Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

Children attend this setting with great joy and enthusiasm. They are nicely settled and have a positive attitude to learning and discovery. The environment is stimulating, with fun and exciting activities. For example, children enjoy learning more about 'Shrove Tuesday', widening their knowledge and understanding of the world. Children take turns to read relevant facts about this event to practise and enhance their literacy skills. Furthermore, children engage in meaningful discussions and learn new words, such as 'lent', 'independence' and 'cinnamon'. This activity also supports children's listening and attention skills, concentration and social interactions.

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This provision meets requirements

At snack time, children have great fun pretending to flip pancakes. They laugh and giggle with enthusiasm as they wait patiently for their turn. This helps support role play and strengthens their social skills. Children have many opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles. For example, they engage in discussions about healthy food and make their own healthy choices of pancakes toppings.

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This provision meets requirements

Children have access to a wide array of books to develop a passion for reading. They also have opportunities to build on their mathematical skills, such as number recognition and learning to tell the time. This provides continuity of learning and development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers a rich environment with plenty of meaningful and inspiring activities and resources. Children make their own choices about the activities they would like to explore next. They share and take turns with confidence. For example, they are very happy and enthusiastic to show their self-portraits, displaying high levels of pride. This in turn boosts their self- esteem. n The childminder is an excellent role model for the children. She models language well and engages in meaningful conversations with the children. The childminder often asks the children open questions to help them build on their critical- thinking and problem-solving. The childminder promotes communication and language skills to very high levels and enhances children's vocabulary. n Children behave very well and have excellent manners. They show high levels of respect and consideration towards their peers and the childminder. For example,

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need to do better?

children cooperate well with their peers to create a large collage with all the facts about 'Shrove Tuesday'. This also helps further develop their fine motor skills, creativity and teamwork. n Children form strong relationships with the childminder who offers a calm, stable

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need to do better?

21 February 2023 and nurturing environment. They feel secure in her care and readily ask for help when needed. This supports children's emotional well-being effectively. In addition, the childminder often rewards the children with 'Star of the Month', to build on their self-esteem and sense of pride and achievement. As a result, children thrive and are highly motivated to succeed in all aspects of their learning. n The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of children's interests and abilities. She uses information gained from discussions with parents and children to plan activities that interest children and build on their knowledge. For example, when the children learn to tell the time in school, the childminder provides clocks and number games to consolidate this learning. n Partnerships with parents and other professionals are strong and effective. The childminder works very well with parents to find out about children's needs and

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need to do better?

interests. This promotes good continuity of care and adds value to the setting's overall practice. Parents feel involved and comment on the childminder's enthusiastic approach to create a fun and exciting environment for their children. n The childminder's vision and ethos for her setting is ambitious. She strives to create a safe and inspirational setting, where children feel happy and thrive. The childminder is knowledgeable and experienced and always looks for ways to improve her practice to benefit all children. She takes part in regular training opportunities to keep her knowledge up to date.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a strong and robust knowledge and understanding of safeguarding. This includes wider aspects of safeguarding, such as female genital mutilation and county lines. The childminder has effective and accurate policies and procedures in place to guide her, which she reviews regularly and shares with parents. She understands the importance of following the correct procedures to report any concerns to relevant professionals, to protect children from harm. The childminder completes regular training to keep her safeguarding knowledge up to date. The childminder takes steps to help ensure that her home and garden are safe. She carries our regular risk assessments, helping to assure children's safety and welfare.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY487920 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10264787 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 16 Date of previous inspection 26 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Chelmsford. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7am to 9am and 3pm to 5.30pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 provision. n The provider showed the inspector around the provision. They discussed how the provision and the activities are organised. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children and assessed the impact this has on children's well-being and learning. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n Parents spoke about the setting to the inspector, who took account of their views. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at the relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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

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