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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

The childminder provides children with a most welcoming, home-from-home, exciting and child-friendly environment in which to learn. The language-rich environment is presented to inspire children's inquisitive minds. There are also excellent learning opportunities within the garden that capture children's curiosity and children relish their time outdoors. Children have established trusting, close bonds with the childminder and her assistants. They demonstrate they feel safe and secure as they confidently explore the activities provided. Children can also access a calm, comfortable space should they want to relax, or babies need time and space to master the skill of crawling or need some 'tummy time'. All children are very happy and settled. They are excellently supported to learn the skills they need to be independent learners. There is a strong focus on children's personal and emotional needs and as a result, children are excellent communicators and are

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder and her assistants have a secure knowledge of the children in their care. Children can influence their learning. The childminder swiftly responds to children's interests while ensuring they are offered sufficient challenge to extend their learning and build on what they already know and can do. The childminder follows the children's lead but also delivers a curriculum with Montessori principles. The childminder has high expectations for the children. Children all make rapid progress and their behaviour is exemplary.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistants work very closely as a team. They have a clear intent for what they want children to learn. The childminder is meticulous in her ambitious curriculum planning to support children to develop in all areas. There is a strong focus on communication and language development. Montessori activities strengthen the curriculum further and children delight in participating in focused activities. They demonstrate perseverance and a sense of achievement as they complete tasks. n Young children have immense fun during song time. They listen carefully and follow instruction as they fully interact, choosing instruments and resources from the song bag. The assistants capture the children's attention throughout. They deliver a language-rich, vibrant and fun experience. Even babies demonstrate excitement to join in, and concentrate. n Children's mathematical development is very well supported. Mathematical and

p.2

need to do better?

positional language is used during activities. Simple sums encourage children to think about numbers. For example, children use simple subtraction during familiar songs. They match numbers and order them and have a good concept of size, shapes and numbers.

p.2

need to do better?

14 February 2024 n Babies are made very comfortable. Their individual routines are followed, and they receive excellent care from the attentive childminder and her assistants. They enjoy cuddles and reassurance when they feel tired and can sleep uninterrupted. Older children are very caring towards the young children. For example, they gently remind them not to put toys in their mouth. n The childminder has established excellent partnerships with the parents. They say they are very grateful and lucky that their children attend. They comment on the superb improvement they have observed in their children's progress since attending. Parents say there is excellent communication and that they 'could not be happier'. The childminder is highly respected by the parents who speak very highly of both the childminder and her assistants. n The childminder is exceptionally calm and reassuring. She values and respects

p.2

need to do better?

children's individuality. She ensures that her practice and home are fully inclusive. The childminder skilfully teaches children about similarities and differences, encouraging the children to develop an astute understanding of communities wider than their own. Resources and available books promote positive images of diversity and prompt conversations about the wider world. n There is a culture of evaluation, and the childminder continually reflects on her practice. She is committed to improving the service she provides through training opportunities, research, and attendance at early years conferences. The childminder's continuous professional development is carefully planned, and courses are accessed to support individual children and improve practice. She fully supports and motivates her assistants in their own professional development. n The childminders practice is worthy of dissemination. She works closely with

p.3

need to do better?

other professionals and is part of the 'COVID Recovery' programme. She is actively involved in a local childminding network and supports childminders in the area. The childminder also offers placements for students. Effective links have been established with other early years settings and school's children attend, to ensure there is a positive and consistent approach to supporting children's learning.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY499057 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10316801 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection 2 May 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Witham, Essex. The childminder provides care Monday to Friday, during term time, from 7am to 6pm. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The childminder regularly works with assistants. The childminder provides activities using the Montessori ethos alongside traditional teaching methods.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting has 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 setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. 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 explained her intentions for the children's development and how she plans and implements her educational programme. n The inspector spoke to children and assistants during the inspection and took account of the views of parents by reading written testimonials. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of documentation on request.

p.5

Inspection activities

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

14 February 2024 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6