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

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The provision is outstanding

The highly experienced childminder has a deep rooted knowledge and understanding of how children learn. The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide children with a broad range of exciting and challenging learning opportunities, based on their interests. Children show sustain high levels of concentration and perseverance as they play. For example, they spend time as they independently order letters in alphabetical order. The childminder is close by and subtle in her interactions when supporting their learning. Children are welcomed into this most child-friendly and inspiring environment. The childminder delivers an exciting and challenging curriculum that is also based on promoting a forest school approach to learning and all children attending make rapid progress.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have access to an abundance of high-quality toys and their imagination and creativity is superbly supported through the provision of a wide variety of resources. They take great pride in their creations as they use dough, cones, wooden rings and a variety of materials to make 'a party scene and cakes'. There is a high level of engagement in activities and children demonstrate curious minds, as they ask lots of questions. The childminder is committed to providing children with the highest level of care and education. She is attentive and nurturing and knows the children well. They have established close bonds with her. The childminder demonstrates kindness and respect for the children in her care and has the highest expectations for them. Therefore, children's behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching and care is outstanding. Children benefit from an educational programme that is sequenced and planned to provide a broad range of learning opportunities and challenge children's thinking, building on what they already know and their interests. n Children have regular opportunities to explore nature and the wider community around them. The education programme provides them with rich learning opportunities to broaden their experiences. For example, they participate in weekly planned 'forest school' experiences. Children relish their time outdoors, using natural materials to be creative and learn how to take safe risks as they explore. They make dens and have ample space to explore the wonder of nature. n Young children demonstrate they are secure and confident in their environment. They are fully absorbed in their play throughout the morning and demonstrate a clear thirst for learning. Children play exceptionally well together. This is because

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need to do better?

the childminder is gentle and subtle in her interactions with them. n The childminder has a sound knowledge of the importance of ongoing training and the impact this has for children in her care. Commitment and completion of

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need to do better?

19 February 2025 training and research enables her to provide a challenging curriculum, ensuring all children progress to the highest standard. n Parents say the care the childminder provides is 'more than they had ever expected' and cannot describe how grateful they are of the extremely patient, kind and genuine childminder. They say their children have gained confidence since attending, make excellent progress in their learning, and that they are always excited and happy to attend. Parents say the communication and support offered is excellent. n There is a strong focus on supporting children's emotional well-being. They are consistently learning the skills they need to be independent and make choices through everyday routines. For example, children self-register as they post their photograph on arrival. They make choices about what they want to eat at snack time and even the youngest children make good attempts to chop fruits and

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need to do better?

pour drinks. Children receive appropriate support, praise and encouragement and have a strong sense of self. They are exceptionally adept at helping one another. For example, even the youngest children help their friends when they are upset as they find their comforters for them. n The childminder has a clear vision for providing high-quality education. She attends well-chosen training opportunities, regular staff meetings and supervision. There is a culture of meaningful evaluation in all aspects of the provision to constantly improve outcomes for the children attending. n Positive links with outside agencies involved in the care of the children are established to ensure a consistent collaborative approach. The childminder has recently enhanced her knowledge further, by completing a level 3 qualification in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to ensure all children make excellent progress.

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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 2774787 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10376839 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 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2024 and lives in Dunmow, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with another registered childminder and assistants, except for a Friday, when she works alone in her own home.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder's showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, 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 programme. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection and took account of the views of parents through speaking with them, and by reading written testimonials. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents. This included evidence about suitability and training.

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Inspection activities

19 February 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

19 February 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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