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 happy, busy and content in the care of the childminder and her assistant. They move confidently around the areas of the home used for childminding purposes. They guide much of their own play and learning as they access resources from low-level storage units in the playroom. Children show a strong sense of belonging. They know where their personal possessions are placed and are familiar with the childminder's resources. Children are keen and active learners. They show great curiosity in their play. For example, they enjoy dressing up in a variety of costumes. They comment on how beautiful they look as 'princesses'. The 'police officer' among them keeps the children in order.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant remind children of the importance of being kind and caring. They encourage them to use good manners and to wait their turn for a favourite toy. Children generally behave well and show respect for each other. When they struggle to share, the childminder and her assistant are on hand to support them and they provide a cuddle for any children who need reassurance. The childminder and her assistant have high expectations for children's learning. They use the information they have about each child to plan a range of learning experiences that help children to make progress.

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need to do better?

n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder and her assistant speak to parents each day when they drop off and collect their children. They share information about what the children have been doing, what they have enjoyed and where they have been. Parents provide the childminder with written feedback on her provision. The childminder and her assistant use this information to contribute towards their evaluation of their provision and to inform future changes. n The childminder and her assistant have a good working relationship. They spend time discussing their practice and reviewing what works well and what they can improve. They access online training to help them to update their childcare knowledge. The childminder and her assistant regularly meet with other registered childminders and use this forum to discuss current good practice. n The childminder and her assistant know the children well. They plan a range of

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need to do better?

opportunities that help children to enjoy their learning. They generally follow children's lead when planning activities around their interests. However, on occasions, both the childminder and her assistant miss opportunities to extend children's thinking and learning further. They do not adapt questions well enough to challenge and extend the most able children. Most discussions and explanations are very general and delivered at the same level for all children. n The childminder and her assistant demonstrate a good understanding of how

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need to do better?

30 September 2019 children learn. They encourage children to build on what they already know through a range of learning opportunities. However, they do not always make the best use of everyday opportunities to extend children's mathematical thinking. For example, they do not always use counting or simple calculation during routine activities or introduce mathematical language in their play. n Children learn about keeping safe and healthy. They follow the childminder's clear directions about foods that are good for them. Children enjoy daily opportunities to be outdoors as they play in the childminder's garden and go on outings in the local area. n The childminder met her legal requirement to inform Ofsted of a significant event when there was a fire in the neighbouring property. She took effective action to make sure that children were safe. However, following the fire, the childminder failed to notify Ofsted that she was unable to operate from her own

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need to do better?

home and was using the premises of another registered childminder. This is a breach of the legal requirements for both the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder carried out a thorough risk assessment of the property and kept parents informed of these changes. This means there was minimal impact on children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant demonstrate a secure knowledge of their responsibilities to protect children from harm. They can identify the signs that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect, and recognise the known indicators of wider safeguarding issues, including radicalisation. The childminder and her assistant regularly update their safeguarding knowledge, for example, through appropriate training. The have links with other childminders in the area and use this opportunity to share good safeguarding practice and extend their knowledge. The childminder and her assistant are vigilant about ensuring that children play in a safe and secure environment. They carry out daily safety checks and encourage children to learn about taking considered risks in their play.

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should:

n explore further ways to enhance children's mathematical thinking during everyday activities and routines n question children more skilfully to provide further challenge for the most able children and to extend children's thinking skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY338431 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10062964 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 to 9 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 2 December 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Colchester. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She works with an assistant.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed all areas of the childminder's home that are used for childminding purposes and discussed how the childminder and her assistant use the environment to support their planning. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about her planning, the implementation of her curriculum and the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of suitability for all adults living or working on the premises. n The inspector spoke to the childminder's assistant and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to at the time of the inspection and through written testimonials.

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Inspection activities

30 September 2019 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

30 September 2019 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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