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

The childminder provides a caring, homely environment. Young children receive cuddles and reassurance when they wake up from their nap. The childminder's sensitive approach soon helps them feel comfortable and confident to explore the activities. She knows their favourite toys and makes sure these are readily available to them.

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The provision is good

All children become involved in the activities on offer. For instance, the childminder has made sure the water tray is at a suitable height for children who are not yet walking to be able to pull themselves up to play independently. Children are beginning to learn basic mathematical concepts. The childminder scoops up some water in a pot and tells children it is 'full'. Children squeal with delight as she empties the contents over their hands and shows them the container is 'empty'.

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The provision is good

The childminder recognises that, due to the pandemic, some children need more support regarding their communication and social skills. As a result, she prioritises these areas of development when planning her provision. Younger children eagerly dip into a song bag to pull out an animal finger puppet. The childminder finds the related song in a book and sings this enthusiastically. She names and points out the animal, building on children's vocabulary and understanding. In addition, the childminder takes the children to weekly toddler groups. This helps build children's confidence and gives them more opportunities to interact with other children.

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need to do better?

n The childminder speaks passionately about why she is a childminder and how she wants all children to make progress. She identifies training to help her improve her practice and benefit the children. For example, she completed courses relating to supporting children's speech and language and physical development and describes a positive impact on children's learning. n Children are supported to feel secure. The childminder extends and tailors settling-in sessions to suit children's, and their families', individual needs. Photos of the children with the childminder's family, and engaged in activities, are displayed at their eye level. This helps children see they are valued and to develop a sense of belonging. n The childminder's interactions help children on their journey to becoming confident communicators. She responds to their sounds and gestures animatedly when changing their nappies. The childminder provides a respectful narrative of

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need to do better?

what she is doing so children are aware of what is happening. This builds on children's vocabulary and provides an early understanding of being involved in back-and-forth conversations. n The childminder makes good use of local amenities and children become familiar

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need to do better?

2 September 2022 with the world around them. She plans regular visits to the park and libraries. Children have a particular interest in animals, so the childminder became a member of a nearby farm park. She comments that these trips have helped all children, including those who speak English as an additional language. They become more confident to make sounds and express themselves. n Children benefit from fresh air and exercise when playing in the childminder's garden. While outdoors, the childminder makes the most of spontaneous opportunities to build on children's existing knowledge. For example, she names familiar objects, such as 'cat' and 'ball', to help them make connections when learning their first words. The childminder draws attention to different sounds. Children listen to the birds singing and the aeroplanes flying overhead. This supports children's developing listening and attention skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works in partnership with parents from the start. She gathers information about children's preferences and what they already know and can do. The childminder uses this to plan activities she knows children will enjoy and help them make progress. However, she has not yet developed effective links with other settings children attend, for continuity in their care and learning. n Parents praise the childminder. They say she is reliable, fun and professional. They comment that she provides interesting and enriching activities. Parents appreciate that they receive daily reports and photos to show the activities their children have enjoyed. Parents recognise their children are more confident and better at socialising as a result of spending time with the childminder.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has recently completed training to keep her safeguarding knowledge current. She is able to identify factors that may place a child at greater risk of neglect or abuse. The childminder is confident about the signs she would look for that may indicate a child's welfare is compromised. She has a clear understanding of the actions to take if she has concerns about a child. This includes what she would do in the event of an allegation against her or a member of her household. She recognises the importance of monitoring children's non- attendance and accident records to quickly notice emerging patterns that could cause concern. The childminder talks to older children to raise their awareness of keeping safe online.

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should:

n share information about children's learning and development with other settings they attend to ensure a consistent approach to supporting their progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY473604 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10231863 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 3 Date of previous inspection 23 September 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their provision, including the aims and rationale for their curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language and supporting children's social skills. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector took account of parents' written views. n The childminder showed the inspector key documentation.

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Inspection activities

2 September 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

2 September 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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