Blighton, Christine Anne

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children arrive happy and keen to start their day. They are warmly welcomed by a dedicated and enthusiastic childminder. They have formed close attachments with her and are very happy, confident, and secure in her care. They settle quickly and demonstrate they are eager to learn. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the children's interests and preferred way in which they learn. She provides them with a varied and ambitious curriculum. Children enthusiastically explore the environment, both indoors and outdoors. They engage the childminder in their games. For example, they invite the childminder to tea as they carefully cut portions of cake in the role-play shop. They use simple mathematics, as they count the birthday candles on the cake. They use money to sell bread in their shop and count the pennies.

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The provision is good

Children make good progress as the childminder builds on what the children already know and their interests. She provides them with fun and challenging learning opportunities. Children are curious and motivated to try new experiences and 'have a go'. For example, children demonstrate an interest in hedgehogs. The childminder provides them with reference and story books to expand their knowledge and understanding. They mix paints together to make the colour they need to paint portraits of hedgehogs. These and other creations are displayed around the playroom creating a real sense of belonging, and celebrating children's achievements.

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need to do better?

n Children learn how to stay safe and healthy. The childminder provides them with well-balanced and nutritious snacks. They take pride in peeling and cutting their fruit, closely supported by the childminder. Children learn about oral health, as the childminder plans fun activities and games to help them understand the importance of taking care of themselves and their teeth. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise in the garden. An abundance of activities in the outdoor classroom covers all seven areas of learning, and children choose where they want to play. n Parents' written comments detail their complete satisfaction of every aspect of care provided. They write that they feel lucky to find the 'perfect childminder', who they 'wholeheartedly trust'. They comment on the stringent hygiene within the home, exciting educational activities, and the professional care their children receive. Parents comment that they appreciate the outdoor activities provided,

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need to do better?

and the varied planned outings. They say the childminder communicates well and they feel very assured leaving their children in her care. n The quality of teaching is good. The childminder is aware of the importance of continuous professional development. She is committed to improving her knowledge through training opportunities. The childminder evaluates the service

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need to do better?

23 November 2022 she provides to improve outcomes for the children. n Children's communication skills are supported well. Children are inquisitive, and are confident speakers. They ask questions. The childminder models language well. She positively engages children in conversation, and is aware of the importance of allowing time for children to process information and respond. n Overall, children's behaviour is good. They have formed friendships and play well together. They understand the childminder's expectations, and are respectful to one another. They demonstrate good manners and have established close bonds with the childminder. While the childminder is aware of the importance to support children's emotional development, there are fewer focused opportunities for children to learn about emotions, how to regulate their feelings and learn the vocabulary they need to express themselves. n Children's creativity is fully supported. They have great fun singing. They use

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need to do better?

props and puppets and enjoy the interactive music time. They can relax in a cosy, comfortable and well-stocked book area to enjoy stories. They have ample opportunity to express themselves through sensory play opportunities. Craft materials are easily accessible for children to explore and make marks. n Children benefit from organised outings outside of the home. They learn there is a wider community other than their own. For example, they relish playing at the farm and buy eggs from the farmer. They develop their physical skills and collect shells while on beach adventures. Children enjoy walks around the village and attend the library regularly to choose books. They have learned about the life cycle of lobsters through visits to the local lobster shack.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's welfare is protected. The childminder is very knowledgeable of the process to follow should she have a concern that a child is at risk from harm. She regularly completes safeguarding training. The childminder is proactive and is informed of issues around wider aspects of child protection, through her own research. This means she is fully aware of potential dangers to children. She has a secure understanding of possible behaviours that may suggest a child is at risk. Children play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder completes routine risk assessments to ensure any potential hazards are swiftly addressed. Children are always supervised by the childminder.

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should:

n include more focused activities within the curriculum to support children's understanding of emotions and develop their vocabulary further, to enable them to express how they feel.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 202805 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10234296 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 7 Date of previous inspection 13 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2002 and lives in Brightlingsea, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. The childminder provides 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 childminder and the inspector had a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during indoor activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector took account of the written views of the parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

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

23 November 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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