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 Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in the childminder's care. They are welcomed into an exceptionally exciting and inviting play environment, both indoors and outdoors. Children easily access an abundance of high-quality resources. These support their interests and enable them to initiate their own play, fully supported by the childminder. Children make rapid progress in their learning. They are very keen and eager learners and confidently recall information they have learned with enthusiasm. For example, children engage the childminder in conversation about a recent visit to the zoo. They beam with happiness and giggle as they talk about the monkeys and their antics.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's unique emotional needs are superbly supported. Children leave their parents with ease and demonstrate they feel extremely secure and confident. The childminder has a superb knowledge of the children in her care. Children have established extremely close bonds with the exceptionally calm and nurturing childminder. For example, toddlers who become tired are quickly soothed. They enjoy cuddles, snuggle with the childminder, and are reassured and made comfortable before having a nap. Children become engrossed in their play as they participate in a wide variety of rich learning experiences in the garden. These have been meticulously planned to cover all areas of learning. Children's passion for football is supported; they have immense fun practising their football skills. They carefully negotiate the space and score goals. They make a goal using leaves and are proud of their achievement. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement

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need to do better?

n Children make rapid progress in their learning, as the childminder's teaching is superb. She has a calm and subtle approach and an uncompromising understanding of how children learn. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the characteristics of effective learning. She plans an ambitious and challenging curriculum, that securely reflects the children's interests. The childminder is fully informed of children's starting points. She is able to plan rich learning opportunities within an exciting curriculum that will broaden children's knowledge. Consequently, all children, including those that need additional support, make excellent progress, fulfil their potential and acquire the skills they need for successful future learning. n Parents speak immensely positively about the care and education their children receive with this 'dynamic' childminder. They also comment how dedicated, patient and supportive the childminder is about their children's individual needs.

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need to do better?

They feel completely reassured leaving their child in her safe care. They comment that their children make excellent progress with their speech and

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need to do better?

16 May 2022 language development. n Children are very confident speakers. The environment is rich in language opportunities and the childminder's language and communication skills are extremely good. She understands the importance of allowing children time to think and respond to questions. She is gentle in her approach and models language well. New words are introduced to extend children's vocabulary. For example, very young children transport water to the sand to make a mixture. The childminder engages them in conversation, and they talk about it being 'cement' and needing a cement mixer to 'rotate' the mixture. n The childminder provides an inviting and fully inclusive learning environment. She values and respects each child's individuality. The childminder teaches children about similarities and differences, and encourages them to develop an astute understanding of the wider community. For example, children who are bi-

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need to do better?

lingual are exceptionally well supported. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure she understands how to best support and encourage an additional language. Children access a wealth of resources that promote diversity, and prompt conversation. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. They understand the expectations, listen to instruction intently and respond to the gentle requests of the childminder. They take care of their resources. Children have a real sense of belonging. They relish the praise offered from the childminder, which contributes to their self-esteem. They are kind to each other, and young children show patience, for example, when it is time for nappy changing or sleep time for their friends. n The childminder is an experienced and qualified practitioner. She strives for excellence. However, she fully understands that through commitment to training and a culture of evaluating practice she can make a significant difference to the

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need to do better?

outcomes for children. For example, based on the knowledge gained attending a speech and language course, she now provides children with different resources, such as drinking cups, as these help children with their facial muscles and speech. The childminder shares information gained at training sessions with parents. For example, she provides them with information packs and invites them to attend courses.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a very secure understanding of her role and responsibility to protect children's welfare. She demonstrates a commitment to complete regular training to secure her knowledge of current practice. The childminder has a robust knowledge of possible signs and behaviours that may cause concern regarding children's well-being. This also includes wider aspects of child protection, such as domestic violence and the 'Prevent' duty. She fully understands the procedures and how to report a concern to ensure the children in her care are protected from harm. The childminder meticulously carries out risk assessments of the equipment and premises, providing children with an exceptionally safe and secure environment in which to play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2540398 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10215343 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 24 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2019. She operates all year round from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting has 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 setting. n The childminder and 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 outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection and took account of the views of parents by reading written testimonials. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

16 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

16 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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