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 comfortable, confident and happy. They have established close bonds with the attentive and nurturing childminder. They settle quickly in her care and show curiosity and enthusiasm to learn. The childminder offers a wide range of fun and challenging activities. These are planned around the children's interests and what they need to learn next. Children relish their time in the garden and can choose where they want to play. The childminder is aware of children's preferred way of learning. She is skilful in how she plans activities outdoors, such as learning about colours. For example, children listen with intent to the childminder and follow instructions as they excitedly fill baskets with coloured leaves. They proudly discuss the treasures they have found and sort, compare and match the colours, engaging the childminder in their play.

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The provision is good

The children are spoken to respectfully, and the childminder models good language. Children engage in meaningful conversations and develop a wide vocabulary as the childminder continually introduces new words to them. For example, she reminds children to have a drink to keep 'hydrated'. Children are inquisitive and ask lots of questions. They confidently communicate what they want. Children are gently reminded to cover their mouth when they cough and understand this is to catch germs. Children are familiar with the childminder's expectations. For example, they know to throw tissues in the bin and wash their hands before eating. The childminder implements consistent routines that teach children the importance of keeping safe and healthy.

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need to do better?

n The childminder strives for excellence. She is reflective and evaluates her practice. She is committed to improving the service she provides through ongoing training, as she is aware of the positive impact this has for children. n The childminder has a secure knowledge of how children learn. She ensures the curriculum supports these characteristics and offers a variety of learning opportunities that cover all areas of learning. Children are enthusiastic and eager to have a go and try new things. Children who are less keen on messy play are encouraged to enjoy sensory play, and they show sustained concentration as they mould magic sand. n Parents speak positively about the care and education their children receive. They comment that the childminder is trustworthy, supportive and knows their children well. They discuss how easily the children settle in the welcoming environment. They comment that the children are making very good progress in

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need to do better?

their development and have grown in confidence since attending. Parents also comment how they appreciate all the experiences that are offered to their children outside the setting.

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need to do better?

24 October 2022 n The childminder celebrates children's individuality. The well-planned activities help children learn about similarities and differences. Children behave well, and the childminder promotes good manners. They say 'please' and 'thank you' without being prompted. Children learn about their emotions. A variety of resources are available to support their understanding and provide the language they need to communicate their feelings. They participate in regular yoga activities and enjoy the soothing, calming music as they follow the instructions. n Children enjoy some role-play opportunities. They have great fun on 'dress-up day'. They use small-world figures and dolls and act out real-life scenarios. However, resources are limited, and some are not easily accessible to fully support children's imaginary play, captivate and challenge their interests and encourage their thinking further. n Children have ample opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They develop their

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need to do better?

large-muscle skills as they carefully swing on the tree. Children make slides using large planks and regularly visit the local park or beach, where they enjoy the large spaces for running and climbing. They recall what they have learned from the well-planned outings. They excitedly talk about the shells they collect, the train and bus rides and their visits to the farm. n The childminder is very knowledgeable about how children learn. She successfully encourages and supports their interests and promotes their enthusiasm to learn. The childminder supports child-led play very well. The completion of an initial assessment means she is fully aware of where the children are when they first attend, and activities can be planned accordingly. Children make good progress in their learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe. She has a good knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of abuse, including wider issues, such as county lines and domestic violence. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow and who to contact should she have concerns regarding a child in her care. The childminder completes ongoing training to ensure her knowledge is updated. Children play in a safe environment. They are taught how to stay safe and healthy and learn how to take safe risks, with full support from the childminder.

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should:

n extend the range of role-play resources to enable all children to explore and develop their own play and ideas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2595111 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10251359 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 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020. She provides care Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7am to 7pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works from Monday to Thursday during school holidays. She offers funded early education for two-, 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 childminder. n The inspector observed the areas of the setting available to children. 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. n The childminder shared some documents with the inspector, including evidence of her suitability.

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Inspection activities

24 October 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

24 October 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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