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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children beam with smiles when they arrive at the setting, and they flourish in the care of this highly experienced childminder and her assistant. Their warm and positive approach helps children to feel completely secure, happy and relaxed. Children are supported to gain the knowledge and skills required to be independent. They are encouraged to have a go at tasks, such as preparing their own snacks, and delight in their own achievements. Children confidently explore the environment by moving freely between the areas allocated to them and selecting resources that interest them. Older children proudly show how they have learned to put their own coats and shoes on. Children behave impeccably. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the behavioural expectations and use this knowledge to make good decisions about how to behave. Younger children are sensitively supported to learn how to follow these expectations and be kind to their

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely confident and inspired to learn. They are highly motivated learners and are inquisitive and demonstrate an eagerness to take part in activities. Children focus intently on activities and demonstrate perseverance. For example, when they look for minibeasts in the garden, they look on in awe when the pots are lifted. When none are found, they quickly move on to another area to explore. The children are delighted when they find some minibeasts in the mud. They dig to find them and work together to identify what they find. Children spend a great deal of time outside, where they gain a deep understanding of the natural world and a great curiosity and enthusiasm to explore. They regularly go on walks and outings in the local area to build their knowledge of their community and equip them with the skills to be kind, respectful and care for the world around them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has the highest expectations for what every child can achieve and has a clear intent for what she wants children to learn during their time in her care. She uses her excellent knowledge of the children, exceptional teaching methods and a wealth of experience to support children to have a strong foundation in their learning. She carefully plans and implements activities to build upon what children already know and extends their learning to support them to reach their full potential. n Children are supported to acquire and use mathematical language. The childminder and her assistant ask questions effectively to encourage children to think, problem solve and use mathematical language. For example, children are encouraged to talk about the colours of the minibeasts, how many legs they have and count how many minibeasts are found. n The ambitious childminder reflects on all aspects of her provision and is keen to

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need to do better?

22 February 2023 maintain and improve on her extremely high standards of practice. She keeps herself and her assistant up to date, attends training, shares ideas with other professionals and reads widely to deepen her knowledge. The childminder constantly seeks ways to improve children's experiences. For example, she talks of plans to add more role-play resources to her provision, to provide even more opportunities for imaginative play. n A language-rich environment supports all children to acquire and use language. They are confident communicators and demonstrate enjoyment when interacting with adults and each other. They call each other by name to encourage their peers to join them in activities or to look at what is happening. n Parents speak extremely highly of the childminder and her assistant. They state that communication is exceptional and that they do not have any areas in which they feel the service could be improved. They talk at length about the excellent

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need to do better?

progress their children have made since attending. n The childminder and her assistant are extremely responsive to the children. They supervise effectively, interact, and listen to the children to ensure they feel valued, safe and reassured. The childminder goes above and beyond to get to know each individual child and find ways to support them. n The childminder encourages children to develop their understanding of the wider world. They learn about the changes in seasons, how vegetables grow in the local allotment and how to care for living things, such as the pet rabbits. Children enjoy visiting the local woods and taking part in the 'daily mile' walk. The childminder encourages children to value and respect each other's differences. For example, they learn about different festivals and days that are special to them during the year.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is extremely confident about her responsibilities to protect children from harm. She is exceptionally knowledgeable in recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse. Furthermore, she knows how to report concerns or seek advice if concerned about a child. The childminder reinforces her knowledge by attending regular training and referring to safeguarding information she has gathered. She includes her assistant in the training to ensure that she is equipped to recognise and act in case of possible harm to children. Additionally, the childminder is passionate about protecting children in the local community. For example, she provides parents with information about the risk county lines can pose to children. The childminder completes thorough risk assessments and ensures that the safety of children is her priority. Children learn from a young age to analyse risk. For example, they know how to behave around the pond in the

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY484840 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10264095 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 22 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Marks Tey, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays and family holidays, which are agreed in advance. The childminder works with an assistant.

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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 pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector and childminder carried out a learning walk, and the childminder talked to the inspector about how she plans her curriculum and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector observed adult-led activities and interactions between the childminder, her assistant and children. n The inspector viewed the areas used for childminding. n The inspector considered the views of parents through discussion and written feedback provided. n The inspector communicated with the children. n The inspector viewed documentation, including evidence of suitability and training certificates. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and

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Inspection activities

outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

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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

22 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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