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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children settle well, make good progress, and enjoy their time in this homely environment. The childminder plans activities that are based on children's interests and specific learning needs. For example, young children develop physical and language skills during their favourite ball games. They delight at following the childminder's requests of 'rolling' the ball 'through' their legs, and 'throwing' it 'over' their heads. The childminder extends children's learning well during play. She identifies when children are competent at tasks and provides increasing challenge, where appropriate. As a result, children remain engaged in play that supports their learning.

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The provision is good

Children are sociable and outgoing. They engage well with visitors and encourage them to join in their conversations. For example, children chat about how excited they are to collect their friends from pre-school and about the games they will play together. The childminder supports these social skills well. She provides opportunities for children to engage in structured group sessions and socialise with other children at local parks and indoor play centres.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour. She offers an abundance of praise and reminds children of why certain behaviours are inappropriate. As a result of this consistent approach, children follow the rules of the setting and behave well.

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need to do better?

n Since the previous inspection, the childminder has reflected well on the care she provides and made significant improvements to her practice. She has completed additional training to support her knowledge of how children learn. This has helped her to develop and embed a curriculum that meets the specific needs of all children who attend. n The childminder places sharp focus on developing children's language and communication skills. She provides opportunities for children to engage in conversation and exposes them to a wide and varied vocabulary. The childminder has undertaken additional training and uses the knowledge gained to enhance learning opportunities for children. n Children demonstrate confidence when exploring this exciting learning environment. They independently select resources that are well organised and support their differing interests. For example, children help themselves to boxes

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need to do better?

of building blocks and cars to create their own garage. However, this same flexible and child-centred approach is not always observed during planned activities. On occasion, these sessions can be driven by the childminder, and do not always allow children to explore their ideas fully.

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need to do better?

8 January 2025 n Daily routines are well constructed and support children to prepare for the next stage of learning. Children enjoy sociable mealtimes sat at the table, where they use cutlery with confidence. The childminder encourages them to discuss and explore the foods they eat and develop a good understanding of healthy eating. n Relationships with other professionals are strong and promote children's welfare and development. The childminder engages particularly well with other settings that children attend. Highly effective, two-way communication provides a consistent approach to children's learning that supports them to make good progress from their starting points. n Parents are complimentary about the childminder and the flexible care she provides. They appreciate the close bonds children form with her and how this supports their emotional well-being. Parents value the communication they receive about children's daily routines as well as their progress. They

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need to do better?

acknowledge how this supports them to promote children's development further at home. n The childminder has a deep understanding of all children in her care. Her robust knowledge and careful assessments support her to identify any concerns and take swift action to promote children's progress and well-being. n The childminder works hard to ensure the environment is safe. She regularly reviews her risk assessments and is aware of the different needs and abilities of all children who attend. The childminder demonstrates a robust understanding of safeguarding issues. She confidently discusses the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk from harm. The childminder is aware of the correct process to follow when raising concerns with the appropriate authorities.

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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

should:

n adopt a flexible approach to learning that provides children with sufficient opportunity to explore and develop their ideas during activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY376355 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10333208 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 11 Date of previous inspection 25 January 2024

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Hatfield Heath, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers funded early education for children aged nine months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector considered the views of parents by reviewing feedback letters. n The inspector looked at a sample of relevant documents. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder about the monitoring of learning and development in the setting and tracked the progress of children.

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Inspection activities

8 January 2025 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

8 January 2025 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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