Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

Children are relaxed and happy as they skip excitedly towards the warm and nurturing childminder as she picks them up from their school. They build trusting and caring relationships with her as she asks each child about their day. The childminder listens and takes a genuine interest in what they say. As children talk about a colour mixing activity they have been doing at school, she quizzes them on what they have learned. Children feel empowered and develop their self-esteem as they take it in turns to tell her what two colours make 'purple' and 'green'. This skilful questioning encourages children to recall what they have previously learned, which helps consolidate and embed their learning.

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This provision meets requirements

Children tell visitors they 'love everything' they do at the setting. They particularly enjoy trips to the local park and excitedly talk about the 'epic' end of term picnic. Children freely access a wide range of craft materials and relish the freedom to be creative in their own way. Children are superbly behaved and respect the fair boundaries that the childminder sets. They are learning to keep themselves safe as she praises them for stopping at the edge of the road, before looking left and right to cross with her.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers tailored settling-in sessions and gathers in-depth knowledge about children's learning and development before they start. As a result, resources and planned activities continuously meet children's individual interests, and support children to build on what they already know and can do. n Children feel safe and a sense of belonging as the childminder provides consistent daily routines. This means children instinctively know what is expected of them. For example, they all help to tidy up before mealtimes. n The childminder knows individual children extremely well. She prioritises their well-being by frequently responding to their needs. For example, the childminder offers gentle encouragement to children when they are less confident to try new experiences and suggests some resources to play with in the garden. As a result, children instigate a game of hiding a marble for others in the garden. This helps

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need to do better?

to boost their self-esteem and social development as they giggle, clearly delighted as their peers enthusiastically join in the playful game. n Parents enjoy receiving daily, face-to-face communication and regular photos of what their children have been doing at the setting. The childminder builds professional and secure relationships with the local schools she picks children up from. They share information, which means the childminder can tailor children's care to meet their individual needs. n The childminder supports children to become increasingly independent in

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need to do better?

19 June 2024 managing their self-care needs. For example, she reminds children to think about what they need to get ready to take home. The childminder also discusses with children how to keep themselves safe in the sun. Through these discussions, children think of their own ideas to help remind them to put sun cream on before going outside to play in the sunshine. n The childminder understands her role in helping children to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles. She provides healthy and nutritious meals for them and encourages lots of outdoor play. Children generally develop good hygiene routines. On occasion, children are not consistently reminded to wash their hands before eating. n Children show excellent manners. They consistently say please and thank you. The childminder is a good role model. When children say 'excuse me' to take their turn to speak, the childminder provides meaningful praise for their actions.

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need to do better?

This supports their motivation to continue repeating these positive behaviours. n Children play cooperatively together. They are consistently kind to one another and offer acts of kindness. For example, they thoughtfully pass a book to a peer, knowing they were looking for it. n The childminder identifies and undertakes regular training that enhances inclusive practice and ensures the ongoing safety and welfare of the children she cares for. She clearly explains how she supports all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to continuously have their needs met.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY447263 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10344287 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 7 Date of previous inspection 20 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Colchester, Essex. She offers out-of- school care only. She operates Monday to Friday, term time only from 7.45am to 8.45am and from 3pm to 6pm.

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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 setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a tour of the setting to understand how the setting is organised. Additionally, the childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact these have on children's experience at the setting. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. The inspector spoke with parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder and discussed self-evaluation. The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including suitability checks for

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Inspection activities

members of the household, and the childminder's insurance and first-aid certificate.

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Inspection activities

19 June 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.

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Inspection activities

19 June 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.

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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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