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 Inadequate

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The provision is good

The childminder has developed strong relationships with the children. She is kind and caring and listens to what they have to say. Children are happy and settled in the well-resourced, welcoming setting. The childminder supports children's behaviour by setting clear boundaries and expectations. She is a good role model and demonstrates sharing, taking turns and being kind. As a result, children's behaviour is good. They show secure levels of independence. Children know their routines and help to tidy up resources when requested. They learn about personal hygiene. For example, they regularly wash their hands, enjoy healthy meals and readily engage in discussions about the importance of eating nutritious food.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans a wide variety of fun and engaging activities, which motivate and support children to make progress. Learning is meaningful and well sequenced. She joins in with children during activities and gives clear and simple instructions, which they happily follow. This keeps children engaged for long periods of time and captures their concentration and focus. Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, the childminder sets up an obstacle course for them to practise their movements. Children thoroughly enjoy demonstrating their control, such as showing they can balance and jump over, on and off different-sized obstacles.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has made positive improvements since the last inspection. She has met previous actions and has implemented a number of changes. She knows each child's next steps in learning and their interests well. She uses this information to build on their knowledge and skills as they play. As a result, children have good attitudes to learning, and they engage in activities for long periods of time. n The childminder talks and interacts well with the children. She has conversations with them, and they frequently sing nursery rhymes together. Children confidently sing along and join in with the actions. However, the childminder does not always help children to correctly pronounce some of the words they say, to support their speaking skills. n Children thoroughly enjoy listening to stories and exploring the range of books that is available in the setting. They sit next to and cuddle up with the childminder and turn the pages. The childminder provides books that help to

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need to do better?

extend children's learning. For example, they look at books about dinosaurs to explore their interest. Children learn that some dinosaurs eat plants only and they are called 'herbivores'. n The childminder skilfully introduces mathematics into everyday activities. Children are encouraged to count, and they explore and understand size,

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need to do better?

9 November 2023 quantity and positional language. They acquire a good range of key skills in preparation for the next stages of development and their eventual move on to school. n The childminder promotes children's confidence and independence. She teaches them to take appropriate risks as they play and learn. Children enjoy the physical challenge that an obstacle course provides. They are proud when they succeed in balancing and jumping off the different platforms. The childminder is close by to offer a helping hand and encouragement when needed. n Children learn about how things grow as they take part in planting activities. Recently, they planted winter flower seeds and were excited to show visitors the planted pots. Children have lots of opportunities to explore the outdoors. The childminder takes them on nature walks and trips to local parks. This provides children with an increased awareness of the natural world around them and their

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need to do better?

local community. n Parent partnerships are strong. Parents comment on the good level of care their children receive and the progress they have seen their children make. They remark their children are safe and settled and the childminder shares informative feedback each day. n Children have lots of opportunities to engage in imaginative play. For example, they play with the toy castle and knights. However, at times, in her enthusiasm, the childminder does not support children to have a go and work things out for themselves, such as attempting to release the toy cannons on the toy knight's castle.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her safeguarding training updated regularly and keeps her knowledge of safeguarding current. She understands a wide range of indicators that a child is at risk of harm. This includes those relating to extreme views and practices. The childminder knows how to make a referral to her local safeguarding partnership. Children play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder completes risk assessments for all areas of her home that are used by children and for when she takes them on outings.

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should:

n help children to hear the correct sounds of words to support their speaking skills n support children to have a go, investigate and work things out for themselves during play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY357918 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10296792 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 6 Date of previous inspection 15 May 2023

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Chelmsford, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, 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 COVID-19 pandemic with the childminder, and this has been taken into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk of the setting, inside and outside. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder, and together they evaluated this. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing in the setting. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including the suitability checks of all adults living in the setting. n The inspector took account of the written views of parents at the time of the inspection.

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Inspection activities

9 November 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

9 November 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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