Hall, Helen Marie

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children make exceptional progress. They relish their time outdoors in the inspiring garden. They show curiosity and wonder in their role play as they make 'potions' and 'dinner' in the mud kitchen. Children are confident and access an abundance of high-quality and interesting resources to aid their imagination. They delight in well- planned visits to the wood. They have freedom to explore nature, make broomsticks from twigs and have immense fun being creative and experimenting using paints on large scale materials in the fresh air.

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The provision is outstanding

Children relish their time with the childminder. They engage in a superb range of activities and show sustained concentration. Even very young children persevere at activities. They invite the childminder into their games. For example, she fully supports toddlers' love of football. They giggle as they kick balls with skill and score goals. Their fascination for animals following visits to the zoo is extended through their play. For example, the childminder creates an inviting and exciting 'farm' using natural materials. Children recall what they have previously learned as they name animals and the sounds they make. They listen intently to interactive farm stories, and excitedly use props from song bags as they sing along with the childminder. They become absorbed in their play. Children are very happy, settled, and secure in their environment and their behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an uncompromising knowledge of the children in her care. They make exceptional progress in their learning as the childminder's teaching is excellent. The childminder plans an exciting and ambitious curriculum that offers challenge. It is based on the children's interests and delivers the, 'curiosity approach' to learning. This has a positive impact and children are motivated and very eager to learn. They make rapid progress in their development as the childminder delivers extensive learning opportunities to broaden their knowledge, based on what they already know. Children acquire the skills they need for successful future learning. n The childminder is immensely calm and nurturing. Children are warmly welcomed into an inspiring environment and have established close, secure bonds with her. They feel safe and confident and even very young children settle extremely quickly, absorbed in the activities. The childminder is gentle in

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need to do better?

her approach and children experience superb care and attention. They are the centre of everything the childminder offers. n Parents speak of the childminder's incredible passion for her work. They comment that she provides their children with the highest standard of care. They feel comforted that their children are safe and make excellent progress. Many parents comment that their children settle quickly and are offered superb

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need to do better?

6 December 2022 learning opportunities. Parents write that communication is excellent and they feel fully informed regarding their child's day. Parents comment that they are offered continued support and resources, to continue their children's learning at home. n The childminder is dedicated to her work and strives for excellence. She is committed to her own professional development and is passionate about enhancing her own knowledge and skills. She understands how important the early years are and is effective in making a significant difference for all the children in her care. Children receive meaningful and sharply focused support in their personal and social development. The childminder extends her knowledge through training. Her practice is worthy of dissemination. n The childminder positively values and respects children's individuality. Children who require additional help receive excellent support to reach their full potential.

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need to do better?

Children engage in meaningful conversations about similarities and differences. The home and activities are fully inclusive. The childminder helps children to develop an astute understanding of communities wider than their own. For example, they have established links with the local residential home for the elderly. They regularly visit, sing songs, engage the residents in craft activities and play games. The childminder comments that the children adore the friendships they have made. n Children's speech and language skills are extremely good and they are confident speakers. The childminder models excellent language skills and understands the importance of posing open-ended questions. She allows children ample time to think and process information before they respond. Children listen intently to stories and instruction.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's welfare is given the highest priority. The childminder has an exceptionally sound understanding of her role in keeping children safe. She completes extensive training programmes and research to ensure she has a secure knowledge of current practice. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of possible signs and behaviours that may cause concern. She has a sound knowledge of the procedures to follow should she feel a child is at risk. The childminder is meticulous in the records and information she keeps, and ensures all records are well maintained and secure. Rigorous risk assessments of the premises and outings are completed. The childminder is stringent within the home and with the supervision of children to ensure their safety, within the extremely safe and secure environment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2598651 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10263125 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 15 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Braintree. She operates all year round, from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3 and 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 has 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 setting. 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 took account of the views of parents by reading written testimonials. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint observation together.

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Inspection activities

6 December 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

6 December 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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