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

Children are very happy, have fun and make good progress in their learning. They are settled and confident in the homely environment provided by the childminder. They are busy and investigate the activities and resources available to them, from easily accessible shelving. The experienced childminder knows the children well and ensures she has all appropriate information regarding their development before they attend. This means she can plan an ambitious curriculum that builds on what children already know, support their emotional development and follow children's interests. Children show a good attitude to learning new things. They show curiosity and are keen and eager to 'have a go'. For example, they excitedly participate in creative activities. They concentrate and show perseverance and pride with their creation as they decorate small mirrors and giggle when they look at their reflections. There are good settling-in procedures. Children feel

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The provision is good

comfortable, leave their parents with ease and settle quickly.

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The provision is good

The childminder is skilful in her interactions and understands the importance of allowing children time to play alone and discover for themselves. She carefully observes children as they play and is subtle in her support. Children receive lots of praise for their efforts and they play well together, having made friendships with others attending.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good as the childminder has a secure knowledge of how children learn. She ensures the curriculum supports these characteristics and their interests. She has established working partnerships with other early years settings children attend, as she is aware of the importance of ensuring continuity of care and learning. n Parents speak highly of the supportive childminder. They comment that their children are happy and settled and make good progress in her care. Many comment on the good communication they receive and have complete confidence that their children are in safe hands. n The dedicated and committed childminder endeavours to provide children with quality care. She continues to improve her already good knowledge and the service she provides through ongoing research and training opportunities. This is because she understands the positive impact this has on outcomes for children.

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need to do better?

n Children learn the skills they need to take care of their personal needs. For example, the childminder positively encourages even the youngest children to wipe their nose independently. They look in the mirror to check, and they understand the importance of putting the tissue in the bin and washing their hands afterwards. They are fully supported through potty training, and the childminder is mindful to protect children's dignity while changing nappies.

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need to do better?

3 March 2025 n The childminder is not currently using the garden at her premises. However, she ensures children receive fresh air and exercise daily through walks within the local community to visit the library, toddler groups and soft play activities. They regularly visit the local park and use the apparatus to develop their large physical skills. n Children are offered well-balanced, nutritious snacks and meals. For example, they enjoy dips, vegetables and fruit platters for lunch. Children learn about staying healthy through meaningful conversations with the childminder and the activities provided. For example, they discuss healthy foods while sorting role- play resources. They talk about oral hygiene and practise cleaning teeth using games that are readily available. The childminder introduces new words while playing to extend their vocabulary, such as 'decay' and 'cavities'. n Children have many opportunities to access writing materials. They concentrate

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need to do better?

as they draw patterns, colour and make marks. They use dough to mould into shapes and strengthen their hand muscles. The childminder is skilful in her interactions. She introduces mathematical language during play. For example, children are encouraged to think about the shapes, and they draw and compare size. They count animals in the farm construction they make. n Young children are confident speakers. For example, they confidently engage visitors in conversation and share their favourite books. The childminder models language well and has a clear comprehension of how children develop their conversation skills. She engages children in conversation as they play. However, occasionally, she does not give children time to respond to questions, think critically and solve problems for themselves.

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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 strengthen the use of effective questioning skills, give children more time to think and respond to questions, and enable them to share their thoughts and ideas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY492685 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10390437 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 10 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Harlow, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

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 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 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

3 March 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

3 March 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

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