Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

The childminder is extremely passionate about the care she provides all children. The childminder is genuinely pleased to see the children and is interested in their day at school. She encourages children to discuss their day as they walk back to her home. The childminder talks to children with kindness and respect and has invested time in getting to know them and their family before their attend. Children are welcomed into a most child-friendly, inviting, and homely environment. They can independently access all areas, including a well-resourced garden. The childminder promotes the skills children need to be independent and introduces some Montessori principles and resources to her setting.

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This provision meets requirements

Even the very youngest children are happy and settled. They confidently move around the inclusive home, showing curiosity to try new things. Children have their own storage space, coat pegs and artwork displayed around the home creating a real sense of belonging. The nurturing and attentive childminder and her family have established close and trusting bonds with the children. They make friends and play well together. The childminder is a good role model she is very calm and has high expectations for all children in her care. Children's behaviour is good. Older children show kindness to the younger ones and include them in their games. The childminder is aware that young children may be tired after a full day at school or nursery, and provides children with a comfortable cosy space in which to relax.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has established effective, professional relationships with the school where she collects children. Appropriate information and messages are discussed as required on collection of the children. The childminder ensures all information is passed to the parents and works collaboratively with the school and parents to ensure a consistent approach to the children's care and education. n All parents speak very highly of the childminder and the care their children receive. They say they feel lucky to have her care for their children and that she goes 'above and beyond' their expectations. Parents are reassured that their children's individual needs are robustly met and supported and that the 'amazing' childminder has 'been a significant role model' in their children's life. n Children are very familiar with the routines. They are encouraged to make choices and the childminder listens and responds to children's requests. A wide

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need to do better?

range of good-quality resources are easily accessible to them so that they can initiate their own games. Children show sustained concentration as they colour pictures of the world to make mobiles, acknowledging 'earth day'. The childminder is skilful in her interactions with them and supports their play

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need to do better?

22 April 2024 appropriately, for example, as children decide to build ramps for their cars. They negotiate between themselves how this will work. The childminder is subtle in her suggestions and finds additional resources. n There is a strong focus on children's emotional well-being and the childminder knows the children well. All children, including the youngest, demonstrate they are settled and feel safe and secure. They are confident and happily engage visitors to the home in conversation and their games. n Older children enjoy games, such as solitaire, and sit for some time at this activity. Younger children show interest and the childminder provides them with age-appropriate alternatives. They have immense fun, using tongs to select large marbles from boxes and transporting them to wooden bowls. n The childminder is organised and fully aware of children's individual dietary needs. She promotes healthy snacks when they return from school and children

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need to do better?

know to wash their hands before they eat. They sit and chat with one another as they enjoy a selection of sandwiches salad sticks and fruits n The childminder demonstrates a culture of evaluation and is constantly striving to improve her practice. She routinely seeks parents' thoughts through conversation and questionnaires. Children attending have opportunities to discuss their thoughts. The childminder speaks with enthusiasm about her role and is aware the importance of continuous professional development. She welcomes training opportunities to improve outcomes for the children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY497629 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10335660 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 15 Date of previous inspection 22 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2016 and lives in Elmstead Market, Essex. She offers care before and after school, from 7.30am to 9am, and 3.15pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday during school term.

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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 childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder explained how the play environment is organised. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation, including training certificates. n The inspector spoke to children and parents during the inspection and took account of the views of parents through reading written testimonials.

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Inspection activities

22 April 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.

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Inspection activities

22 April 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.

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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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