Childminder in Thurrock

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

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The provision is good

The childminder has created a friendly and welcoming space, where children are relaxed and enjoy their time. Children receive a warm and friendly welcome as they arrive. They share stories about their morning with the childminder, who listens and responds with interest. This helps them to settle quickly and enjoy their play. The kind and caring childminder has ensured that children feel confident and secure in her home. Children show great confidence as they explore the wealth of interesting resources available to them.

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The provision is good

Children play well together, sharing ideas and exploring their environment together. The childminder is a positive role model and sets clear expectations for children's behaviour. For example, when children struggle to share she skilfully intervenes by encouraging them to count the toys together and then share them out equally. Routine tasks provide children with opportunities to develop self-care and independence. They put on their shoes before going outside. Older children manage their personal hygiene, such as using the toilet and washing their hands. They show good hygiene practices as they use their personal towels and wipe their noses.

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The provision is good

Well-planned activities meet the interests of children. They follow their own ideas and are encouraged to make choices about their play. Children spend long periods of time at their chosen activity, such as when trying to melt ice blocks using a range of approaches.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports children to develop communication and language. She uses clear language and descriptive words as children play. Children explore books that relate to learning, such as a visit to the dentist. This helps to broaden children's vocabulary and support future learning. n The range of experiences provided offers children opportunities to solve problems. They use critical thinking to work out solutions to problems they encounter, such as finding ways to free toy superheroes from blocks of ice and how to rescue 'bugs' from a sticky web. n Children show high levels of concentration as they play. They become deeply engaged in their play as they follow ideas and connect their current knowledge to what they are doing. For example, they create a village from diamond shaped blocks, and assign a different coloured house to family members and friends. n The local community is used as a valuable resource. Children visit the shops and

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need to do better?

library. They engage in energetic physical activity in the playing fields and know where to find the doctor and the chemist. Children watch the refuse collectors

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need to do better?

19 May 2025 and are starting to develop an awareness of recycling. This helps children to develop an understanding of the wider community and how they fit into it and contribute. n Children engage in learning about a range of festivals and celebrations. They research information and engage in a range of activities that support their understanding of these events. For instance, they enjoy a flag hunt in the community as part of their Victory for England day research and findings. This supports their development of tolerance and respect and helps them to recognise similarities and differences. n Outdoor provision provides a wealth of resources to develop large physical skills. Children navigate large slides with confidence and balance on stepping stones. They run with energy and enjoyment as they enjoy the benefits of fresh air. Children show positive attitudes to their physical play. However, they have not

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need to do better?

yet developed a secure awareness of healthy lifestyles, such as healthy foods and the benefits of drinking water. This means that children are not confident in making choices that promote a healthy lifestyle. n Partnerships with parents are positive. Parents are happy with the care and education their children receive. They say that communication is excellent and they are kept well informed about their children's learning and development. They feel that children are happy and safe and the childminder knows children well and meets their individual needs. n The childminder uses assessment well to identify gaps in children's learning. She works in partnership with other professionals to ensure early intervention and provide the most appropriate support for them. Early identification supports children to close gaps in learning and development and make the progress they are capable of.

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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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should:

n support children to develop a positive approach to healthy lifestyles that helps them to become aware of how being healthy has a positive impact on their bodies and to make healthy choices in the future.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY433881 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10388263 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 5 Date of previous inspection 4 July 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011. She operates all year round from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early years education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children, both inside and outside. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided a sample of documentation to support her safeguarding practices.

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Inspection activities

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 May 2025 19 May 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.

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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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