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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder and her staff use their expert knowledge and wealth of experience, to create a rich and most welcoming play environment. Careful consideration has been given to ensure the home is inclusive and captures children's curiosity to explore. The considered presentation of high-quality resources ensures children are inspired to self-select and learn the skills they need to be independent learners. The childminder ensures the challenging curriculum supports children's curiosity, interests and developing skills, and children are fully engrossed in self-chosen tasks. Children show they are determined and persevere when they encounter difficulties. The childminder is skilful in her interactions, to support children to be successful learners. They make sustained progress as a result.

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The provision is outstanding

The nurturing childminder and her staff have a secure knowledge of the children in their care. Children have established trusting, close bonds with them. Children demonstrate they feel safe and secure as they happily share books with visitors to the home. Young children show sustained concentration as they giggle and chat about the birds and insects in the story. Children move with confidence and skill around the setting, demonstrating their strong understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They display exceptionally positive behaviour. They have made friendships with others attending and are kind and caring towards one another. Older children happily help younger children attending. There is a calm and harmonious atmosphere throughout. The childminder places a strong focus on children's personal and emotional needs. As a result, even the very youngest children develop resilience and confidence in their abilities, are highly engaged and

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need to do better?

n The childminder maintains excellent partnerships with parents. She is flexible and approachable and offers them many practical ways to communicate. She invites parents to contribute to their child's learning, sharing their child's progress and activity ideas with them. Continuity of care is also a priority and the childminder has established strong, professional links with other early years settings and schools that children attend. n Children have a real sense of belonging and self-worth. They have space for their personal belongings. Books of photos of their family and people important to them are readily available. Children's beautiful creations and art work are displayed. They self-register, competently finding their name, or recording their presence as they write their name on a chalk board when they arrive. n The childminder is highly responsive to children's play and watches carefully as children explore in their own way. She waits for the right moment to expertly

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need to do better?

21 May 2025 extend their play, making suggestions and asking questions to encourage their thinking. For example, children make large cardboard houses. They know only two children can play inside to ensure their safety. They decide chairs are needed and the childminder is subtle in the support offered, as she gently asks their opinion if smaller chairs may fit better. n Children are highly confident in taking care of their personal needs. For example, they wipe their nose when needed and know to dispose of the tissue in the bin. Children understand the importance of staying healthy. They know to wash hands before eating and do this independently. The delight in being the helper of the day and confidently lay the table ready for their friends in preparation for snack. Even very young children make good attempts at chopping the fruits. n Extensive opportunities are in place for children to learn simple mathematics as

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need to do better?

this is thoroughly embedded in all activities. They learn about cause and effect as they make good attempts to melt ice. Younger children use wooden hammers to chip away at the ice, while older children predict it will turn to water when it gets warm. They are fascinated by the frozen petals and flowers, and paint the large chunks of ice, colour mixing and watching with fascination as the water changes colour. n Children enjoy a range of exciting opportunities to learn about the wider community. For example, they regularly visit the local residential home, where they sing or complete creative activities with the residents. They attend local groups or the library, expanding their social interactions. The childminder offers interesting experiences, such as shopping, as learning opportunities. Children help to write lists in preparation to buy fruits for their snack, which supports their early literacy skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder makes excellent use of any new knowledge gained from research or training. She continually builds on the quality of her teaching, so that children make the best possible progress. Training is evaluated, and new ideas and practices are introduced to further improve outcomes for children. The childminder demonstrates continued enthusiasm to provide the highest quality practice. She strongly promotes training opportunities for her staff to ensure their own professional development, and values the skills and experience they bring to the setting. n Parents speak highly of the 'outstanding' care and education the childminder provides their children. They comment on how reassured they are when their leave, that their children thrive, are safe, immensely happy and having the 'best' time. Many commenting on their children's progress since attending.

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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 EY543736 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10392308 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 21 Date of previous inspection 15 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Colchester, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder regularly works with an assistant. She 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

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

21 May 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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