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

The childminder provides children with outstanding teaching, care and learning opportunities. She plans an inspiring, exciting and challenging curriculum around the children's interests. There is a strong focus on children developing the skills they need to be independent learners. Children demonstrate that they are confident, exceptionally comfortable and feel safe within the home. The childminder takes time and has a holistic approach to settling children in her care. They arrive happy and excited to start their day and settle extremely well. Children immerse themselves in their play and show sustained levels of concentration and perseverance. They have a superb attitude towards learning and trying new experiences. Children make rapid progress as the childminder ensures that activities and the environment are inviting and appropriate for children's unique needs. The childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of how children learn and

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The provision is outstanding

is skilful in her interactions with them.

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The provision is outstanding

All children develop excellent communication skills. They can articulate with confidence what they need and ask meaningful questions. Children show complete fascination and listen with intent when the childminder presents them with new challenges and instructions. For example, they help to open bags of herbs ready for activities. Children discuss with ease and fluency the textures and smell, and use descriptive words to describe how they feel. The childminder introduces new words to extend their vocabulary, such as 'monocle' when children make one-eyed glasses with the herbs. Children recall what they have learned and share their new knowledge with visitors to the home.

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need to do better?

n The highly experienced and committed childminder is extremely passionate about the service she provides. She has a strong ethos of evaluating her practice, and her commitment to her continuous professional development is superb. The childminder participates in training courses and webinars, and shares her knowledge and information with parents. She implements changes, if appropriate, to improve the already positive outcomes for children. n Children's emotional well-being is superbly considered. They experience a broad range of activities and resources to support their learning around emotions and words to articulate their feelings. The childminder encourages children to think of ways to regulate their emotions, such as taking deep breaths if they feel angry. The provision of excellent resources and a quiet sensory space within the home further support their development. The childminder speaks calmly and

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need to do better?

with respect to the children. They have formed friendships and the older children willingly help the younger ones. Children understand the childminder's high expectations, and their behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

19 June 2023 n The childminder understands the importance of establishing friendly but professional partnerships with the parents. She invests time in getting to know the whole family and visits children in their own home during the settling-in process. Parents comment that they are 'blown away' by the stimulating adventures and wonderful activities provided for their children. They say that they are reassured their children are in safe hands. Parents speak of their gratitude for the support and advice provided and the help with transitions, such as potty training or school readiness. They fully appreciate the activities, resources and home-learning ideas provided. n The childminder values and respects children's individuality. Activities and the environment are fully inclusive and differentiated to ensure all children can participate. The broad curriculum includes a variety of new experiences outside

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need to do better?

of the home to extend children's learning further and develop an astute understanding of communities other than their own. For example, they regularly visit forest school and have immense fun exploring the natural world. Children discuss the difference in size using mathematical language as they compare themselves with ants they find. n All children demonstrate a thirst for learning. They make exceptional progress in their development as the childminder's skilful teaching is outstanding. Planned activities reflect children's individual interests and what they need to learn next. Parents are invited and encouraged to contribute to this process. The childminder understands the importance of establishing secure relationships with other settings children attend. Positive relationships have been made with the local school children will attend. n Children have a strong sense of self. Their health and well-being are considered.

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need to do better?

Snack and mealtimes are thoroughly enjoyed. Children discuss the fruits, pips and stones, and cut fruits using knives, carefully supervised at all times. They demonstrate good manners. Children happily self-serve vegetables and are keen to try new foods. They can independently take care of their personal needs. Children are very aware of the importance of washing their hands before meals. The childminder has a gentle approach and respects children's dignity. For example, children are asked if it is okay to change their nappy.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety and welfare are paramount. The childminder talks competently about how to report any concerns that a child may be at risk and the process to follow. Her commitment to ensure she is fully up to date about safeguarding practice, through ongoing training, means that she has a comprehensive knowledge of possible signs and behaviours that may cause concern. This includes a wide range of child protection issues, such as 'Prevent' duty, county lines and domestic violence. Children learn how to stay safe and healthy through meaningful, planned activities. Robust risk assessments are completed each day to ensure children play in a safe environment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY493250 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10289308 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 7 Date of previous inspection 20 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Halstead, Essex. She operates from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder 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 has 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 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 this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection and took account of the views of parents by speaking with them and reading written testimonials. n The childminder shared some documents with the inspector, including evidence of suitability.

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Inspection activities

19 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

19 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

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