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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in the warm and welcoming setting. The childminder is caring and affectionate towards the children, helping them to feel safe and secure. Children are keen to explore the learning environment and interact with activities that support and sustain their interests. Young children show high levels of imagination as they play together and pretend to go shopping, carefully selecting and placing items in their shopping baskets.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. The childminder has clear expectations for behaviour, and children are polite and kind. The childminder skilfully helps children to develop an understanding of sharing and taking turns. For example, she shows them how they can use two sides of a picnic basket so they can share the items fairly. Children learn to say 'please' and 'thank you' and willingly follow instructions. For example, they enthusiastically help to tidy up the resources when it is time for lunch.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate mature social skills for their age. They are eager to interact with visitors to the setting, confidently engaging with them in conversation. For example, they talk about their experiences of travelling in aeroplanes and where they went on their holidays. Children encourage visitors to join in with their play, smiling as they offer them pretend food to eat.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works closely with a co-childminder and her assistants. They communicate effectively, sharing their ideas and information about children's individual needs. This helps children make good progress in their learning and development. All the adults appear happy and enthusiastic in their roles, and this promotes a happy atmosphere throughout the setting. n The childminder supports children's communication and language development well. She engages children in back-and-forth conversations and encourages them to talk about their interests and experiences. She speaks clearly and introduces new vocabulary. For example, as she shares a book with children, she reads the word 'scratching' and repeats it slowly for them to copy. To further support children's understanding, she gently demonstrates 'scratching' on a table with her finger. This helps children to become confident in their communication skills.

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need to do better?

n Children are supported to be independent. From a young age, children are encouraged to feed themselves. Very young children pick up finger food with their hands and confidently use spoons to eat food such as yogurt. Children learn about personal hygiene and being healthy. For example, they are familiar with good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating. They enjoy nutritious meals and talk about eating healthy foods.

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need to do better?

27 September 2023 n Parents are full of praise for the childminder. They comment that children 'hold their arms out in excitement' when they are greeted by the childminder as they arrive. Parents say the childminder 'genuinely cares' for the children and 'goes above and beyond' for them. They appreciate the good communication and regular updates they receive from the childminder about what their children have been doing while they have been at the setting. n The childminder has a clear intent for the curriculum. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of how children learn. However, at times, she does not have a deep understanding of the sequential steps children need to experience to build on their existing skills for future learning. For example, there is less focus for children to strengthen their small hand muscles to help them prepare for early writing. n The childminder identifies what children know and can do through observations

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need to do better?

and assessment. She uses this knowledge to plan experiences that support children to make progress. However, although the childminder provides parents with frequent information about their children's care and achievements, she does not routinely share information about children's development to help parents support and extend learning at home. n The childminder extends her knowledge and skills through webinars and discussions with the other adults. This helps her to reflect on her practice and consider how to continually improve children's experiences. For instance, following on from training, children's outdoor learning experiences have been enhanced, and they have more opportunities to learn about nature.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe. She knows how to recognise the possible signs and behaviours that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder knows how to contact relevant agencies to seek advice or to make referrals if she has any concerns about a child or the conduct of an adult in the setting. The childminder, co-childminder and assistants undertake regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge relevant and up to date.

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should:

n seek further opportunities to gain an even deeper understanding of the sequential steps children need to experience in order to build on their existing skills for future learning, particularly in relation to early writing n extend the communication with parents, to share information with them to help them support and extend their children's learning at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2632784 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10285868 Type of provision Childminder Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 9 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and works at the home of another childminder, in Loughton, Essex. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.45am to 5.45pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector talked with the childminder about how the early years provision is organised and discussed the aims of their curriculum. n The inspector observed activities, indoor and outdoors, and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder, and they evaluated this together. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed written testimonials from parents and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This included documents relating to the suitability of household members and adults working in the setting.

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Inspection activities

27 September 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

27 September 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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