Childminder in Essex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 4 July 2017 15 April 2014

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder is a very experienced and well qualified childcare professional. She has a secure knowledge of how young children develop.  The play environment supports children's developing independence well. Children take decisions in their play, select and use resources and then tidy up after themselves. Children make good progress and develop the skills they need for future learning.  Children are happy and secure. The childminder is kind, caring and nurturing and parents comment that she supports the whole family well.  Children benefit greatly from a range of visits to the local beach, parks and the library. They go on trips by train or bus and extend their understanding of the wider world.  The childminder promotes children's early literacy skills very well. She recognises children's interest in books and ensures these are readily available. She is a skilled storyteller and keeps children enthralled.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although partnerships with parents are good, the childminder does not always gather enough information from parents about what their children already know and can do when they join the setting.  On occasions, the childminder does not fully encourage children to use their imagination and extend their creative ideas.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 extend the information gathered from parents when children join the setting and use this to inform initial assessments and plan even more precisely from the start  enhance opportunities for children to use their imagination and extend their creative ideas.

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Inspection activities

 The childminder observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector viewed a focused activity with the childminder and discussed children's progress and achievements.  The inspector spoke to children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector reviewed relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of persons living and working in the household.  The inspector took account of the views of parents from those spoken to on the day and from their written responses.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She knows how to refer concerns to the relevant authorities. The childminder completes thorough risk assessments to minimise potential hazards and maintain a safe and secure play environment for children. The childminder is very enthusiastic about her work and reflects continually on her practice. She has attended all the mandatory training and strengthened her understanding of recent developments by completing further online courses. The childminder has establish links with another childminder. They work together effectively to ensure a consistent approach to supporting children's care and learning when they go on outings together.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder takes account of children's interests when planning the play environment. She makes regular observations and plans for children's next steps in learning. The childminder also carefully monitors children's achievements to ensure they make continued progress in their learning and no child gets left behind. Children play with a wide range of toys and resources. They are inquisitive and enjoy investigating and experimenting. They use magnifiers so they can see insects, such as ladybirds more clearly. They enjoy mixing ingredients together to make play dough. The childminder successfully promotes children's communication skills. She listens carefully and encourages children to talk about the changing texture of the dough to help support their growing vocabulary. Children have opportunities to gain an awareness of different people, cultures and customs beyond their own.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children form very close bonds with the childminder. The childminder gives children her full attention. Children adopt safe and healthy lifestyles. They have good opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and challenge themselves physically. The childminder ensures that children protect their skin from the sun in hot weather. Children learn about the importance of eating healthy food and follow good hygiene routines. The childminder proudly celebrates children's achievements and offers plenty of praise and encouragement. This helps to build their confidence and self-esteem. Children behave well. They learn to manage their emotions and respect the feelings of others. They understand why they need to share and take turns with toys.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and are well prepared for the next stage in their learning, including the move on to school. They are confident and motivated learners. Children enjoy opportunities to develop their mathematical and literacy skills. They learn to count, recognise numbers, shapes and letters. Children develop their independence and are encouraged to demonstrate a can-do attitude. They enjoy practising early writing and use pencils with control as they form letters correctly.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY420625 Local authority Essex Inspection number 1087360 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 4 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 15 April 2014

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Harwich, Essex. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a Montessori qualification at level 4. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted 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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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, 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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Telephone number

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Telephone number

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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