Childminder in EssexOfsted inspection, 16 Sept 2026

Summary of outcome

All early years providers must meet the legal requirements in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage, which you can find at www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2. If we find that a provider is not meeting the requirements, we can take action to ensure they put matters right.

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Summary of outcome

On 21 May 2026, we received concerns that the provider was not meeting requirements relating to suitable people, concerns about children's safety and welfare and staff;child ratios. On 06 July 2026, we received concerns that the provider was not meeting requirements relating to suitable people, staff;child ratios, other legal duties and accident or injury.

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Summary of outcome

On 23 June 2026, we carried out a regulatory visit. We found the provider was not meeting some of the requirements and we suspended the provider's registration because we believed children may be at risk of harm. Suspension allows time for the provider to take steps to reduce or eliminate the risk of harm to children. The provider has a right to appeal against a suspension. The provider may not provide childcare for which registration is required while the suspension is in place and may commit an offence if they do so. We served a welfare requirements notice. This is a legal notice that requires the provider to take the actions below within the timescales set out.

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Summary of outcome

n provide Ofsted with information regarding new assistants so that suitability checks can be completed before they are counted in ratios

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Summary of outcome

n take action to ensure assistants who have not had their suitability cleared do not have unsupervised access to children

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Summary of outcome

n ensure you do not use assistants under the age of 17 in ratios or leave them unattended with children

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Summary of outcome

n maintain the required staff to child ratios at all times

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Summary of outcome

n keep an accurate daily record of the names of the children being cared for and their hours of attendance

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Summary of outcome

n ensure that safer sleep guidance is understood and followed with particular regard to checking children to ensure they are safe and using appropriate equipment and bedding

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Summary of outcome

n ensure you have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the childminding registration with particular regard to ongoing suitability.

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Summary of outcome

On 20 July 2026, we carried out a regulatory visit. We found the provider had taken the appropriate action to minimise the risks to children's safety and we lifted the suspension. We served a welfare requirements notice and raised additional actions for the provider to complete.

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Summary of outcome

n take action to ensure you attend designated safeguarding lead training in a timely manner and keep your knowledge up to date as appropriate

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Summary of outcome

n ensure all assistants receive a thorough induction and have access to ongoing training and development opportunities so they can fully understand their roles and responsibilities

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Summary of outcome

n put processes into place to enable you to effectively monitor the ongoing suitability of assistants.

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Publication of compliance action

We aim to ensure that the welfare of children and young people is protected in the services we regulate. The Childcare Act 2006 and accompanying regulations set out our responsibilities to regulate childminders and childcare providers. This includes the enforcement powers we have in relation to those registered providers who do not comply with the requirements for registration.

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Publication of compliance action

We publish details of any actions we take, or the childminder or childcare provider takes to bring about compliance with requirements on our website for a period of five years.

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Publication of compliance action

For further information please read the Early years compliance handbook which can be found here at www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-provider-non-compliance- action-by-ofsted .

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