Childminder in Thurrock

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 thrive and flourish at this exciting and stimulating setting. They settle quickly and form strong bonds with the childminder and her assistant. The childminder is warm and highly receptive to children. She gets to know them and their families very well. The childminder then creates individual challenges and exciting learning opportunities indoors and outdoors. Children delight in climbing the steps on the slide independently. They listen with awe and wonder to stories linked to the toys they play with. As a result, children quickly become independent and confident explorers in all environments.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder embeds the routines and expectations for behaviour into everyday practice. As a result, children are clear on what is happening at each stage of the day. Transitions between activities run smoothly as children help to tidy and set up. Children behave exceptionally well. The childminder and her assistant act as incredible role models for sharing and taking turns. This means that children share resources superbly when playing. Children watch others exploring and creating at the water tray with keen interest. They show respect for each other by waiting their turn to use the pouring containers.

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need to do better?

n Children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks. The childminder provides new and exciting fruits and vegetables for children to try. She encourages children to share their opinions. The childminder and her assistant sit with children and join the conversations. As a result, snack times become enjoyable social experiences for children. n The childminder considers her resources and activities available to children superbly. She creates challenging yet achievable developmental targets for each child. Each activity is then planned to include as many targets as possible to maximise learning. This results in children displaying high levels of engagement, enjoyment and learning. n Teaching standards are outstanding. The childminder uses exceptional techniques to support, teach and challenge children. For the topic 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar', the childminder used the storybook and props. To take learning further, she obtained caterpillars so that children could learn about life

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need to do better?

cycles and caring for insects. The childminder then took the children to a 'hungry caterpillar' trail in their local community. This resulted in high levels of learning for all ages and deeper understanding on the topic. n The childminder provides excellent regular opportunities for children to access their local community. She works closely with another childminder to share best practice and experiences. Children adore going to parks, animal centres, beaches, walking trails and the library. Because of these rich experiences,

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need to do better?

22 June 2023 children learn about their local community. They develop care and respect for local wildlife. n The childminder and her assistant create an environment that is incredibly rich in language. They play alongside children, commenting and questioning such as 'What do you think?' and 'You can do it'. Children often sing songs spontaneously while playing. The adults join in with actions and props, and children squeal in delight. This supports children to develop brilliant communication skills. They quickly become confident in expressing their opinions and choices. n The childminder brilliantly embeds literacy and mathematics in her curriculum. She provides exciting stories alongside activities to bring learning to life. The childminder sets up engaging mark-making opportunities such as painting and chalk drawing. The childminder and her assistant often count with children and comment on shapes and patterns in the environment. These rich experiences for

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need to do better?

children result in pleasing progress in their development. n Parent partnerships are incredible. Parents praise the childminder highly for her support and guidance. They appreciate her flexibility and the ease of communication. Parents feel confident knowing their children are safe while learning and having fun. They are aware of how their children are developing. This is due to the regular updates from the childminder. They highly recommend the childminder to others. n The childminder supports her assistant in her practice superbly. She ensures her assistant accesses high-quality training to support her professional development. The childminder acts as an excellent role model for the highest levels of teaching and care. This ensures that outstanding standards are consistently delivered.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have strong knowledge and awareness of their responsibilities to keep children safe. All aspects of the setting and outings have been closely risk assessed, with children's safety paramount. They work closely together to share information and ensure children receive support if any concerns arise. The childminder and her assistant have clear systems in place for recording and reporting their concerns to higher levels. They are also highly aware of the wider safeguarding aspects, such as the risk of radicalisation. They know the early signs to look out for in children and families.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY492546 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10289352 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 9 Date of previous inspection 21 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in South Ockendon. She operates from 9am to 4.45pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She works with an assistant. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. She 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 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 joined the inspector on a learning walk of the setting to discuss the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education, from both the childminder and her assistant, indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection, sharing their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and evidence of relevant training.

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Inspection activities

22 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

22 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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