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 Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the care of this kind, nurturing childminder. They immerse themselves in the high-quality learning opportunities she provides through a thoughtfully-planned curriculum. Children show they are emotionally safe and secure. They talk to each other, narrate and sing to themselves as they play. Children are extremely confident and social. Their behaviour is exemplary, and they show positive attitudes towards their learning. Children share and ask each other to take turns. They use good manners, saying 'please' and 'thank you'.

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The provision is outstanding

Children take part in various trips and outings, where they gain a deep understanding of the natural world and a great curiosity and enthusiasm to explore. They join in weekly sessions of forest schools, where they learn how to be creative using natural resources. Children's learning extends to the outdoor area, which enhances their physical development. For example, children adeptly use swings and monkey bars, demonstrating and encouraging their younger peers to grab on. The childminder takes every opportunity to encourage children to learn something new or practise a skill they have recently learned, such as walking on a balancing beam.

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The provision is outstanding

Children move around with ease and confidence in the well-organised and meticulously planned play areas. Children engage in activities and show sustained levels of concentration when trying new experiences. For example, they use a play drill to screw in toy flowers. They talk about 'stalks' and 'stems' as they skilfully place them on the platform and carefully drill them in.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is extremely passionate about providing children with the highest quality care and education. For instance, she gathers precise information about them through her discussions with parents and her comprehensive assessments. The childminder plans an exciting and challenging curriculum built on what the children already know, to broaden their knowledge and understanding. n The childminder's understanding of how children learn is exceptional, and her teaching is excellent. Children make rapid progress and acquire the skills they need for successful future learning. For example, while playing with a role-play shop, children learn the concepts of selling and buying. They spontaneously count correctly in sequences up to 10, negotiate payments and learn new language that comes with it. The childminder supports the children in their play, offering sensitive guidance and prompting conversations.

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need to do better?

n The childminder places a strong focus on developing children's language and communication, which is extremely good. The environment is rich in language

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need to do better?

15 June 2023 opportunities. The childminder models good communication skills and understands the importance of asking open-ended questions. Children are offered ample time to think and process information before they respond. For example, she asks the children what shape their 'seed bombs' are. Children confidently answer 'circle'. The childminder skilfully and positively introduces new vocabulary, such as 'sphere'. n The childminder treats children with great consideration. They are given ample opportunities to encourage their independence from a very young age. For instance, children wash their hands before a cooking activity. They show high levels of determination to prepare their own pizzas, to spread the sauce evenly and arrange their toppings. Children put their shoes and sun hats on before they leave for the garden. This demonstrates that children apply the acquired knowledge and skills the childminder has taught them previously.

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need to do better?

n Parents speak extremely highly of the childminder and the excellent service she provides. They describe the 'abundance of opportunities' their children are offered and that the childminder provides as 'high-quality care and education'. Parents describe the progress their children have made and comment that communication shared by the childminder is highly informative. They value the support, suggestions and advice she offers. n The childminder is incredibly ambitious, strives for excellence and tries to make a meaningful difference to all children in her care. She makes excellent use of training, research and webinar opportunities to continually enrich her skills and knowledge. For example, she has recently completed a self-regulation course to help her in enabling children to manage their own feelings, build their resilience and learn how to positively cope with the changes in their lives, such as future

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need to do better?

transitions to school. n The childminder works closely with other childminders in the local vicinity and is an important part in the local childminding community. She is continually looking for ways to improve her already excellent practice and shares her learning and expertise with others through regular gatherings and by leading extra-curricular activities.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of how to safeguard children. She knows what to do if she has a concern about a child's welfare. The childminder keeps her knowledge up to date and is fully trained in safeguarding. She is aware of a wide range of safeguarding matters and has clear and robust policies and procedures in place, in line with the local arrangements. The childminder is aware of what action to take if an allegation is made against herself or a household member. She is extremely well organised and prepared in the event of an emergency. She wears a lanyard with emergency details and has an evacuation bag prepared for any contingency plans.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2636340 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10289510 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 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2021 and lives in Colchester. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds qualified teacher status.

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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 provider. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder and other household members.

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Inspection activities

15 June 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

15 June 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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