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 flourish and thrive at this warm and inclusive setting. They look forward to coming in and finding the adults and children that they adore playing with each day. The childminder greets children with warmth, making them feel welcome and valued. Children build close bonds with the childminder and her assistants. They look to the adults for reassurance and comfort when needed. Children quickly develop confidence in accessing toys and resources for play.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is superb. They smile and laugh in delight as they play together in the role play kitchen. The childminder and her assistants act as incredible role models for sharing and turn taking. This ensures that environments remain calm, and children engage in activities for long periods of time. Children show extremely high levels of engagement in play. The childminder's rules and expectations for behaviour are clear and consistent. This means that children feel secure in what is expected of them throughout the day. They want to help the adults and enjoy tidying away the toys after use.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is keen to support inclusiveness and equality. She teaches children, using stories and songs, that it is important to be themselves. As a result, children develop a sense of belonging and respect towards others.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides exceptional support for children who speak English as an additional language. She learns key words and phrases in other languages to use alongside English. As a result, children make excellent progress with their communication and language development. They become proud of the languages they speak. n The childminder and her assistants provide excellent opportunities for mark making. Children engage for prolonged periods of time during exciting activities. They learn skills to create marks from an early age. Staff use these opportunities to teach about colours and how they change when mixed. n The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) incredibly well. She gets to know children with SEND and their families and works with them to access the right support. This helps children to become secure in learning, and they make pleasing progress in all

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need to do better?

areas of development. n The childminder and her assistants provide an environment extremely rich in language. Their instructions are clear and adapted to children's level of understanding. New words and language are introduced during play. Children thrive on praise for their achievements. They fast become confident speakers, making their needs and opinions known.

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need to do better?

31 October 2022 n The childminder provides outstanding opportunities for children to explore the community. She takes children to the woods, toddler groups and the library weekly. The childminder plans regular trips to the zoo and farm. She adds excellent learning opportunities by pointing out wildlife in the woods. Children excitedly learn names of animals and count how many they see. This supports children to gain great appreciation and respect for nature. n The childminder strongly promotes health, hygiene and independence. Children wash their hands to keep germs away. They delight in finding their own cloth for wiping their hands. Children carefully take their shoes on and off and put them in the box. The childminder teaches children about healthy eating during sociable snack and mealtimes. Due to this, children become independent and self-aware. n The childminder creates incredible teaching moments. The childminder teaches

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need to do better?

children to exceptional standards. The childminder and her assistants plan meaningful and stimulating activities with children. They challenge the children with questions such as 'what do you think will happen?' and 'what do you need to do now?' to encourage problem solving. Children become independent explorers. They love finding out how things work for themselves. n The childminder has robust systems for assessing and tracking children's development. She regularly observes children to gauge their individual learning needs. The childminder then creates challenging yet achievable learning targets. This means that opportunities to learn and develop are abundant, and children progress at an exceptional rate. n Parent partnerships are commendable. Parents praise the childminder for creating a 'welcoming, family feel' environment. They appreciate the variety of activities and outings planned. Parents report feeling updated each day on what

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need to do better?

their children learn and enjoy. They feel confident that children are happy and settled.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has strong knowledge and awareness of safeguarding principles. She is confident in the processes of recording and reporting concerns to her local authority for further guidance. The childminder is highly aware of the types and signs of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risk of children being drawn into the transportation of drugs. The childminder has up-to-date training in safeguarding and first aid. She has robust fire evacuation procedures, and risk assessments are in place for all aspects of her provision. The childminder prioritises hygiene and safety. She teaches children the importance of looking out for possible risks and safety aspects for themselves.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 560137 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10234592 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 6 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Chelmsford. She works with two assistants and operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder 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 setting 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 they want 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 The childminder joined the inspector for a joint observation of an activity. n Parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection, sharing their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and evidence of relevant training.

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Inspection activities

31 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

31 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

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