Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

The childminder creates a homely environment in which children feel safe and secure. She has good relationships with the children at her setting. They laugh and joke with each other, demonstrating their enjoyment of each other's company. Children have good relationships with each other. They enjoy sharing games and take turns well. The childminder supports the older children to adapt their play well to include their younger friends.

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This provision meets requirements

The childminder takes time to get to know children and their families, which supports seamless transitions as children settle in. The childminder regularly seeks children's views and finds out about their interests. She uses this information to arrange activities that children wish to take part in. For example, they play a game together, building on children's knowledge of numbers.

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This provision meets requirements

All children behave well. They proudly show off the rules they have created for their setting, teaching visitors how they should sit on the sofa. The childminder encourages children to talk about how they are feeling. She allows them time to think and speak about what has happened and how that has made them feel. As a result, children are resilient and able to regulate their emotions independently.

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need to do better?

n The childminder encourages children to develop healthy lifestyles. Once home from school, the children independently get themselves a healthy snack. They take time to make a fruit salad, picking their own fruit and cutting it up. The children talk about the fruit and vegetables they have grown, particularly the strawberries. They have access to a garden space that is set up to support children to play and explore. There are lots of activities available outside, and children spend most of their time in the garden when the weather is warm. n Children enjoy spending long periods engaging in the activities the childminder creates. The childminder takes time to ensure that the activities link to each other and support children's current learning. This complements the learning that takes place in school across a range of activities. For example, at the creative table, children enjoy creating a diagram showing the life cycle of a

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need to do better?

butterfly. This builds on the knowledge they gained from watching their own caterpillars turn into butterflies. The childminder encourages all children to contribute to group discussions. n The childminder regularly shares information with other settings. This ensures consistency for children. The childminder regularly talks to the local school teachers to share development information. She then creates activities that support children's next steps in learning. The childminder is aware of the impact

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need to do better?

2 July 2024 of the COVID-19 pandemic on the older children and so she supports with homework club and daily reading. n Children learn about the world around them through going on visits in the local community. For example, the childminder takes the children to the local shops to buy groceries they may need. She also takes children to the local woods, which allows them opportunities to explore the wildlife. Children enjoy climbing trees. They take independent risks in their play and build on their confidence. n Parents speak highly of childminder and the care their children receive. Parents talk of the love their children have for the childminder and activities she provides. Parents describe the 'calm' and 'nurturing' environment at the childminder's home. They commend the time she spends with each child. n The childminder attends training sessions, online and with her local childminder network, to build on her own knowledge and practice. She has a large network

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need to do better?

of childminder friends. They offer each other support and share resources. This allows the childminder to create a wide resource base for the children in her care. The childminder is passionate about her setting and is very proud of the progress children make in her care.

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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 EY536251 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10344376 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 3 Date of previous inspection 18 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered with Ofsted in 2016 and lives in Loughton, Essex. She operates during school term time from 3.15pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

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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 showed the inspector around the setting and explained how the play environment is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector looked at reviews from the parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke to the children during the inspection and took account of their views n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the childminder's suitability.

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Inspection activities

2 July 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

2 July 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

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