Loftus, Donna Christine

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

p.1

The provision is good

The experienced childminder creates a safe and secure environment. Children arrive feeling happy, comfortable, and keen to learn. The childminder knows the children well and has formed a secure bond with them. This supports children's emotional well-being and allows them to demonstrate confidence when interacting with unfamiliar people. Younger children take comfort in having warm hugs with the childminder until they are ready to explore the good range of activities on offer.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder plans interesting activities to engage children of differing ages and support their learning. Children participate in a story session, where younger children turn the flaps in the book and older children recall key words from the story. This supports children to build positive attitudes to learning and make further progress in their learning and development.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder sets high expectations for children's behaviour. Children demonstrate kindness and care towards each other. Children play cooperatively together. They ask their peers if they can have a toy and patiently wait for a response. The childminder provides careful supervision. This supports the children to confidently move freely around the playroom. They are familiar with the environment and know where to find their favourite toys.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder skilfully uses her knowledge of how children learn, to develop their interests and identify strengths and areas for further development. The childminder provides inviting activities to support children to make good progress. n The childminder skilfully weaves mathematics into children's play and learning. Children develop positive attitudes towards early mathematics and make good progress in this area of their learning. For instance, children use a range of number names in order from one to 13, and are able to successfully match puzzles together. n The childminder supports children to gain an awareness of the differences and similarities in people and their own cultural experiences. For instance, she spends time talking to them about other countries. Children discuss taking a trip on an aeroplane to visit grandparents and extended family members. Children enjoy learning about a range of cultures and religious events through dressing

p.2

need to do better?

up, role play, and celebrating festivals. n Overall, the childminder supports children's language and communication. During play and activities, new vocabulary is introduced. For example, children learn the word 'structure' as they assemble building blocks together. Children

p.2

need to do better?

27 March 2024 display a broad range of vocabulary. The childminder provides lots of opportunities for conversations to occur. However, at times, the childminder asks lots of closed questions, which limit the children's language and thinking skills. This does not help children to expand and elaborate on their ideas using language. n The childminder places a strong emphasis on healthy eating and hygiene practices. She supports children to manage their toileting needs and encourages parents to provide healthy, balanced meals. Children develop a very positive awareness of healthy eating as they talk about fruit and vegetables during role- play activities. Older children are independent in their self-care. Younger children learn from the example set by the older children. These key practices contribute to children's good health. n Partnership with parents is good and parents' feedback is positive. Parents comment on how happy their children feel when coming to the setting. The

p.2

need to do better?

childminder speaks with the parents daily. Detailed information is also shared digitally about their learning and development. This supports parents to extend their child's learning at home. n The childminder attends regular training to update her knowledge. She reflects on her practice and makes ongoing changes to her setting to deliver high-quality care and education. n The childminder is a good role model and has high expectations for children's good behaviour. She uses praise to promote good behaviour and gently reminds children of rules and boundaries. The childminder encourages children to share, take turns and be kind to each other. Children are very well behaved.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n develop effective questioning techniques that support children to consistently share their ideas during play.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY282262 Local authority Havering Inspection number 10316896 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 5 Date of previous inspection 4 May 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives in Hornchurch, in the London borough of Havering. She provides care from 7.30am to 6.30pm each weekday, all year round, apart from bank and family 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises the early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector spoke with children during the inspection and considered the written views of parents. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children. n The inspector conducted professional discussions with the childminder, including discussions relating to her safeguarding knowledge. n A sample of documentation was observed and discussed.

p.4

Inspection activities

27 March 2024 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

27 March 2024 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