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 arrive excited and happy to see the childminder. They leave their parents with ease and quickly settle at an activity. Children appear confident and settled as the childminder has established close bonds with them. They happily approach her for cuddles and reassurance. The childminder invests time in getting to know the children well and their likes, dislikes and abilities. She supports young children well as they learn to play together. She encourages children to be kind to one another and to the family pets. The childminder praises children for their efforts and achievements and, as a result, their behaviour is good.

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The provision is good

Children relish playing outdoors, enjoying the exercise and fresh air. They are excited at riding bicycles and scooters and demonstrate how to negotiate space, being careful not to bump into one another. Children thoroughly enjoy snack times and mealtimes. They know that they must wash their hands before eating. Young children who have moved away from using high chairs are beginning to learn the rules of sitting at the table. Children are becoming independent as they competently spread cheese on crackers for snack. They enjoy fresh home-cooked meals. The childminder works closely with an assistant each day, who supports her at these busier times.

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need to do better?

n Children thoroughly enjoy looking at books and sitting with the childminder for interactive familiar stories. They listen intently and know to take care of books and return them to the basket when they have finished. The childminder is skilful in asking questions about the pictures and allows time for the children to process the information before responding. n Children excitedly play outdoors. Young children show good concentration as they fill metal pots with water. They are intrigued by slices of citrus fruits in the water. The childminder explains what they are and encourages the children to smell the fruits and make potions. Toddlers are inquisitive about the sound the metal spoon makes when they hit the pot. They stand for some time 'making music' as they bang the pots. They listen to the passing aeroplanes with fascination. The childminder encourages children to listen for more sounds in the

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need to do better?

environment and they squeal with delight when they hear a lawn mower. n Parents speak very highly of all aspects of care their children receive. They comment that the childminder is 'welcoming' and 'reliable' and that they would highly recommend her. Parents' written comments detail how their views are respected and supported by the childminder, and that their children receive exceptional care. They comment on the healthy nutritious meals the childminder provides and the variety of activities and outings she plans for their children. n The childminder works together with her assistant, who knows the children and

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need to do better?

14 March 2022 their families very well. This means children are extremely confident and comfortable in her care. The childminder fully understands her responsibility to ensure that her assistant is suitable for the role. She makes sure her assistant attends training and professional development opportunities. For example, her assistant recently completed a safeguarding refresher course to ensure she is fully up to date with current legislation. n The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. Through initial assessment and good communication with parents, she is fully aware of what stage of development the children are at and what they need to learn next. The implementation of activities is good. However, on occasions, the childminder does not plan precisely enough for the children taking part with a sharp focus on what the children are interested in. For example, the intention to teach children about farm animals and the noises they make is lost

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need to do better?

as these are placed in play dough. n The childminder ensures her home is welcoming and child-friendly. Children access a wealth of good-quality resources in two dedicated playrooms. They eagerly explore and show great interest as they select toys and resources which cover all areas of learning, ensuring all children make good progress. They thoroughly enjoy the sensory experience of kneading dough, rolling it up and mixing the colours together.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children's welfare. She regularly completes appropriate training to strengthen her understanding of possible signs of abuse, including wider issues of child protection. The childminder is confident and secure in the process to follow should she have a concern regarding any child in her care. She supports her assistant effectively to attend training and to fully understand her safeguarding policies. The childminder considers it a priority to routinely complete risk assessments. This helps to ensure that children remain safe in the home and on planned outings.

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should:

n use children's interests to plan even more precisely for every child to continually build on and extend their learning further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 590192 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10062931 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 22 Date of previous inspection 7 December 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000 and lives in Maldon, Essex. She works with an assistant during the afternoons. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3 and offers 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 showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder plans and provides activities for children. n The childminder and the inspector spoke about the communication that the childminder has with parents. n The inspector obtained parents' views through written feedback. n The childminder shared some documents with the inspector, including evidence of the suitability of persons working as assistants. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint observation together. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

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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

14 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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