Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Effective settling-in procedures are in place and children quickly form strong attachments with the childminder and her assistant. Children are very curious and motivated learners. They eagerly engage in the wide range of activities available or self-select toys and resources they wish to explore. Children are very confident and independent, demonstrating excellent physical skills as they very competently move around, inside and outside. They take measured risks, for example while using knives to prepare fresh fruit for snack. Children enjoy making choices and engaging in conversations about healthy eating. They make exceptional progress from their starting points. Children develop a substantial range of skills to support their ongoing learning and future education.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's personal and emotional development is excellent. The childminder and her assistant provide extraordinary care. Children display very high levels of happiness throughout the day. They move freely and interact politely with each other, showing how secure and safe they feel. Children delight in opportunities to challenge themselves. For example, after carefully balancing along a flat wooden beam, they alter its position to create a ramp. Children thoroughly enjoy chatting with the assistant about the potential risks involved and how best to manage this new challenge safely.

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need to do better?

n Children's experiences and needs are central to everything the childminder plans and organises. She has a deep understanding of how children learn and develop, which she has gained through her many years of experience and by continually researching and attending local training. n The childminder plans an exceptionally broad curriculum, following children's interests very successfully to provide stimulating and creative experiences. Every opportunity is taken to support children in facilitating their next steps in learning. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the curriculum and uses children's interests to engage them in fascinating play activities, which they thoroughly enjoy. n Stories are used effectively to inspire children and help them develop their creative ideas. For example, children have great fun dressing up or joining in with musical activities. They explore the different sounds made by musical

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need to do better?

instruments and experience a rich variety of music from around the world. For instance, children accompany 'Zorba the Greek', using instruments of their choice. n The childminder supports children's speech and language development very effectively. She engages children in regular conversations, to extend and build on their communication skills. The childminder and her assistant speak clearly

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need to do better?

3 March 2020 and use repetition of language well, to help children say words correctly. Children attend a wide range of local groups and events that further enrich learning experiences and extend their existing social and language skills even further. n Promotion of positive behaviour threads seamlessly through interactions with children. The childminder uses praise very effectively, and sensitively helps children to understand and develop their skills in sharing and taking turns. n Children learn life lessons to help develop their sense of responsibility. In addition to recycling waste, children learn about the effects of discarded rubbish on the world's oceans. For example, they join in water play, sorting paper and plastic that has been added. The children discover that turtles and other sea- creatures become endangered, as they become tangled in rubbish that is thrown away thoughtlessly. n Partnerships with parents are exemplary. The childminder keeps them updated

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need to do better?

about the care their children receive and the excellent activities they enjoy. She shares children's learning to keep parents accurately updated about their child's progress. The childminder provides activities that help support parents to read with their children and continue learning at home. In addition, home visits, social outings, training opportunities and joining activities in her setting provide a rich range of interactive events. n Children make outstanding progress and parents comment that their children achieve above and beyond their expectations. Children are fully prepared to move on to school when the time comes. n The childminder regularly evaluates her practice and is fully committed to making changes across her provision. This raises standards and further enhances children's play opportunities and educational development. The childminder provides regular questionnaires to obtain parental feedback to drive

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant regularly update their safeguarding training to ensure their knowledge of child protection remains robust. They very clearly understand how to report any concerns relating to the welfare of children. The childminder is proactive in seeking support from relevant agencies and has a broad understanding of wider safeguarding concerns, such as the 'Prevent' duty. The childminder makes sure that her home remains secure to protect children's safety.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 202229 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10127058 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 12 Number of children on roll 23 Date of previous inspection 10 June 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in South Woodham Ferrers. She works with her husband who is her registered assistant. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector reviewed documents and suitability checks of the childminder and her assistant and all persons living in the household. The inspector held a learning discussion with the childminder. n The inspector observed practice with the childminder and together evaluated an activity. n The inspector sought the views of children and parents during this inspection. n The inspector discussed with the childminder how she works in partnership with other professionals. n The inspector talked to the childminder about how she reflects on her practice to promote continuous improvements.

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Inspection activities

3 March 2020 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

3 March 2020 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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