Hobdell, Kirsty Ann

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

Children flourish in the care of this highly experienced childminder and her assistants. Their warm and positive approach helps children to feel completely secure, happy and relaxed. Children build strong bonds with adults and each other. They thoroughly enjoy their time in this exceptionally nurturing and welcoming setting. For example, children respond with eagerness and excitement to new experiences, displaying how comfortable and safe they feel. Children settle extremely quickly and feel exceedingly secure talking to the childminder about their families. They have high levels of confidence, warmly interacting with the inspector and inviting her to join in with their circle time.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has the highest expectations for what every child can achieve. She supports and challenges less confident children with her warm praise and encouragement. They learn new skills quickly and delight in their own achievements. Children spend a great deal of time outside, where they gain a deep understanding of the natural world and a great curiosity and enthusiasm to explore. Children stand mesmerised as they watch birds swooping across the sky. Adults name the different types of birds and use ambitious vocabulary to describe the way they fly. Children are very eager learners and quickly gain the skills they need to succeed in their future learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's understanding of children's learning and development is inspirational. She has an excellent knowledge of each child and very quickly becomes perceptive to their needs. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of where children are in their learning and is fully aware of what they need to learn next. The curriculum she provides children is tailored to their precise needs, interests and what they need to learn next. The childminder implements exciting opportunities for children to build on what they know and can do. Children develop the key skills needed for the next stage of their learning. n Children demonstrate remarkable levels of concentration as they focus on mastering new skills. The childminder expertly sequences their learning to increasingly present further challenge. Children skilfully develop their fine motor skills and hand-to-eye coordination. They enthusiastically whisk together flour

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need to do better?

and milk and pour small amounts of lemon juice as part of a pancake exploration tray. Younger children work together carefully slotting small items into containers. Children begin to develop the strength in their hands and arms that will prepare them for writing, when the time comes. n The ambitious childminder reflects on all aspects of her provision and is keen to maintain and improve on her extremely high standards of practice. She keeps herself and her assistants up to date, attends training, shares ideas with other

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need to do better?

3 March 2022 professionals and reads widely to deepen her knowledge. The childminder constantly seeks ways to improve children's experiences. For example, she talks of plans to add more loose parts to her provision to provide even more opportunities for imaginative play. n The childminder gives children's health and well-being the highest priority. For example, children discuss foods that are good for their bodies as they prepare fruit to top pancakes at snack time. Children show high levels of determination and peel and cut up their own fruit. They discuss different textures and show an excellent understanding of where fruit and vegetables come from. n The childminder works exceptionally well with parents and other professionals involved in children's care. She gains a wealth of information from parents about their children. The childminder uses this highly effectively to help younger children move seamlessly from their homes to hers. She provides parents with a

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need to do better?

wealth of information to help them support their child's development at home. Parents speak extremely highly of the childminder, commenting on the significant progress that their children have made since attending the setting. n The childminder treats children with positive regard. They are given ample opportunities to encourage their independence from a very young age. For instance, younger children eagerly help to take off their coats and put on slippers themselves when they come into the cabin. n The childminder has robust arrangements in place to help develop children's awareness of emergency procedures, such as fire evacuation.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of her role to safeguard and protect children. She has effective safeguarding procedures in place to ensure children are safe. The childminder keeps her knowledge of safeguarding and local procedures up to date through regular training. She includes her assistants in the training to ensure they are equipped to recognise and act in the case of possible harm to children. The childminder and her assistants are familiar with the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of possible abuse, including being exposed to extreme views. The childminder knows the correct procedures to follow if she had concerns about the welfare of a child or any allegations were to be made against a member of her household. The setting is safe and secure, and the childminder carries out regular safety checks. She encourages children to help to tidy away toys in order to minimise hazards to their health and safety.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY399259 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10127202 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 11 Date of previous inspection 28 August 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered 2009 and lives in Basildon, Essex. She works alongside two assistants. The childminder operates Monday to Thursday from 7.30am until 5.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds an early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outside, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of all household members and the qualifications of the childminder. She also discussed the childminder's self- evaluation. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials.

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Inspection activities

3 March 2022 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 2022 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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