Childminder in Thurrock

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children are cared for in an exceptionally welcoming, safe environment. They have an extremely enjoyable time with the childminder. She is exceedingly kind and caring. Children form extremely strong attachments to her. They show their feelings of safety and security as they quickly gain confidence and independence. The extensive range of high-quality toys and books are stored superbly well, so that children can make choices in their play.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They happily share and take turns. Children of different ages play happily together. They gain excellent levels of empathy and kindness. Older children are superb role models and are eager to help younger children. For example, they willingly pass them crayons when drawing pictures. Children's achievements are enthusiastically celebrated with a 'high five'. This successfully promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit greatly from the childminder's enthusiastic approach to outdoor learning. They enjoy being physically active, exploring natural materials and learning about nature. They show awe and wonder as they make shadows and watch the water dry in the sunshine. Children are delighted when they see their sunflowers growing in the garden. They have thoughtful conversations about where insects might live. Children have wonderful experiences that provide them with an abundance of skills to support them in their future learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder creates an extremely warm, family feel to her provision. Children flourish in her care. She is highly qualified and has a superb understanding of how children learn and develop. She skilfully reinforces and builds on their knowledge and experiences. Activities are adapted so that every child has high-quality learning experiences. Consequently, all children make the best possible progress. n Children are provided with a language-rich environment. The childminder uses a variety of activities to enhance children's listening, understanding and speaking skills. She skilfully uses sign language to support younger children's early communication. She introduces them to new words, such as 'spiky' and 'spiral'. Children are asked meaningful questions that promote and extend their thinking. n There is a wide range of books for children to enjoy. This significantly enhances their love of literacy. Children enthusiastically join in with stories, confidently

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need to do better?

repeating familiar words and phrases. Younger children listen attentively and concentrate extremely well. They are fascinated by the different textures in the 'feely' books. n Children learn excellent routines for a safe and healthy lifestyle. They enjoy

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need to do better?

8 June 2021 being physically active in the fresh air. They are supported exceptionally well to develop their self-care skills. For example, they fully understand why they need to wear sun hats and have regular drinks of water on sunny days. n The childminder has been particularly vigilant in providing a safe environment for the children and their families during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. n Children's confidence, resilience and independence are promoted extremely well. They are encouraged to take appropriate risks and challenges. For example, they learn how to use the equipment at the park safely. Children follow rules in the childminder's home, and when they go on outings, to keep themselves safe. n The childminder establishes exceptionally strong partnerships with parents. Parents comment that 'the childminder is amazing'. They express their confidence that their children are in very good hands. They are particularly well

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need to do better?

informed about their children's achievements. They appreciate the excellent support they receive to continue their children's learning at home. n The childminder shares her high-quality practice with other childminders in the area. She runs a local playgroup where they meet each week. Children benefit enormously from the superb opportunities to make friends and meet new people from the wider community. n Children enthusiastically describe the different places they visit with the childminder. They thoroughly enjoy outings in the local area. The childminder uses these opportunities to introduce ideas to spark their curiosity and imagination. For example, children fondly recall the animals they have seen at the farm. They have enormous fun making animal noises. n The childminder is inspirational and passionate about offering outstanding practice. She regularly reflects on her provision and continually strives to

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need to do better?

maintain excellent outcomes for children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety and well-being are of paramount importance to the childminder. She undertakes a considerable amount of training to develop her knowledge of child protection. She knows who to contact if she has concerns about a child's safety or welfare. The childminder has a highly secure understanding of wider safeguarding issues. This includes how to identify when a child may be at risk of exposure to extreme views or actions. Her robust policies and procedures are implemented exceptionally well, including those relating to keeping children safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The childminder shares them with parents to ensure they understand her commitment to promoting their children's welfare.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549748 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10174149 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 6 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Aveley, Essex. She operates from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, during school term times only. The childminder holds qualified teacher status. She provides funded early years education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoyed doing at the childminder's house. n The inspector took account of the views of parents from discussions and written

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Inspection activities

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

8 June 2021 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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