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

Children flourish in the care of the experienced and dedicated childminder. They are extremely happy and settled. Children have formed incredibly close bonds with the childminder, who genuinely cares deeply for the children and their families. The childminder strives to provide the best possible outcomes for all in her care. She works hard to ensure a successful transition from home to her setting. Bespoke, settling-in arrangements are carefully planned to meet the individual needs of each child. For example, the childminder visits the children in their own home. Appropriate information from parents is used to skilfully adapt the provision to help children settle quickly. This helps to ensure that all children get off to a positive start.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder skilfully supports children to develop the characteristics of highly effective learners. The skills required to be independent are strongly promoted through everyday routines. Children competently take care of their personal needs. They excitedly put their shoes on in preparation to walk to the park. High regard is given to developing children's communication and language skills. The childminder carefully models the correct pronunciation of words and introduces new words to extend vocabulary further. The childminder is highly effective in capturing children's interest and attention. Children recall the story and predict what will happen next as they use props and puppets. Children have formed secure and trusting bonds with the calm and nurturing childminder who is an excellent role model. She has high expectations for the children in her care. Children are polite and caring toward one another, listening respectfully when they ask one another not to help, as they

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The provision is outstanding

want to finish a task by themselves. Children's behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n Children thrive and make rapid progress in their learning as a result of their time with the exceptional childminder. She has a deep rooted knowledge of how children learn, and how to promote a challenging, sequenced curriculum designed around children's interests. In addition to her knowledge, stringent observations completed means the childminder is able to seek early intervention if necessary, and swiftly close any emerging gaps in children's progress. n Children have a secure sense of self and self-worth. They are confident and have a positive attitude to learning. They demonstrate respect for one another and feel valued as individuals, as a result of the childminder ethos to promote kindness and respect, from an early age. n Children develop a sound understanding of mathematical concepts and language. For example, the childminder teaches them about shape, size and numbers as they play. Children talk of how four quarters, or two halves make a

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need to do better?

28 May 2025 n The childminder offers children an ambitious curriculum, based precisely on her observations, parents contributions to their children's learning and a secure understanding of what children need to learn next. An abundance of carefully selected, high-quality and interesting resources are provided to inspire and motivate children to be curious. n Children show sustained concentration as they investigate how a kaleidoscope works. They discover the shapes are all triangles and that these create a bigger pattern. They say it is 'magical' as they excitedly share their discovery. n While the childminder is on hand and is extremely skilful and timely in her interactions, children persevere and problem solve for themselves. For example, they think critically as they mend a broken truck and are thrilled with their success and the praise they receive. n Many children are from military families and therefore, establishing trusting and

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need to do better?

professional working relationships with parents is a priority for the childminder. Parents speak incredibly highly of the support they receive from the childminder. They are well informed about their child's progress and value the advice and support they receive to help them contribute successfully to their child's learning at home. Parents say they trust the childminder implicitly. n Children have immense fun at the local park. They happily engage in physical play opportunities. They are familiar with the climbing apparatus and are mindful of how to stay safe, while challenging themselves in risky play. They are thrilled when they achieve a task for the first time. This is because they are superbly supported by the childminder. She understands the importance of enabling children to manage risk safely, and while she provides encouragement to 'have a go', she also provides appropriate supervision. n The childminder constantly reflects on the quality of the service she provides.

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need to do better?

She regularly attends training, diligently researches and implements her new knowledge to benefit children's experiences. The childminder works in close partnership with any other providers that children attend to ensure continuity.

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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 EY544385 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10392525 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 13 Date of previous inspection 30 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 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. 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 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

28 May 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

28 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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