Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

The experienced, attentive and nurturing childminder ensures children are warmly welcomed into an exciting play environment. She delivers a well-planned and ambitious curriculum that fully supports children's learning in all areas. The childminder invests time in getting to know the children well before they attend. Therefore, activities are planned around the children's interests and build on what they already know to extend and challenge their development. Children are excited to attend and happily leave their parents. They settle quickly in games of their choice. The dedicated playroom is fully inclusive and designed to promote self- selection of quality resources.

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The provision is good

Children have formed close and trusting bonds with the childminder who has high expectations for the children in her care. She is a calm and reassuring role model, and children's behaviour is good. Children demonstrate they feel safe and secure in their environment. They are confident speakers and engage visitors to the home in their conversation as they suggest they share a story together. They show curiosity and are eager to try new things as the childminder teaches children the skills that they need to be independent learners. There is a strong focus on children's emotional and language development.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good. The childminder teaches children the skills they need to be independent. For example, they learn to change themselves and take care of their personal needs, fully supported by the childminder. They are confident speakers. Children are familiar with the routines and expectations and explain the need to wash germs from their hands before eating snack. Young children listen with intent and carefully follow instruction. n The childminder has established positive working relationships with parents. Parents comment that their children are incredibly happy in the childminder's care. They say the childminder is very supportive, caring and thoughtful. They appreciate the 'lovely trips' that are organised outside of the home and the opportunities these provide for the children to further develop their socialise skills. They say communication is excellent and they feel they are provided with

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need to do better?

good information to support heir children's learning at home. n Children's communication skills are supported well. The childminder models language well. She repeats simple words and positively engages children in conversation. She is skilful in her interactions and is aware of the importance of allowing time for children to process information and respond. Children engage in lots of singing opportunities which supports their language development. n Young children listen with intent during group story time. They enjoy familiar stories they choose from a well-stocked book area. They make themselves

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need to do better?

12 July 2024 comfortable on the childminder's lap. They interact and giggle as they predict what is happening in the story. There is a strong emphasis on promoting children's love of books in all activities. n Children learn the importance of staying healthy and are provided with nutritious snacks and meals. They enjoy fresh air and exercise in the garden. Children excitedly run and kick footballs. They negotiate space well, being careful not to bump their friends as they ride cars. Children show fascination as they chase bubbles around the garden. They use magnifiers as they search for bugs and talk about the butterflies they released. n The childminder does evaluate her practice and recognises areas that she would like to improve such as providing a covered outdoor space so that children can play comfortably outdoors all year round if they choose. The childminder keeps up to date with mandatory training. However, opportunities to support her

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need to do better?

professional development are few as she does not refresh or update her knowledge to ensure she can raise the level of teaching even higher. n Children's creativity is supported. They have great fun singing and dancing. Children act out real-life scenarios as they use props in the role-play area and make tea for their friends. They make marks and patterns in the sand. They enjoy helping the childminder mix paints and predict the colours. However, while children enjoy painting activities, there are too few opportunities for younger children to freely express themselves as work is often pre-determined.

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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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should:

n explore training opportunities further to update and extend knowledge and teaching skills to the highest level n extend opportunities for younger children to develop higher levels of imagination, exploration and creativity.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY538032 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10351670 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 6 Date of previous inspection 4 October 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Braintree, Essex. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-three- and four-year-old children.

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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 they are 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 the educational programmes. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection and took account of the views of parents by reading written testimonials.

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Inspection activities

12 July 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

12 July 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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