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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and content and enjoy their time with the childminder. They make choices about their play, effectively supported by the childminder. Children participate in a wide range of activities, indoors and outdoors. The childminder plans daily trips and outings in the local area to enhance and extend the children's learning. She considers outdoor learning an essential part of her provision and bases much of her curriculum around the outings. Children play in the childminder's well-resourced garden, accessing natural play materials as well as resources to promote their physical development.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. They are gently guided by the childminder who has high expectations for their learning and behaviour. The childminder gives children clear instructions and speaks to them in a positive and caring manner. Children respond to her warm interactions, often approaching her for cuddles and comfort. Children receive healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder is knowledgeable about the needs of all of the children and follows information from parents about their children's dietary needs, sleep patterns and general care needs.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder regularly reviews and reflects on her provision. She learns new ways of working through her everyday experiences. For example, she has developed the information she provides new parents about her setting and what she offers. She is clear that her curriculum is based on outdoor learning and as a result, parents wishing to use her provision are well informed that their children will spend part of the day outside on trips and outings. n The childminder keeps abreast of new guidance through information online and by speaking with other childminders. She does not currently have an effective plan to focus her professional development on extending her knowledge and skills further. n Parents who contributed to the inspection speak highly of the childminder. They comment that they are really happy with the care of their children. Parents state that they feel that their children are making very good progress in their learning,

p.2

need to do better?

as a result of the wide range of activities the childminder provides for them. The childminder creates an interesting learning journal of photos, observations and comments which she readily shares with parents. This helps parents to be well informed of their child's day with the childminder. n Children's speech and language skills are effectively promoted by the childminder who speaks clearly to them. She asks children pertinent and developmentally appropriate questions to extend their thinking. The childminder reads to children, taking time to talk about the pictures and explain what is happening. Children are cared for in a very print-rich environment as the

p.2

need to do better?

31 January 2025 childminder presents a wide range of visual prompts and labels around the walls of her lounge. n The childminder is very knowledgeable about the children in her care. She works well with parents to establish clear information about children's dietary needs and any preferences. The childminder meticulously monitors meals and snacks provided for any children with allergies or special dietary needs. Children enjoy a healthy and nutritious well-balanced diet as the childminder is careful to monitor their food and drinks ensuring only healthy options are provided. n The childminder encourages children to take considered risks in their play, for example, when using local woods and playgrounds. She speaks to them about what is safe, while still enabling them to explore freely. n Children enjoy expressing themselves, for example, through painting. They feel the paint on their hands, enjoying the texture as they squeeze the paint from

p.2

need to do better?

the brush. The childminder narrates their play, talking about the colours they are using and the patterns they make on paper.

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 focus future professional development plans to further develop and enhance teaching skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2798421 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10379638 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 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2024 She operates open from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded education for eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector all areas of their premises used for childminding and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The childminder and the inspector discussed observations of activities, how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has had on the children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector took account of the views of parents.

p.4

Inspection activities

31 January 2025 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

31 January 2025 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