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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish spending time with the childminder. They are very happy and secure at this extremely welcoming and child-friendly environment. The childminder has extremely high expectations for all children. They make rapid progress in their learning as they benefit from a range of inspiring, stimulating and challenging activities. The well-organised playroom promotes children's natural curiosity. They are enthusiastic and highly motivated to learn. They develop excellent communication skills and confidently articulate what they know. They confidently recall information they have previously learned. For example, children talk about their recent visit to the farm. They excitedly discuss the vehicles used, such as the 'forage harvester', and explain how it works by cutting the maize.

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The provision is outstanding

Children relish their time outdoors. They show sustained levels of concentration as they play imaginatively at the mud kitchen. They mix sand, compost and water to make 'dinner'. They add twigs and lavender to make it smell delicious. They take pride in the vegetables they have grown from seed. Children proudly discuss the tomatoes and carrots they have 'harvested' to take home for their family to enjoy. Children have established very close bonds with the childminder and understand the clear boundaries and expectations she sets. Promotion of children's well-being is outstanding, and their behaviour is exemplary. They listen intently and respond positively to instruction. Children benefit from a wealth of experiences that prepare them exceptionally well for successful future learning.

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need to do better?

n The highly skilled and experienced childminder is exceptionally passionate about her work. The childminder works extremely well in partnership with parents, health visitors and teachers. Her commitment to her continuous professional development is superb. She places a strong emphasis on evaluating her training. She implements changes to her practice to ensure positive outcomes for children. The childminder shares her excellent practice and knowledge with other childminders. She is very proactive in supporting other providers. Her practice and knowledge are worthy of dissemination. n The childminder has established excellent partnerships with the parents. They consider that their children's experiences have been enriched from being in her care. The childminder is highly respected by the parents for the inspirational and unconditional support she provides. Parents feel completely reassured that their

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need to do better?

children are safe, happy and make excellent progress. n The childminder provides children with an ambitious and meaningful curriculum that is highly effective. Children are helped to rapidly make connections in their thinking and understanding. Their ability to remember what they have learned is evident. They recall information with ease. For example, they discuss the shape

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need to do better?

15 August 2022 of hay bales, that some farm machinery has tracks rather than wheels and describe in detail the motion of a forager when it is working. n Children feel immensely safe in the childminder's nurturing care. A strong focus is given to children's well-being. Children have a wide vocabulary and excellent language skills. They can describe how they feel as the childminder teaches the children how to express their emotions through activities provided. For example, children use sensory mood stones, creative activities to express themselves and stories. n The childminder is exceptionally calm and reassuring. She values and respects children's individuality. She ensures that her practice and home are fully inclusive. The childminder skilfully teaches children about similarities and differences, encouraging the children to develop an astute understanding of communities wider than their own. Resources and available books promote

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need to do better?

positive images of diversity and prompt conversations about the wider world. An exciting range of fun outings support children's experiences of the wider community, such as visits to the village shops and zoo. n All children demonstrate a thirst for learning. They make exceptional progress in their development as the childminder's teaching is excellent. The childminder's uncompromising understanding of how children learn is inspirational. She plans an ambitious, challenging curriculum that truly reflects children's individual needs and interests. The childminder plans activities around what the children already know. She has established secure relationships with other settings children attend and can seamlessly continue their learning at her setting. Children consequently make rapid progress. n Children's health and well-being are superbly supported by the childminder. For example, children learn the importance of good dental health. They have daily

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need to do better?

opportunities to engage in outdoor physical play and enjoy walks in the local environment. Children follow stringent hygiene procedures. They are very aware of the importance to wash hands before meals and when returning from the garden. They can independently take care of their personal needs. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks. They are skilful in cutting their own fruits and demonstrate good table manners.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of her responsibility to protect children's well-being. She has a secure knowledge of how to identify any signs or behaviours that may cause concern. She is fully aware of what procedures to follow to ensure children's safety. Through regular training, the childminder broadens her understanding. She is extremely knowledgeable about wider aspects of child protection. Children have rich opportunities to learn how to keep themselves healthy and safe. They learn why it is important to wash their hands after playing outdoors and before eating. They are taught how to take safe risks, superbly supported by the childminder. They confidently talk about how to use scissors and cutlery safely. This helps them to develop an exceptional understanding of the

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Safeguarding

15 August 2022 reasons for safe practices.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 560186 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10127075 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 4 Date of previous inspection 11 December 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year- old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder 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 the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The childminder explained her intentions for the children's development and how she plans and implements her educational programme. 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 and conversations. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint observation together.

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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

15 August 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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