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 Good

p.1

The provision is outstanding

The childminder is incredibly warm and nurturing with the children in her care. Children arrive with beaming smiles and full of excitement for the day ahead. The childminder provides exceptional learning opportunities for the children. As a result, children are highly engrossed in purposeful play. Children explore the awe and wonder of the world at the local nature reserve. They collect acorns and pine cones and use their fine motor skills to take bark rubbings from trees. Children seek out woodland animals and learn about natural habitats. They recall their experiences by naming animals in books when reading stories.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder reinforces children's vocabulary at every opportunity. She is an inspirational role model. Children use language to express themselves, saying, for instance, 'I am hungry' and 'I would like a story'. They become chefs in the home corner and serve the adults, saying, 'I have made you breakfast' and 'it is yummy'. Children naturally use phonics to sound out their names and learn new words.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is remarkable due to exemplary teaching and guidance. Children share resources and enjoy playing with their friends. They learn about respect and tolerance for others. Children use words such as 'kindness' and tell each other, 'We have to take turns', showing incredible self-awareness. Children take pleasure in helping to tidy away. They develop warm, trusting relationships with the childminder, who has an excellent awareness of their individual needs.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder creates a highly engaging and enriching learning environment. Children enjoy the balance between self-chosen and adult-led experiences. For example, children are fascinated by the process of rolling small, textured balls through paint. They name colours and talk about how they change when mixed. They describe the textures of the balls using words such as 'spiky' and 'squashy', enthusiastically narrating what they are doing. n Teaching is outstanding. Children flourish and make exceptional progress in their learning and development. They learn how to manage risks when riding a bicycle or scooter and can negotiate space effectively. Children delight in singing and dancing. They lie silent and still during the 'Dingle Dangle Scarecrow' song, waiting for the chorus when they jump up and squeal with delight. n Routines are well embedded into everyday practice. Children anticipate what may happen next, such as when it is time to eat. They learn to choose healthy

p.2

need to do better?

options at mealtimes from packed lunches. Children enjoy the challenge of peeling an orange or banana and can confidently pour their drinks. Additionally, children understand the importance of personal hygiene, and they wash their hands before meals.

p.2

need to do better?

29 February 2024 n Children are given exemplary support to learn about respect and tolerance. They learn to understand the effects their behaviour may have on others. As a result, children can self-regulate and learn to manage their feelings. Children explore different cultures and celebrate festivals that are meaningful to them. They make tree decorations for the Bulgarian festival of Babe Marta and celebrate Chinese New Year. n The childminder tailors settling-in sessions to meet children's individual needs. This helps children to feel comfortable and confident in her care. Additionally, she has established strong links with other settings to ensure smooth transitions. She places a strong emphasis on sharing vital information about a child's past and current experiences. n The childminder has expert experience in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She ensures that children have access to

p.2

need to do better?

all available support. Children make significant progress in her care. Children who speak English as an additional language make great progress in their communication skills. Children learn to use both languages confidently by reading books and using words and phrases. n The childminder fosters outstanding partnerships with parents. She ensures they are fully involved in their children's learning. Parents learn how to support and continue teaching children at home. They share information when children's interests change or they learn a new skill. Children make excellent progress because learning is a continuous process for them. n The childminder has an absolute passion for early years childcare and education. She attends weekly training webinars to keep her knowledge up to date. The childminder has exceptionally high expectations for children's learning. As a result, children make excellent progress in their learning and development.

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 EY498514 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10312349 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 10 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 26 April 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Loughton, Essex. She operates Monday to Thursday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, term time only. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3.

p.4

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 provision. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning discussion together to understand how the provision is organised. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector spent time observing the quality of education and teaching. n The inspector talked to parents and took account of their views. n The childminder shared documentation with the inspector, including evidence of suitability and training certificates.

p.4

Inspection activities

29 February 2024 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.4

Inspection activities

29 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