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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is outstanding

The childminder provides children with an enriching learning environment. Children's development flourishes with exemplary teaching and guidance. They make exceptional progress from their starting points. Children are supported to succeed. The childminder places high priority on children learning to behave, develop their self-esteem and confidence. She supports them to be considerate with each other and they consistently follow instructions showing respect for the childminder.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder expertly constructs an inclusive curriculum that is full of exciting and inspiring activities. The language-rich environment provides children with opportunities to communicate and develop conversational skills. Children talk with enthusiasm and energy. They ask probing questions and investigate further. The childminder is an excellent role model and places a strong emphasis on language development. Therefore, children become confident communicators, and they receive the best possible start to later literacy skills.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder is an excellent teacher. She skilfully plants a seed of an idea and encourages children to take the lead. Children excitedly start to construct a wall in the sand pit. They mix water and sand to make 'cement', and use stones and bark to create a wall for the pond. Children become absorbed in their play, filling and carrying buckets of water to help build their construction. The childminder expertly observes and extends learning. For instance, she helps children to understand that 'overflowing' means the water is coming out of the top of the bucket and it is very full.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children build their core strength in a wealth of physical exercise and play. The childminder enhances children's large motor skills encouraging them to use balance bikes and climb steps. They run and explore the wooden areas learning to climb trees, make a fire and toast marshmallows, which children say is the best part. They go on adventures in the community for walks, a ride on a bus and the train. This enhances the opportunities to learn about the world and its wealth of diversity. n The childminder links children's experiences to imaginative play. Children engage in a make-believe world and imitate actions. They use petals, leaves and flowers to create potions and narrate what happens. Children tell others, 'You'll turn into a cat' with the potion they make. Children are introduced to a 'stethoscope' and the childminder teaches them what it is. They take turns to listen to each other's hearts and comment on what they hear. This supports children to learn new

p.2

need to do better?

vocabulary and make connections in their experiences.

p.2

need to do better?

21 August 2024 n The childminder provides plentiful opportunities to be in the fresh air and explore outdoors. Children challenge themselves and take risks in a safe environment. They walk along the raised area of the playhouse holding on and excitedly encourage their peers to 'have a go'. This helps children build resilience and confidence to try new experiences. Children are eager to help tidy up and the childminder teaches them the importance of responsibility. n Children explore mark making in preparation for early writing. The childminder provides a wealth of opportunities for children to draw, paint, make marks and create. They write lists and notes to each other. For example, when a child hurts their finger, their peer writes them a note telling them they are friends. The childminder gives the children plenty of freedom to try for themselves and when ready, supports them with correct letter formation.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder promotes positive attitudes to mathematics. Children are encouraged to count and use mathematical language expressing how many, one more, identifying shape and size. For example, a child identifies that they are the 'biggest' child. The childminder teaches children sequencing and how to identify pairs or things that are the same. This encourages children to observe things closely, recognising similarities or differences. n Parent partnerships are outstanding. The childminder is committed to knowing her children and works in close collaboration with families. She provides learning packs for parents and children to learn at home together. The childminder recognises that all experiences and opportunities are at the heart of children's learning potential. Parents are secure in the knowledge their children are well cared for and educated, giving them the best possible foundation for the future.

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 2757059 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10349474 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 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered with Ofsted in 2023. The childminder lives in Essex. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm Tuesday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers places for funded children. She holds a qualification at level 6 and qualified teacher status.

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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The inspector viewed the provision with the childminder and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development with a particular focus on communication and language. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n Parents shared their views of the childminder with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

21 August 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