Childminder 203029

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The experienced childminder provides a welcoming and home-from-home environment. She has a calm and nurturing manner and children are clearly happy in her care. Children have formed strong relationships with the childminder and each other. This helps children to feel emotionally safe and secure. The childminder knows the children very well. She provides effective settling-in procedures. The childminder confidently talks about children's abilities, interests and family backgrounds. She plans activities that include children's interests. Children are extremely enthusiastic and highly motivated as they play and learn.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have plenty of opportunities to explore different outdoor environments and meet new people in the local area. They regularly visit local mazes, ornamental gardens, the local market, the library and go on nature trails. This helps to broaden children's understanding of the wider world and local community.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder is an excellent role model. She shows kindness and patience towards the children. Parents are complimentary about the childminder and comment on the 'loving, caring, nurturing environment' she provides. Children are encouraged to take turns and share the resources. They are kind and friendly to each other. Very young children spontaneously offer help to others. They behave exceptionally well and play cooperatively.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop. She observes children as they play and she knows each child's individual learning style. This helps her to provide individual play opportunities and experiences so that children are challenged in their learning. n All children make good progress. Very young children exceed expectations in particular areas of learning. For instance, they demonstrate exceptional imagination as they play with the sand pit and mud kitchen in the childminder's garden. They pour sand into cups for 'drinks' and add leaves and twigs to the plates of 'food'. They offer the 'drinks' confidently to each other and visitors. They remain focused, engaged and highly motivated as they play. n Music and singing are embedded into the daily activities. Children choose a song by selecting from a range of picture cards made by the childminder. They join in

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need to do better?

enthusiastically as the childminder sings and models the actions. Children have access to a large range of books and visit the local library every day. This helps to support their developing language skills. n Children develop a 'can-do' attitude. They persevere to pull on and unzip their boots independently as they get ready to go into the garden. Very young children excitedly announce, 'I did it,' as they complete tasks for themselves.

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need to do better?

13 November 2019 The childminder uses praise and encouragement to support children as they challenge themselves. This helps them to develop confidence in their own ability. n The childminder supports children's developing communication and language skills effectively. She regularly engages with children in meaningful conversations. The childminder initiates discussions and sensitively listens to children's responses. She adapts her language to support children's understanding. Younger children repeat familiar phrases and new words. n Children are encouraged to explore and experiment with natural resources. Young children laugh with delight as they dip pebbles and apple pieces into paint. They show high levels of concentration. Children look at the colours, shapes and textures they create as they print 'poppy' flowers. This helps to inspire and develop their creativity. n The childminder works in partnership with parents. They are regularly kept up to

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need to do better?

date with children's learning and development. The progress check for children aged between two and three years is completed by the childminder and shared with parents. However, the childminder does not consistently share information about children's abilities and progress when they also attend other settings. This means that continuity in children's learning is not effectively promoted. n The views of parents are sought and considered by the childminder to evaluate her provision. She reflects on activities and adapts them to make any improvements. Although the childminder has undertaken some recent training, her professional development is not consistently focused on building specific skills to raise the quality of her teaching even further.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a thorough understanding of child protection. She recognises the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder knows the relevant agencies to contact for guidance. She is aware of the correct reporting procedures to follow if she has a concern. The childminder ensures her knowledge remains up to date by attending regular safeguarding training. She has robust policies and procedures in place that help her to keep children safe.

p.3

should:

n extend the use of more targeted professional development opportunities to strengthen existing knowledge and teaching skills further n strengthen partnerships with other early years settings that children attend to develop more effective ways to share information about their learning and development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 203029 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10127301 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 to 7 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 2 October 2014

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1999 and lives in Saffron Walden. She operates Monday to Wednesday, from 7.45am until 5.30pm, term time only, except for bank holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides early funded education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children indoors and outside in the garden. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided. n The inspector observed a joint activity with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to children and the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder, discussing the curriculum she provides for the children. The inspector viewed the areas of the childminder's home that children use.

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Inspection activities

13 November 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

13 November 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

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