Smith Tracey Jane

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 settle incredibly well and have secure, loving bonds with the childminder. Children explore the extremely engaging environment confidently and lead their own learning. They persevere, develop high levels of independence and confidence in social situations. Children benefit from the childminder's expert knowledge of their needs. They make excellent progress in all areas of learning. Children carry out personal care tasks with ease. Children have a sense of pride when they are picked to help lay the table for everyone. They confidently offer the childminder and visitors plates too.

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The provision is outstanding

Children experience a curriculum that is fun, engaging and completely tailored to their interests. They delight in the story of the girl who uses good manners. Children giggle and laugh as they recall this story with the childminder at mealtimes. Children develop excellent language and communication skills for their ages. They attempt to say difficult words with encouragement from the childminder. Children recall the story of the hungry caterpillar and that he was a chrysalis before a butterfly. Children love being in the childminder's company. They share a heart-warming sense of humour with her. This relationship has a strong impact on children's enjoyment of learning. Children confidently express their needs. The childminder has worked hard to help them do this. Younger children learn to play independently and test out their ideas. They persevere putting toy construction poles together. Even the youngest of children deal with

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a superb knowledge and understanding of each child in her care. She gets to know them exceptionally well and plans a curriculum that is tailored to their every need. Consequently, all children make rapid progress in all areas of learning. n The childminder has an exceptional understanding of child development. She continually adds to her knowledge and skills with training and research. This ensures that children always receive the highest level of care. The childminder identifies training and research that would benefit the children. She has recently completed training in child psychology. She completed this to help her support children to overcome any issues they are facing as a result of the pandemic. n Promoting children's independence is at the heart of everything the childminder does. Children show increasing levels of independence. They are motivated by the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands the importance of providing a language-rich environment. Story books are an integral part of her curriculum. Children develop a strong love of reading. The childminder consistently adds new words

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need to do better?

11 May 2022 into their vocabulary, such as 'metamorphosis, transformed' and 'symmetrical'. Children acquire new knowledge quickly and then use it in their play. This helps them process and understand the meaning of new words and concepts. n The childminder has a vast knowledge of how to support a seamless transition to Reception. She has formed excellent relationships with school teachers. The childminder makes sure that what she is teaching children reflects what they will learn in the classroom. Consequently, children are extremely well prepared for the move to school. n Partnerships with parents are exemplary. They benefit from the childminder's expert knowledge. The childminder cares about parents being equipped to support their children outside of the setting and how to keep them safe. For example, she shares information via her parent messaging group. The childminder recently shared information about how parents can keep their

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need to do better?

children safe online. She has built a strong community where parents also support each other. n The childminder carried out exceptional work with children and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. She stayed in touch with all families on a weekly basis. The childminder dressed up as the Easter bunny and delivered eggs to the children's houses. She sent children videos of her and her family doing exercise sessions. The children that attended she named her 'Rainbow Children'. They made gifts and reminders of the setting for the children at home. Children helped the childminder deliver flower seeds, the same as the ones in her garden, so the children could plant these with their families at home. n The childminder provides a curriculum that inspires children to learn about the world around them. She runs a group called the 'Woodland Chums' that other childminders and children attend at her home. She created this group to share

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need to do better?

her skills in forest school. Children take part in various challenges and receive awards for their achievements. This supports their self-esteem, confidence and helps them form relationships with other children in preparation for new environments, such as school.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding. She is alert to any changes or signs that children may be at risk. The childminder is very clear about the procedure to follow if she has any concerns about children's safety or welfare. She has an extensive understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as extremist views and peer-on-peer abuse. The childminder supports parents to take steps to keep their children safe. For example, she shares updates about safety issues in the local area.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY262927 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10137543 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 14 Date of previous inspection 1 October 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. She 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 provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. 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. n The inspector and childminder carried out a joint observation of an activity. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector took account of parents' views in written testimonials. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder and other household members.

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Inspection activities

11 May 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

11 May 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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