Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

This provision meets requirements

The experienced childminder is committed to provide children with welcoming, inviting 'home-from-home' care before and after school. She ensures the playroom is organised and inspiring and comfortable. The provision of a broad range of quality resources are organised so that children can independently access them and initiate their own games. Children suggestion of an art gallery is fully supported by the childminder and their creations and artwork are displayed to create a real sense of belonging. The childminder is genuinely pleased to see the children and is interested in their day at school. Children are gently encouraged to check their belongings before they start the walk home. They enthusiastically discuss their day at school 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. She positively encourages a good settling-in process to

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This provision meets requirements

Children are very familiar with the routines and know to wash their hands and store their belongings on their arrival home. They swiftly settle and engage in games of their choice. Even the youngest children are very happy, settled and confident within the home. The exceptionally calm, 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 has established effective, professional relationships with the school and nursery that children attend. 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, nursery, and parents to ensure a consistent approach to the children's care and education. n Parents speak very highly of the 'wonderful' childminder and the care their children receive. Many talk of her being calm, kind and patient and that their children receive very good attention in a fun environment. Parents comment that they have complete trust in the childminder and feel assured their children are in safe hands. They value her support, flexibility and accommodating their children's individual needs. n Children's behaviour is very good. Older children are kind to the younger ones.

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need to do better?

They show a genuine interest in their day at nursery and offer to hold their hand on the walk back. They include them in their games. The childminder is aware that young children may be tired after a full day at school or nursery and

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need to do better?

13 May 2024 provides children with a comfortable cosy space in which to relax. They are warmly welcomed when they wake from their sleep, offered drinks and cuddles and nappies are routinely checked. However, they are very keen to join their friends and soon become absorbed in play. 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 The childminder is organised and fully aware of children's individual dietary needs. She offers healthy snacks when they return from school and provides children with a warm tea if required. The childminder is aware of the school dinner menu so that children are offered a good variety of meals. Children talk enthusiastically about the meals they enjoy. They can request fruit at any time

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need to do better?

and understand the need to sit and eat before they continue their play. n The childminder demonstrates a culture of evaluation to improve her practice and outcomes for children in her care. The childminder speaks with enthusiasm about her role and is aware the importance of continuous professional development. The childminder welcomes training opportunities to improve and update her knowledge. n Children are taught how to stay safe and are given the space to take risk safely, fully supported by the childminder. For example, there are clear boundaries that children understand when walking home from school. They use large play equipment at the park and understand the need to stay safe. The childminder encourages children to enjoy fresh air and exercise in the garden. They make healthy choices when choosing snack and enjoy well-balanced meals.

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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 EY498930 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10335079 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 16 Date of previous inspection 4 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Sible Hedingham, Essex. She offers care before and after school, from 7.30am to 8.45am, and 3.15pm 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 it is safe and suitable. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation, including training certificates. n The childminder explained how the play environment is organised. 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

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

13 May 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

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

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