Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

The childminder creates a warm and stimulating environment that sparks children's interest and curiosity. They are eager to explore and discover, showing high levels of energy and enthusiasm. Children have many opportunities to choose what they would like to explore and access with help and support from the childminder. For example, the childminder encourages the children to join in with a game of letters and words. They follow the rules successfully and take it in turns to name animals, vegetables and movies that begin with a certain letter. The childminder supports younger children and those requiring additional support. This helps build on their literacy skills and social interactions.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

The childminder creates fantastic opportunities for the children to explore a wide array of books. They quickly become immersed in a Halloween themed book, looking for patterns and clues to solve problems. Children talk about the pictures and characters and recall some of their past experiences. This helps support children's literacy, critical thinking and communication and language skills. In addition, the childminder encourages the children to cooperate and engage in teamwork. For example, they have an amazing time building a large farm set up on the floor. Children engage in pretend play with small animals and small people, laughing and giggling with excitement. This helps build on their imaginative skills and understanding of the world.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder offers inclusive practice. She takes children's interests into consideration when planning a range of stimulating and exciting activities. The childminder takes the time to get to know all children. She ensures that children are always engaged and preoccupied with fascinating and interesting activities. n The childminder is an excellent role model for the children. She models language well and explains and demonstrates activities effectively. For example, the childminder practises counting with younger children to further develop their mathematical skills. She also discusses with older children the concept of 'decimals' to consolidate their previously acquired knowledge. n The childminder has high expectations of children and they rise to the challenge by following the set routines exceptionally well. Children behave well and have excellent manners. They show high levels of respect and consideration towards

p.2

need to do better?

their peers and the childminder. n Children have great opportunities to explore a science experiment with colourful sweets and water. They listen to the instructions and think of what might happen next. Children persevere when challenges occur and think of creative ways to solve problems. This promotes their sense of discovery, supports their

p.2

need to do better?

23 October 2023 critical thinking and enhances their cognitive development. n Children have an amazing time creating their own Halloween lamps. They use colourful paper to stick on jars to create beautiful patterns. Children share resources very well and they use the tools available with great control and precision. This helps build on their fine motor skills and creativity. Children also engage in meaningful conversations with their peers about past Halloween experiences, to enhance their social-communication skills. n The childminder has a clear and ambitious vision for her setting. She constantly reflects on her practice and strives to deliver high-quality care and inspirational activities for the children. For example, she communicates with the teachers from the local school to find out more about topics and themes. The childminder uses this information to plan meaningful activities for the children to consolidate

p.2

need to do better?

this learning. This supports continuity of care and education. Furthermore, the childminder organises regular trips and outings during school holidays to build on children's experiences, inclusion and diversity. n Partnership with parents is strong and effective. The childminder works well with the parents to find out about children's needs and preferences. This promotes a good continuity of care and adds value to the setting's overall practice. Parents comment on how flexible and nurturing the childminder is. They praise the inspirational activities their children explore daily.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has sound knowledge and understanding of safeguarding. This includes aspects such as female genital mutilation, county lines and the 'Prevent' duty. The childminder understands the importance of following the correct procedures to report any concerns to relevant professionals, to protect children from harm. The childminder completes regular and relevant training to keep her safeguarding knowledge current. Policies and procedures are effective and accurate, and reviewed regularly. They are implemented accordingly and shared with parents. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to assure children's safety and welfare.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY455325 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10300974 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection 4 January 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Loughton. She provides care for children from Monday to Friday before and after school and during the school holidays.

p.4

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The provider showed the inspector around the provision. They discussed how the provision and the activities are organised. n The inspector observed the interactions between the provider and children, and assessed how children's interests are considered when planning activities. n Some parents left written feedback about the provider and the inspector took account of their views. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector held a meeting with the provider. She looked at the relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of suitability of the staff to work with children.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 October 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

23 October 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6