Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Children greet visitors with a huge smile and enjoy their time at this 'home-from- home' provision. The childminder provides effective daily care practices to support children's emotional security and the development of their unique characters. However, she has not maintained a valid paediatric first-aid qualification.

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The provision requires improvement

Children develop a love of reading. They choose from an inviting and varied selection of books and ask the childminder to read to them. The childminder offers learning experiences that develop children's vocabulary and their understanding of language across the early years curriculum. For example, children delight in an adult-led activity each morning, such as flash cards. All children interact and take turns to answer questions and describe what they can see on the cards.

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder provides children with experiences that inspire awe and wonder, such as exploring different modes of transport by taking a trip on a bus. Children benefit from regular visits to the local gym, where they challenge themselves while building confidence and developing their physical skills. Children self-select from a range of stimulating and age-appropriate resources in a lovely purpose-built playroom and spacious outdoor environment.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has allowed her paediatric first-aid qualification to expire. This qualification is a requirement of the early years foundation stage to ensure children's ongoing good health. Nevertheless, the childminder demonstrates that she has secure knowledge of how to respond effectively and deliver appropriate first aid to children in the event of an an emergency. n Children show high levels of concentration during activities, and they are creative and curious in their playing and exploring. Children develop resilience and perseverance and a determination to succeed. n The childminder eats alongside the children and prompts discussions about healthy eating. She provides healthy snacks and the children learn to make healthy food choices. Children develop an understanding of good oral health as they brush their teeth after mealtimes. However, at mealtimes, the childminder does not always help children to develop their understanding of the importance

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need to do better?

of hygiene routines. For example, she does not consistently remind them to wash their hands before eating. n The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour and conduct. She is consistent with meaningful praise for children's efforts and achievements. As a result, children are well behaved and develop positive behaviours and self- esteem. The childminder provides gentle support to help children to understand right from wrong. Children are learning to share and accept the needs of others.

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need to do better?

31 January 2023 n Overall, teaching is meaningful and is designed to help children remember long- term what they have been taught. For example, children who are learning to count in sequence are asked to recall this information by counting the stairs as they walk up them. The childminder works collaboratively with parents to share information about their children and identify any gaps in children's learning. In addition, a robust assessment process is in place to check what children know and can do, to inform teaching. As a result, all children make good progress in all areas of learning and development. n Parents report excellent communication from the childminder. Through daily face-to-face communications and the offer of regular parents' meetings, parents feel they have the knowledge to support children's further progress at home. In addition, the childminder and her assistant have built a good rapport with the

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need to do better?

local primary schools. Safe arrangements are in place to take and collect children to and from school. n The childminder has an effective settling-in process. Children make swift and smooth transitions into her provision. However, the childminder does not consistently share information with other settings where the children attend to complement their learning experiences. n The childminder works collaboratively with other outside professionals, such as health visitors, to ensure all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive the support they need. She understands the importance of inclusive practice and promotes diversity through championing children's individuality and teaching them about different festivals.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding. She attends regular training and knows about local child protection procedures. The childminder and her assistant understand the importance of following the correct procedures to report any concerns to relevant professionals, to protect children from harm. Risk assessments are in place to ensure children can play safely, indoors and outdoors. The childminder understands how to manage allegations of harm or abuse against her or anyone who lives in her home. She has secure knowledge of what to do when recruiting assistants to ensure their suitability.

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Due date

maintain a current paediatric first-aid certificate. 03/03/2023

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should:

n help children to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of good hygiene and self-care practice and how this contributes to their good health n review how information is shared between other settings that children attend to support smooth transitions and continuity of teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2603921 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10264569 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 14 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Colchester, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. 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 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 childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intention for children's learning. The childminder showed the inspector the resources and the areas of the premises that are used for childminding. n The inspector discussed with the childminder how she will implement the curriculum and support all children to make progress, including how the childminder intends to plan, observe and assess children in their care. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation together.

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Inspection activities

n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. Parents and carers shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The inspector asked the childminder questions throughout the inspection to establish her understanding of how to safeguard children. n The inspector viewed evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household and other relevant documentation, such as a selection of policies and other records.

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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

31 January 2023 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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