Childminder EY305332

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment where children quickly settle and feel safe. Children demonstrate happiness with smiles and enthusiasm. The kind and caring childminder greets children playfully with 'high fives' and friendly interactions. Children form strong and positive relationships with the childminder. She responds quickly and sensitively to their needs. For example, when children need assistance, the childminder attends immediately to their needs. This helps children to feel secure and cared for. There are strong relationships between the childminder, children and parents and carers, creating consistency and security.

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The provision is good

The childminder offers fun and engaging learning experiences. She plans for children to develop key skills as part of her curriculum, including counting and recognising numbers. The childminder encourages children to form friendships and gives them plenty of opportunities to gain independence in daily tasks. For example, children help the childminder to set the table for meals and wash their hands by themselves. The childminder tailors learning to children's interests, such as using a dinosaur tray to encourage number recognition. She actively promotes positive behaviour and kindness. When minor conflicts between children arise, the childminder encourages children to apologise to their friends. She consistently prompts sharing and reminds children to use 'kind hands'. This helps children to develop kindness and empathy.

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need to do better?

n The childminder observes children's progress carefully and shares information with parents regularly. She has developed important partnerships with other settings that children attend to ensure consistency in children's learning. The childminder encourages families to extend children's learning at home through seasonal activities, such as autumn challenges. This reinforces children's understanding and enjoyment of new topics. n Children enjoy varied experiences that broaden their cultural awareness. This includes learning about a range of festivals and celebrations. The childminder plans visits to farms, parks and the zoo to provide children with hands-on learning about animals, nature and the wider world. n The curriculum is practical and engaging. The childminder responds to children's talents and interests when planning learning experiences. She plans activities that promote children's exploration of the wider world through seasonal topics.

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need to do better?

However, during some activities, the childminder does not consistently provide opportunities for children to broaden and build on new ideas. This means that teaching does not consistently extend children's knowledge. n Outside, children enjoy the physical space of the garden. They use wheeled toys

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need to do better?

11 September 2025 with confidence, showing their developing balance and coordination. Children explore trays filled with sand and toy insects, using tweezers and bug catchers to examine them. In the play kitchen, they explore natural items, such as shells, and make 'potions' with coloured water. These activities help children to be motivated in their learning. n The childminder uses songs and rhymes to promote children's communication and language. Children choose their favourite songs and join in with familiar actions. Stories form a central part of the curriculum. Children combine favourite stories with role play. This helps them to repeat the interesting language and vocabulary in their play. As a result, children develop extended vocabularies that support their everyday communication. n Children engage in a wide variety of practical tasks that promote their independence. They enjoy cutting their fruit at snack. Once children have

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need to do better?

finished, they use child-sized brushes to tidy up when they have finished. Children take ownership of these routines, which supports their confidence. n The childminder supports children's understanding of oral hygiene, such as role play around dentists. Children talk with the childminder about the importance of brushing their teeth. The childminder encourages healthy eating. Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as strawberries and cucumber. The childminder encourages children who are reluctant to try fruit through a range of strategies. n Children develop a good understanding of mathematical concepts. They show confidence in counting as they explore autumn-themed trays. The childminder supports children to understand quantity as they count acorns. During role-play activities, children show their confidence as they count candles on the toy cakes. n Partnership working is a strength. The effective partnerships with parents create

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need to do better?

consistency between home and the setting. This gives children the security and support they need to thrive in their learning and in their personal development. Parents comment that their children are well cared for and secure, which helps them to settle and grow in confidence.

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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 strengthen interactions during planned activities to build on children's knowledge and extend their learning opportunities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY305332 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10398891 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 13 Date of previous inspection 13 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Wickford, Essex. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm on Monday and Tuesday, from 7.30am until 5.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and before and after school on Friday. This does not include bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides government funded childcare for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

11 September 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

11 September 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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