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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are relaxed and happy in this home-from-home environment, where they make good progress. They have developed strong attachments to the childminder and seek her out for help and reassurance. They readily make their wishes and thoughts known to the childminder and these are respected and acted upon. Children are confident to interact with visitors and share their experiences with them. This demonstrates they feel safe and secure. The childminder is kind and caring and gives children praise throughout the day. This helps to raise children's self-esteem.

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The provision is good

The childminder has an effective settling-in procedure, which is tailored to the children's individual needs. This helps children to settle quickly when they first start. She invests time in getting to know the children and their families. She knows where children are in their learning and understands what children need to learn next. The childminder plans appropriate activities to support children in achieving the next steps in their learning. She uses the children's current interests to encourage them to try new experiences. Children spend extended periods engaged in the activities offered to them. Children make progress from their starting points.

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need to do better?

n The childminder purposefully models play for children. For example, she shows them how to scoop sand using the toy diggers and make shapes from construction straws. She draws children's attention to the colours and shapes of the items they are using. She identifies opportunities to expand on children's play. For instance, she adds bowls to the sand so that they can hide objects underneath. This ensures children remain interested and engaged in their play. n The childminder supports children's emerging communication skills. She introduces new language to enhance their vocabulary development. For example, she uses words such as cement, scoop and crash during play. She can understand children's non-verbal cues and repeats words back to them, so they hear the correct pronunciation. However, her interactions are not always adapted to meet the current communication needs of the children. n The childminder provides activities that support children's physical skills. They

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need to do better?

practice their fine motor skills when using the tweezers, construction straws and manoeuvring small vehicles. Children have opportunities to develop their gross motor skills when they visit the park. For example, climbing the steps of the slide and playing ball games. n The childminder supports children to develop their self-help skills. They are given opportunities to make their own choices about their play throughout the day. Children confidently request the activities they would like to engage in and are eager to help tidy up when they have finished. However, the childminder does

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need to do better?

10 June 2025 not encourage children to wash their hands before mealtimes. This does not promote positive hygiene habits for the future. n Children are provided with experiences to broaden their knowledge about the world around them. For example, they have regular trips in and around the local community, visiting places, such as parks, museums and farms. n The childminder understands the importance of developing positive and trusting relationships with parents. She communicates with parents daily. She keeps them up to date about children's progress and next steps in their learning. The childminder supports parents though different phases their children go through, such as fussy eating. As a result, parents speak very highly about the care and learning their children receive. They report that their children are happy and content. The childminder has formed links with the other settings children attend and shares information about their progress. This promotes continuity of care for

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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 enhance the quality of interactions with children by adapting communication approaches to meet their individual needs n encourage appropriate hygiene procedures in relation to handwashing before eating.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY274653 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10398269 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 11 Date of previous inspection 11 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003. She lives in Chelmsford, Essex. The childminder operates from Monday to Friday, 7.30am until 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The provider accepts funding for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n Children interacted with the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder discussed with the inspector about how they ensure the premises are safe and suitable.

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Inspection activities

10 June 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.

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Inspection activities

10 June 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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