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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are very happy to attend this provision and display a positive attitude to learning. Children form a very strong relationship with the childminder, who in turn supports their emotional well-being, self-esteem and resilience. Children are very familiar with the established routines and navigate with interest and ease around the provision, choosing activities that spark their curiosity and excitement. For example, all children enjoy exploring the water sprays, which helps to develop their hand-to-eye coordination and control. They laugh with excitement when spraying on each other, which builds on their social relationships. Furthermore, children water the vegetable patch. They name the vegetables and have meaningful discussions to further develop their understanding of the world.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy books and develop a passion for reading. They speak with excitement about their favourite story with the witch and the dragon. Children engage in pretend play to further develop their imaginative skills. The childminder builds on children's literacy skills and offers trays with various natural resources to support and consolidate the story of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. The childminder supports children's fine motor skills through exciting activities with play dough. She introduces new concepts to children, such as pinching, rolling and squishing.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers a rich environment with plenty of meaningful learning opportunities. The children have access to a wide array of books, for every age and ability, which are placed all around the provision. Babies look through their favourite book with confidence and great interest. When they notice a picture of a 'Gruffalo', they point and growl like the Gruffalo, smiling with excitement. n Children behave well. They follow the childminder's instructions to help keep them safe. Children are learning to regulate their own behaviour. They share and take turns with ease. Children are developing their independence. They cut up fruit for snack and attend to their personal care needs. n Children form strong relationships with the childminder, who offers a calm and stable environment. They feel secure in her care and readily ask for her help when needed. This supports children's emotional well-being effectively.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of children's learning. She uses her assessment of what children can do to plan for the next steps in their learning. However, occasionally, the childminder does not extend children's learning to ensure that they are sufficiently challenged. This means that children are not always engaged in their learning. n Children have good opportunities to learn about nature, such finding out about the life cycle of a butterfly. The childminder helps children to consolidate prior learning by encouraging them to remember what they already know and then

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need to do better?

1 August 2022 build on it. She introduces words such as 'cocoon' and 'chrysalis' and checks children's understanding to embed new knowledge. However, at times, the childminder does not engage children in challenging conversations to develop their communication and language skills to a high level. n The childminder's vision and ethos for her provision are ambitious. She is continuously looking for ways to improve her knowledge and teaching techniques to benefit children. The childminder is experienced and takes part in regular training opportunities to keep her knowledge up to date. She regularly meets with other childminders to share good practice. n Children develop good physical skills. They competently climb up and come down the slide and crawl through tunnels. Children enjoy playing in the childminder's garden and running around in the fresh air. They sit comfortably in the tent to eat their snack and lunch.

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need to do better?

n Partnership working with parents is strong. They comment on how inclusive, robust and effective the childminder's approach to their children's learning and development is. For example, they praise how well the childminder has supported their children's emotional well-being and social interactions. The childminder shares good information with parents about their child's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, including wider aspects, such as county lines. She has effective and accurate policies and procedures in place to guide her, which she reviews regularly and shares with the parents. The childminder understands the importance of following the correct procedures to report any concerns to relevant professionals, to protect children from harm. She completes regular training to keep her safeguarding knowledge up to date. The childminder records and monitors children's accidents and pre-existing injuries. She takes steps to help to ensure that her home and garden are safe. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments. This helps to assure children's safety and welfare.

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should:

n strengthen teaching skills to provide children with rich opportunities to be fully challenged in their learning n find ways to engage children more effectively in challenging conversations to develop their communication and language skills to a high level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY552756 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10174068 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 16 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Hatfield Peverel, near Chelmsford. She operates during term time from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first 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 inspector and the childminder had a learning walk together. They discussed how the curriculum is organised and what the childminder wants the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and education and assessed the impact on children's learning. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder and household members.

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Inspection activities

1 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

1 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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