationships and communicate effectively. The childminder works closely with staff at the local school to understand what they expect children to be able to do when they start. This helps children to move on to school confidently. n Parents praise the childminder's calm and kind manner. They comment that children are eager to attend and go on 'wonderful adventures' with the childminder. Parents say that the childminder communicates with them well and informs them of their child's progress.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear vision for her setting. She plans a curriculum to follow children's interests, promote their curiosity and build on their learning. However, on occasions, the childminder does not always fully support and extend children's learning during activities to help promote the most possible progress. n The childminder is a good role model. She is calm, patient and has a gentle approach. She promotes positive behaviour through praise and encouragement. However, on occasions, she does not support children to think about why their behaviour might not be appropriate. As a result, children do not always understand the potential impact of their behaviour.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her role and responsibility to safeguard children. She knows how to recognise the possible signs that children may be at risk of harm. The childminder knows the action to take if an allegation is made against herself or a household member. She knows how to contact relevant agencies to seek advice or to make referrals. The childminder undertakes regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. She regularly assesses risks in her home and garden so that children can play and learn safely.

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should:

n enhance the delivery of the curriculum to consistently offer sufficient support and challenge to extend children's learning even further n support children to understand the consequences of different types of behaviour and the potential impact this can have on themselves or others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY467163 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10295491 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 9 Date of previous inspection 11 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Loughton, Essex. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector observed activities, indoors and outside, and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. She talked with the childminder about how the early years provision is organised. n The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children, and she discussed the learning that was taking place with her. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. She also reviewed written feedback from parents and considered their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on

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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

26 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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