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 Good

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The provision is good

Children happily arrive and are eager to explore the activities provided. They are warmly welcomed by the caring, nurturing childminder and settle quickly in the calm and safe, home-from-home environment. They have developed secure attachments with the childminder, and this is evident from children's cheerful, confident, and relaxed behaviour. Children make choices about what they want to do and independently select from a wide range of resources. They show enthusiasm to learn and are inquisitive, asking lots of questions. The childminder engages them in discussions about snow and ice. They learn about cause and effect as they make attempts to rescue toy animals from blocks of ice. Children make predictions as to how to defrost the ice. They listen with intent and eagerness as the childminder reads stories about polar bears and melting ice caps.

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy being creative and imaginary play. They style the childminder's hair in the role-play hairdressing shop. Children practise early writing skills as they make appointments and price lists. They use simple technology as they enjoy squashing and kneading play dough through dough machines and cut out shapes and make patterns. The childminder engages children in discussions about the shapes and colours they are using, to secure their understanding of mathematical concepts. Children excitedly sing mathematical songs using props. They use simple subtraction when snowmen are removed, and they confidently count how many are left. Children behave well and demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good. The childminder understands the importance of continuous personal development. She is aware that building on her already good knowledge can improve outcomes further for the children in her care. She is committed to improving her knowledge through training opportunities. The childminder has a culture of evaluating the service she provides, which includes parents' and children's views. n Parents' written comments say they value the childminder and that she is an integral part of their family. They say the childminder goes above and beyond their expectations and shows great kindness to the children. Parents comment on the exciting activities and how well their children learn. n The childminder knows the children and their families extremely well. She supports children's understanding of the world. For example, children enjoy outings to the park and visits to a local farm, library and shops, to help them

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need to do better?

learn about the community they live in. The childminder supports children's knowledge of other families' lifestyles and cultures that are outside of their own experiences.

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need to do better?

13 December 2022 n The childminder has a secure understanding of the skills children need to learn before they go to school or pre-school. She builds on what they already know and their knowledge of number through counting, addition, and subtraction. Children are supported to make marks using different tools throughout their play and activities. They are encouraged to independently take care of their personal needs, fully supported by the childminder. For example, they confidently pour themselves drinks of water with skill. They go to the bathroom and know to wash their hands after using the toilet. n Children's behaviour is good. They have formed friendships and play well together. They understand the childminder's expectations and are generally kind to one another. They demonstrate good manners and have established close bonds with the childminder. While the childminder is aware of the importance of

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need to do better?

supporting 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 speaking and listening skills are developing well. The childminder asks open-ended questions to help children think for themselves and she gives them ample time to respond. She introduces new words to extend their vocabulary, such as 'multicoloured' and 'stripy'. They excitedly compare and use new language as they discover their gloves are multicoloured.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder ensures children's welfare is protected. Through training, the childminder has a secure knowledge of the process to follow should she have a concern that a child is at risk from harm. The childminder shares her policies and knowledge gained from training with parents. She has a comprehensive understanding of possible signs and behaviours that may cause concern. This includes wider aspects of child protection, such as county lines and domestic violence. Children are closely supervised by the childminder. They play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder teaches children how to stay safe and healthy through meaningful activities. They learn about road safety when on outings.

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should:

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number 202666 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10234295 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 11 Date of previous inspection 14 March 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1997 and lives in Galleywood, Essex. The childminder operates during term time only from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting 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 viewed all areas of the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss their intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents provided the inspector with oral and written feedback. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

13 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

13 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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