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 Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant are attentive and respond warmly to children's individual needs. They offer children plenty of praise, cuddles and reassurance throughout the day. This helps children to feel emotionally secure and safe. The childminder and her assistant work together to remind children of how to behave well. Children of different ages play happily together and have a good understanding of the childminder's expectations for sharing and taking turns.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder ensures the learning environment is inviting and offers an array of interesting resources that are easily accessible to children. She plans enjoyable activities that children are keen to take part in. For example, children delight in spending time together in a large fabric igloo. The childminder introduces new vocabulary, such as 'icicle' and 'freezing', to encourage children to imagine what it would feel like to be in a real igloo. This also helps to extend the older children's speaking skills as they repeat these new words. The childminder encourages children to investigate and learn through the process of trial and error. For example, children are prompted to use their problem-solving skills to work out how to build a large cardboard house. The childminder encourages them to persevere and think of alternative ideas when the pieces do not fit together well. This helps children to gain the skills they need to be ready for the next stage in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has made good improvements to the curriculum since the last inspection. In particular, she makes sure that activities are flexible and responsive to children's changing needs. This means that children make good progress and continue to build on what they already know and can do. n The childminder observes children as they play and assesses their progress regularly. This helps her to identify when children are not at their expected levels of development. The childminder often seeks support from other professionals to help her understand how to address any gaps in children's learning. For example, she follows guidance from physiotherapists when supporting younger children to build their strength for standing and walking. n The childminder introduces new words and concepts as children share books. For example, when children point out a tortoise in a story, the childminder sparks a discussion about how they differ from turtles. This helps to support

p.2

need to do better?

children's growing communication and language development. However, the childminder does not yet implement alternative and innovative ways to help support children who speak English as an additional language (EAL) to contribute to these discussions more successfully. n Mathematical concepts are weaved effectively into the activities. The childminder skilfully role models the use of numbers in children's play. Older children count

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need to do better?

29 November 2023 confidently and talk about who has more when sorting the play snowballs. The childminder extends children's mathematical thinking by encouraging them to calculate how many snowballs they have altogether. n Children are supported to adopt aspects of a healthy lifestyle. They are encouraged to take the lead in managing their self-care routines. For example, children know to wash and dry their hands before eating snacks and understand the importance of these good hygiene practices. The childminder has a strong focus on ensuring children benefit from fresh air and physical exercise, including during visits to local parks and woodland areas. n The childminder reports to parents on their children's progress and supports them with their children's care and learning at home. In particular, she works closely with other agencies to help families access vital services. Parents write about how they truly value this support, commenting on the highly positive

p.2

need to do better?

impact it has on their children's well-being. n The childminder has worked closely with the local authority early years advisers to address the actions raised at the last inspection. She has developed an effective approach to reviewing practice and provides supervision to help enhance the skills of her assistant. The childminder and her assistant communicate well to ensure they operate within the required ratios and supervise children closely. This helps to ensure children's well-being and safety.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a good knowledge of how to safeguard children. They understand the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. Since the last inspection, the childminder and assistant have completed relevant training to extend their knowledge of wider safeguarding issues. For example, they are aware of their duty to prevent children from being drawn into extreme views. The childminder speaks to parents about their children's access to online activities at home. They offer them guidance to help them to protect their children when they access specific online games and applications.

p.3

should:

n find new and successful ways to support children who speak EAL to communicate their thoughts, wishes and needs.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY347774 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10269931 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 12 Number of children on roll 26 Date of previous inspection 6 December 2022

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 5. The childminder receives funding for the provision of early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She works with an assistant.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector talked to the provider and their assistant at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector took account of parents' views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

29 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

29 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

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