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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children experience high-quality interactions with a nurturing childminder. They have warm relationships that are based on care and respect. Children have significant language skills for their age. They join in with everyday conversations that build on their early vocabulary. Children have friendly relationships with their peers and are socially confident. They are independent in their play and able to make choices. Children are provided with a curriculum that combines purposeful activities and unique experiences.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are curious; they explore and experiment in vibrant experiences. They enjoy collecting acorns, pinecones and leaves in their treasure-hunt bags. Children learn new vocabulary as they explore how the leaves feel, describing them as 'crunchy'. They mark make with brushes on the fence, reaching up on tiptoes to make lines. Children use chalks to draw on the concrete. They move their arms, helping to develop motor skills for the physical preparation for early writing.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely well prepared for the next stages of their education. They make excellent progress and parents acknowledge the childminder's positive contribution to this. Children are highly valued as individuals and the childminder listens to them attentively. They enjoy helping to care for the guinea pigs and imitate the noises they make while playing in the garden. These opportunities children experience give them a wider perspective on the world around them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is highly motivated and an excellent role model to children. The home environment is well organised, enabling children to have freedom of choice. The childminder puts high emphasis on children becoming independent. During self-care routines, such as handwashing, good habits are embedded by singing songs such as, 'wash, wash, wash our hands'. Children benefit from the positive attitude of the childminder. She clearly demonstrates she wants the best for the children in her care. n Children join in with stories enthusiastically. The childminder names the animals, and the children respond by making the noises. They use finger puppets to extend conversations and role-play stories. Children eagerly choose books and sit looking at them, turning the pages independently. The children are keen to have a go at the 'magic painting' with water. The childminder explains, 'We are doing a different sort of painting today' and the children spontaneously repeat

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need to do better?

the word 'different'. They observe closely the changes that happen when they paint water on the picture. The children gaze in awe at the changing colours that appear. n From a young age, children are exposed to numbers and counting opportunities.

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need to do better?

29 September 2022 The childminder supports the children to have enriching learning experiences, which supports their all-round development. Children are encouraged to self- serve their own snack. They use a spoon to transfer the chopped banana to their plate. Children say 'finished' when they are ready for the next part of their lunch and wait patiently. The childminder promotes healthy eating and supports parents to adopt healthy diets for their children. Children visit the zoo, go on walks to post letters, visit the dentist and go shopping to buy ingredients for cooking activities. These diverse experiences outside the home offer opportunities for further learning. n The children engage in spontaneous fun. This is encouraged wholeheartedly and is part of well-embedded practice. Children choose fabric scarves and put them on their heads. They shout 'peekaboo' as they move around the room smiling and giggling. An older child ensures everyone takes part and gives the baby one

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need to do better?

to join in with the game. The childminder extends the learning, naming the colours and making noises to accompany the children's play. Children are strongly supported in all aspects of care and education. n Parent partnerships are outstanding. The childminder provides a warm, safe and caring environment. Parents know their children are happy and that they thrive in the childminder's care. Positive relationships and an ethos of open communication have been developed by the childminder. Parents talk about the inclusive environment provided, where all families are welcomed and celebrated. The childminder and parents work in harmony, ensuring the needs of the children always come first.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is fully aware of the responsibilities of keeping children safe from potential harm. She has an excellent knowledge and understanding of signs of abuse. The childminder has attended appropriate training and is aware of the reporting procedures should there be a concern. There are appropriate procedures and policies embedded. The children are supervised appropriately in the childminder's care and risk assessments for activities are completed. Children are encouraged to learn about safety from an early age. They are exposed to risky play, which encourages their resilience and healthy development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY358641 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10235122 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 13 Date of previous inspection 5 December 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2007 and lives in Colchester, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector in written testimonials. n The childminder provided the inspector with key documentation to demonstrate their suitability to provide care for children.

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Inspection activities

29 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

29 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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