Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

The childminder provides children with quality care and a variety of good learning opportunities. She plans a challenging curriculum around the children's interests that offers a broad range of activities to cover all areas of learning. There is a strong focus on children's emotional well-being and developing the skills they need to be independent learners. Children have established close bonds with the nurturing childminder and her assistants. The childminder invests time in getting to know the children and their family. Therefore, children settle with ease. Children feel a sense of belonging. For example, they self-register when they arrive, their work is displayed and celebrated, and the home is exceptionally welcoming.

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The provision is good

Children delight in their time outdoors. They independently put their boots and coats on in preparation. They enjoy the fresh air and use physical skills as they climb the slide and negotiate space when using the ride-on toys. Younger children enjoy time playing with the mud kitchen and learning new words, such as 'aubergine', as they investigate winter vegetables provided. Young children's individual needs are met well. For example, when they become tired, they are offered cuddles and reassurance. They are made comfortable and settle quickly to uninterrupted sleep.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a sound knowledge of how children learn. She ensures that the curriculum supports these characteristics and offers a good variety of learning opportunities. The childminder plans activities around children's interests and what they need to learn next. Children are eager to have a go and try new things as activities are inviting and well presented. n Parents speak very positively about the 'warm, friendly and inviting home' the childminder provides their children. They say that they leave their children knowing that they are in safe hands and cannot praise the childminder and her assistant enough. Parents say that they feel fully informed regarding their child's day and are very grateful for the daily diaries. They welcome the parents' meetings to discuss their children's progress and speak highly of the activities and progress their children make as a result of attending. n The childminder is very ambitious and strives for excellence. She is committed to

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need to do better?

improving her knowledge and the service she provides through constant training, as she understands the positive impact this has on outcomes for children. She shares information with her assistants to ensure that improvement is consistent. The childminder is professional and organised and has a strong partnership with her assistants. She positively encourages and supports their own personal development. n A strong focus is placed on children's emotional development. Children

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need to do better?

19 October 2023 demonstrate they are confident, settled and secure in the childminder's care. They enjoy daily yoga activities, and the childminder plans activities that provide children with opportunities to talk about their feelings. Children understand the high expectations and their behaviour is good. They are polite and know to say 'please' and 'thank you'. n The childminder and her assistant engage children in meaningful conversation and provide running commentaries during activities. The childminder has a clear comprehension of how children develop their conversational skills and introduces new words to challenge their vocabulary. Many opportunities are provided for singing songs to help children's language skills. Children thoroughly enjoy the interactive sessions and selecting props from a song bag. However, on some occasions, the childminder and her assistant do not use effective techniques to

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need to do better?

encourage children to think critically and solve problems for themselves. n A wide variety of quality resources are easily accessible to the children in a dedicated playroom. Children can initiate their own play. They play well together and negotiate among themselves. For example, they play 'shops' and decide who is the shopkeeper and customer. The childminder is very skilful in her interactions and guidance during play. However, some group activities, such as planned painting activities, are not sharply focused on each child's individual needs and, at times, younger children lose interest and concentration.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant demonstrate their understanding of how to protect children's welfare. They have a secure knowledge of their responsibility to protect children from harm. The childminder is aware of the possible signs and behaviours that may suggest a child is at risk. She ensures that she is fully up to date with safeguarding practice through undertaking training. The childminder is familiar with the appropriate procedures to follow should she have a concern regarding a child in her care. Children play in a safe environment as the childminder carries out risk assessments of the home and planned outings to minimise any risk.

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should:

n use effective techniques to consistently extend children's language, to help them think critically and solve problems independently n adapt group activities to ensure that all children, particularly younger children, fully engage and benefit from the learning opportunities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY494076 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10301049 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 27 Date of previous inspection 25 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Braintree, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant. 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 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 childminder and the inspector had a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder, assistant and children. n The inspector took account of parents' written views. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder shared some documents with the inspector, including evidence of the suitability of persons working as an assistant.

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Inspection activities

19 October 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 October 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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