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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in this exceptional setting. They become deeply engaged as they enjoy exploring an exciting learning environment. Children develop curiosity and fascination in all aspects of their play, which results in extended learning at every opportunity. Their imaginations are ignited as the childminder encourages children to explore the garden for hidden treasure and fish. They use magnifying glasses to look at shells they have collected from the beach.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's happiness and well-being is at the forefront in this provision. They form secure bonds with the childminder and her assistant, which helps children to feel confident and secure. Children enjoy regular yoga sessions and often talk about their different emotions. They learn signing to help them to communicate their feelings.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder sets clear and precise boundaries, which the children respond positively to. Children are extremely cooperative as they listen to instruction and work together to tidy away toys. They play alongside each other harmoniously and form close relationships with their peers.

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The provision is outstanding

Children enjoy an exceptional array of interesting foods, such as prawns, crab, seaweed and soybeans. They have a positive attitude towards trying new foods. Children understand the benefit of eating lots of fruits and vegetables, to keep themselves healthy.

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need to do better?

n The childminder delivers a curriculum that is deeply embedded and based on children's individual needs and interests. The childminder shows excellent knowledge of how children learn and develop. She knows the children extremely well and plans activities and play opportunities to build on their knowledge. As a result, children are highly focused in their learning and make excellent progress. n The childminder goes above and beyond to provide the children with a rich set of experiences. They enjoy trips to the beach, museums and riding on the bus. Children attend a community café. They learn how to order food in the café, which supports their social skills. They talk to people who help them, such as community support officers. This helps children develop a superb understanding of the world around them. n Children make exceptional progress in their communication skills. They consistently use new vocabulary and communicate extremely clearly. The

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need to do better?

childminder introduces new language at every opportunity. For example, when children explore phonics toys, they link the sound 'f' to the word fish. They

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need to do better?

6 February 2023 develop their literacy skills as they explore a wide variety of books. Children listen to stories with great focus and eagerness. n Children are supported to become highly independent from an early age. They are immensely proud as they complete tasks for themselves, such as pouring their own drinks and putting their coats on. Children carry out self-care tasks such as toileting and washing their hands completely independently. This supports children to develop the vital life skills they need as they progress. n Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Parents speak extremely highly of the childminder. They value the support and advice given by the childminder and assistant to help them support their children's learning and development, such as advice on potty training and weaning. They enjoy receiving pictures of the many trips the children go on. Parents comment that their children have made

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need to do better?

extensive progress at the setting and are truly thankful for this 'incredible service'. n The childminder works exceptionally closely with local schools to support children to move on to the next stage of their education. She shares important information about the children's learning and development with teachers. The childminder provides parents with information on what to expect and how they can help their children in preparation for the transition. This ensures that children move successfully on to school. n The childminder works closely with her assistant. They regularly evaluate each other's practice and discuss children's learning and development regularly. The childminder and her assistant attend a wide range of training, which strengthens their already exceptional knowledge. They are very keen to continually improve their skills. This ensures that teaching remains at the highest level, and children

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder ensures that safeguarding children in her care is a priority. She keeps her knowledge up to date with a wide range of training. The childminder demonstrates excellent knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and/or neglect. There are clear and robust procedures in place for reporting any concerns she may have about the welfare of a child. Children are extremely well supervised within the setting. They have clear rules and expectations for safe play. The childminder ensures that the setting is secure and safe and carries out daily risk assessments to minimise hazards. Children practise routine fire drills, so they know what to do in an emergency.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489144 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10264965 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 12 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 30 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Takeley. She works with her husband, who is her assistant. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round, apart from family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3 and 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 setting. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk. She talked to the inspector about the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. She discussed children's progress with the childminder. n The childminder and inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This included evidence of the childminder's suitability, training record and safeguarding documents. n The inspector took account of written feedback provided by parents.

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Inspection activities

6 February 2023 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 February 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

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

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