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 childminder provides children with a most welcoming, home-from-home and child-friendly environment in which to learn. There are also excellent learning opportunities outdoors, for example, in the garden and the provision of regular forest school sessions, which capture children's curiosity and inspire their inquisitive minds. The childminder's dedication and ambition for the children is infectious. She oozes enthusiasm and works closely with assistants who all share her vision to provide children with the highest quality care and learning. The curriculum is rich in language opportunities and designed to support children's interests while offering sufficient challenge to build on what children already know and extend their learning to the highest level.

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The provision is outstanding

There is a strong focus on children's personal and emotional needs, and as a result, even the very youngest children are excellent communicators and are highly engaged. For example, children share a book of photos documenting their recent holiday. They discuss the photos with their friends, chatting together, recalling what they have previously learned and asking lots of questions. The childminder and her assistants have a secure knowledge of the children in their care. Children have established trusting, close bonds with them. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure as they confidently explore the activities provided. They are excellently supported to learn the skills they need to be independent learners. The childminder has high expectations for the children. The attentive, nurturing and kind childminder is an excellent role model for the children, and their behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is outstanding. The childminder has a superb knowledge of child development and how to provide a rich learning environment. She has a clear intent for what she wants children to learn. The childminder is meticulous in her ambitious curriculum planning to support children to develop in all areas. n The childminder has established excellent partnerships with the parents. They say the 'selfless', dedicated and kind childminder is completely trustworthy and brings 'peace' to them when they leave their children in her care. They comment on the enriched activities and experiences provided and that she provides the children with learning opportunities 'above and beyond' their expectations. n Children make rapid progress in their language development. This is because the childminder provides a language-rich environment. She continually talks with the children, modelling language well and introducing new words to extend their

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need to do better?

vocabulary. Very young children delight in the feel of a pineapple they choose for snack. They talk about the 'prickly' outside and how touching it tickles them. They eagerly participate in spontaneous, interactive singing and stories. The

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need to do better?

19 February 2025 animated childminder captures their attention, and children listen intently. n The childminder values and respects children's individuality. She ensures that her practice and home are fully inclusive. The childminder skilfully teaches children about similarities and differences, encouraging the children to develop an astute understanding of communities wider than their own. For example, children excitedly prepare for monthly visits to a local care home where they sing to the residents. In addition, resources available, such as books, promote positive images of diversity and prompt conversations about the wider world. n There is a culture of evaluation, and the childminder continually reflects on her practice. She is committed to improving the service she provides through training opportunities webinars and research. The childminder's continuous professional development is planned, and courses are accessed to support

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need to do better?

individual children and improve practice. For example, she recently completed a level 3 qualification in special educational needs and/or disabilities. The childminder has also been awarded the Essex County Council childminder of the year status, acknowledging her effort and support offered to children who require additional support. n The childminder values the work of her assistants and fully supports and motivates them in their own professional development and professional qualifications. She provides support through monthly meetings and supervision, and in turn, they speak highly of the childminder and how they thoroughly enjoy their time working. n Effective links have been established with other early years settings and schools children attend to ensure there is a positive and consistent approach to children's learning.

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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 2749039 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10389269 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 12 Number of children on roll 20 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Dunmow, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday and Wednesday and 7.30am until 5pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with another registered childminder and assistants. The childminder provides government funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are 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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