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 are incredibly well settled and comfortable at this homely, inclusive setting. They confidently access a rich variety of resources indoors and outside. Children form strong bonds with the warm and friendly childminder and close friendships with other children. They feel secure knowing that they can turn to her for support, reassurance and praise. Children love coming in each day and settle quickly and securely.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exceptional. The childminder acts as an incredible role model for turn-taking, sharing and listening to others. She has an exceptional process for supporting children to self-regulate and learn to tolerate others with different opinions. As a result, the environment is calm and children play nicely with others. The childminder has clear routines for the day, which she adapts when on outings. As a result, children know the expectations for the day and feel consistently calm and secure.

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive with their communication development due to an environment rich in language. The childminder encourages children to learn new words and phrases during activities. As a result, children's communication and language skills are advanced. Children express their needs, wants and opinions effectively to adults and other children.

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need to do better?

n The childminder takes children on exciting daily outings. Children thrive when visiting the local beach, farm, zoo, park and various playgroup settings. They further develop their social skills around other children and receive valuable learning opportunities. The childminder then plans activities to further extend children's learning on these experiences. As a result, children become respectful of others and the local community. n The childminder provides highly stimulating and accessible resources. Children confidently access activities of their choice. They happily engage with realistic animals, small-world toys and reading books independently and with others. Outdoor learning is focused on imaginative play. Children love setting up shops and creating meals outside. As a result, children experience high-level play experiences and enjoy time with their friends and the childminder. n The quality of education is outstanding. The childminder knows children and

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need to do better?

families considerably well. She observes children effectively and discovers how each child learns. The childminder then plans stimulating activities which are based on children's interests and developmental needs. As a result, children progress rapidly across the areas of learning through enjoyable activities. n Snack and mealtimes are enjoyable experiences for children. They love having

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need to do better?

16 August 2022 snack and lunches outside with friends or sitting at the table with others inside. The childminder engages in conversation with children. She encourages them to share their views and develop independence. As a result, children learn to feed themselves and try new foods. n Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Parents highly value the range of exciting trips and experiences on offer. They state that their children love to talk about these visits and discuss what they have learned. Parents appreciate the close rapport and effective communication. A parent reports that they chose this setting over other larger provisions due to the home-from-home feel and how secure their child quickly became. As a result, they feel confident that their children are enjoying learning at the setting. n The childminder has clear understanding of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She has extensive experience of

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need to do better?

supporting children to access learning. The childminder recognises concerns early on and communicates these concerns effectively with parents. She then works alongside parents to adapt her provision and teaching methods. This means that learning is accessible to all children, and they make pleasing progress. n The childminder has a close support network with other local childminders. They go on trips together and discuss best practice. As a result, the childminder adopts self-reflective practice. She actively looks for new ideas and for ways to improve in order to maintain an outstanding provision.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding principles. She is confident in recording any concerns and reporting to her local authority. The childminder also has a good understanding of wider safeguarding risks to children, including being drawn into the transportation of drugs. She understands her responsibility to keep children safe while in her care. The childminder carries out stringent risk assessments on all areas of her provision. This includes a clear fire evacuation procedure and security aspects to the setting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2526269 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10208297 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 Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Clacton-on-Sea. She operates all year round from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. She 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 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 setting. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk of the setting to discuss the curriculum and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children and parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection and discussed their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and evidence of the suitability of staff.

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Inspection activities

16 August 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 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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