Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

The professional and experienced childminder is very passionate about the quality service she provides. Children are greeted by the happy and enthusiastic childminder as they leave their classroom and she is genuinely keen to hear about their day at school. Children are gently reminded to check they have all their belongings before they leave to walk home. The childminder encourages children to discuss their day further and share news as they walk. The journey home has been meticulously risk assessed and children are very familiar with the childminder's expectations and how to keep safe. Older children hold hands with the younger ones and engage them in conversations. The childminder has dedicated time in getting to know the children and their family. She speaks respectfully and with care and kindness to the children.

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This provision meets requirements

All children, including the youngest, demonstrate they feel safe and are very happy in the childminder's care. They are welcomed into an inclusive child-friendly, and homely environment. They can independently access all areas and the quality resources available to them. The childminder positively promotes the skills children need to be independent. For example, children know to wash their hands before they eat. They happily change their uniform in preparation for after-school clubs. Even the very youngest children are happy and settled. They confidently move around the home and demonstrate they feel secure as they engage visitors to the home in their games and conversation. The nurturing and attentive childminder has 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.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children very well. She is aware of what they like to do and what interest them and prepares the home ready for their arrival. Children are encouraged to make choices and the childminder listens and responds to children's requests. A range of good-quality resources are easily accessible to them. Activities have been set out ready to invite children to 'have a go'. Older children are excited to play draughts as the childminder has recently taught them how the game works. Younger children happily sit and concentrate as they watch. Older children are very caring and include them and teach them the rules of the game. n All parents speak very highly of the childminder and the care she provides. They comment how extremely happy the children are, the enriching activities the childminder provides, and the healthy, well-balanced meals offered. Many say how they value the compassionate childminder's support, flexibility, and

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need to do better?

29 April 2024 invaluable advice. Parents comment that they are thrilled with their children's progress, and in particular their language development since attending. Parents are reassured that their children's individual needs are robustly met and supported. n The childminder demonstrates a culture of evaluation and is constantly striving to improve her practice. The childminder speaks with dedication and commitment about her role and the service she provides. She is aware of the importance of continuous professional development. The childminder welcomes training opportunities to improve outcomes for the children, but is also proactive in researching topics that are relevant for those attending. This means she has better knowledge and can support the children and their family when needed. n The childminder has established positive, professional relationships with the school where she collects children. Appropriate information and messages are

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need to do better?

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 The childminder is extremely organised and fully aware of children's individual dietary needs. She promotes a healthy dinner menu and is gentle in her encouragement to try new things, including vegetables. For example, the introduction of asparagus to the menu is met with anticipation and children agree to 'have a taste'. Mealtimes are sociable occasions and children sit and chat with one another. They demonstrate good manners and have established lovely friendships. Their behaviour is superb. n There is a strong focus on children's emotional well-being. The nurturing childminder is aware that younger children may feel tired after their day at school and walk home. A cosy and comfortable space is available for them

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need to do better?

should they want to rest and relax. A wide selection of books is available should they just want to sit quietly.

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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 EY371835 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10335035 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 14 Date of previous inspection 1 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Shenfield, Essex. She offers care before and after school, from 7am to 9am and 3.20pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday during school terms.

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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 they are 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

29 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

29 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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