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 are provided with a wealth of well-planned, focused and inspiring activities in an exceptional play environment that enables them to make rapid progress. They relish their time outdoors in the exciting garden. They are free to choose where they play and flow freely from indoors to outdoors. They excitedly welcome the challenge of balancing and rolling balls down drainpipes. They show sustained concentration as they learn this new skill, repeating and practising what they have learned to ensure that it is secure. They giggle when they make attempts at rolling a large inflatable ball and are positively encouraged to problem-solve as to why this does not work. Even very young children use simple mathematical language as they explain it is 'too big'. Children are very secure and confident within this most child-friendly environment. They access an abundance of high-quality, challenging and interesting resources to support their curiosity and learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Children leave their parents with ease as they are welcomed by the happy and nurturing childminder and her assistant. They demonstrate that they are eager to start their day and investigate what is on offer. Children soon become absorbed in their play. The childminder invests time in getting to know the children and their families before they start. She visits them in their home and has extensive conversations about what they like and where they are in their development. This means that she plans activities that capture their interest. Children have established close bonds with her and are very happy, settled and secure in the childminder's home. They understand the childminder's high expectations, and even very young children demonstrate that they care about their friends and are kind to them. Their behaviour is very good.

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need to do better?

n Children's speech and language skills are exceptionally good. Even very young children and children who are bilingual are confident speakers. They ask lots of questions and listen intently when the childminder speaks to them. The childminder and her assistant provide running commentaries during activities and are skilful in engaging children in conversation. They model excellent language skills and understand the importance of posing open-ended questions. Children are given time to think and process information before they respond. n The outstanding childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of the children in her care. She has a thorough understanding of child development, how children learn, and the importance of an enabling environment. Children make exceptional progress in their learning as the childminder's teaching is excellent. The ambitious curriculum is planned around children's interests, and all activities

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need to do better?

are differentiated and challenging to ensure that all children are included. This has a positive impact and children show excitement and are motivated and

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need to do better?

18 April 2023 eager to learn. They make rapid progress in their development as the childminder delivers extensive learning opportunities to broaden their knowledge, based on what they already know. n The childminder is gentle in her approach and children experience superb care and attention. Children are the centre of everything that the childminder offers. The home is completely dedicated to the children. Children acquire the skills that they need for successful future learning. Extensive support and resources are provided to help children to experience a smooth transition to school or nursery. n Children have ample opportunities to learn about the local community and how to take care of the environment they live in. For example, they participate in 'Womble walks' where they litter pick and learn the physical skill needed to use the litter pickers. From a very young age, children recycle their wastepaper and

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need to do better?

plastic using recycling bins in the playrooms. They scrape food waste into composts bins that are available to them. n Parents speak of the 'brilliant childminder', her ongoing support, and the excellent advice and encouragement that they receive from her. They comment that the childminder has an incredible passion for her work. Several speak of how the childminder 'goes the extra mile' to ensure that the children are happy and well cared for. Parents say that the childminder is very reassuring and safety conscious. They appreciate the exciting activities and well-planned trips outside the home to further broaden children's experiences. n The childminder strives for excellence. She shows complete commitment and is dedicated to her work. She understands the positive impact that training has on outcomes for children. The childminder is also very supportive of her assistant's ongoing professional development and is a good role model and mentor.

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need to do better?

Training is positively encouraged to enhance her own and her assistant's knowledge and skills. The childminder understands how important the early years are and is effective in making a significant difference for all the children in her care. The childminder shares her wealth of experience as she regularly supports new and existing childminders in the local area.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is highly effective. The childminder and her assistant have a comprehensive knowledge of the procedures that enable them to protect children from harm. She is extremely conscientious about children's safety and welfare. The childminder implements highly effective practices and procedures to promote children's safety and well-being. She is committed to ensure that she is up to date with current practice, and has completed extensive safeguarding training along with her assistant. This includes a wide range of child protection issues. The childminder talks competently about how to identify possible signs and behaviours that may indicate a child is at risk, and how to report any concerns and the process to follow. This includes a robust whistle-blowing policy.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 203257 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10280717 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 14 Date of previous inspection 25 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in Harlow, Essex. She operates her childminding service from Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early years education for three- and four-year-old children. 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 the pandemic with her and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the areas of the home available to children. n The childminder explained her intentions for the children's development and how she plans and implements her educational programme. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors, and assessed the impact that this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection, and took account of the views of parents by reading written testimonials. n The inspector spoke with the childminder's assistant throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

18 April 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

18 April 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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