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's natural curiosity is expertly nurtured by this qualified and experienced childminder. Children have immense fun and make rapid progress as a result of the teaching and learning provided. The childminder has a deep-rooted knowledge of how children learn, and of child development. She expertly designs an ambitious curriculum to meet the children's developing needs and provide ample challenges, to extend children's learning to the highest level. Children are at the centre of all decisions made by the dedicated childminder. She competently plans learning opportunities based on her sharply focused assessments and observations, information gained from parents, and with a clear intent for learning. She follows children's interests to ensure she captures their attention. The childminder is skilful and subtle in her interactions, and knows precisely when to intervene and when to allow children time to think critically and problem solve for themselves. There is a

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The provision is outstanding

strong focus on learning outdoors, throughout the year. Aspects of the Montessori principles also influence the implementation of the curriculum. Children flourish in the childminder's care and her teaching is worthy of dissemination.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have a comprehensive understanding of the childminders behavioural expectations, and value and respect one another, the childminder is an excellent role model. Children have formed close and trusting bonds with the childminder and have made secure friendships with others attending. Children play harmoniously and understand the impact of their behaviour on others. For example, when they accidently bump one another they spontaneously stop to check their friends are okay, offering to help and apologise without prompting. Children's behaviour is exemplary

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need to do better?

n As a result of the childminder's care and teaching, children have very positive attitudes and are highly motivated to learn. They learn the skills needed to be independent and are fully supported through the everyday routines and experiences provided. They are superbly prepared for the transition to school. The childminder is proactive in welcoming teachers to visit the children in her home to ease the transition. n The childminder continually strengthens the quality of her teaching through research and training opportunities. She understands the importance and impact this has on outcomes for all children. She routinely shares any new information with parents, to support continuity and learning at home. n The childminder provides frequent and varied activities to promote concept of numbers. All children have developed a strong grounding and confidence in simple mathematics. For example, they group objects they find in sand and find

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need to do better?

corresponding number stones. Even the very youngest children, who collect 18

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need to do better?

10 June 2025 objects, understand values and select the correct numbered stones without hesitation. n The childminder maintains excellent partnerships with parents and offers them many practical ways to communicate. She routinely invites parents to contribute to their child's learning, sharing their child's progress and activity ideas with them. Parents speak highly of the 'enthusiastic and passionate' childminder. They comment that the guidance and advice they receive is appreciated and say their children have 'thrived' in her care. n Children are effective communicators and speak with increasing confidence. They engage visitors to the setting in their conversations during imaginary play as they explain they are planning an adventure to dinosaur world. n The childminder recognises the importance of reading to children and promoting children's their enjoyment of books. They excitedly prepare ready for a favourite

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need to do better?

story and listen with intent. Children talk about the title, author and illustrator of the story. They interact as they confidently discuss the characters, predicting what will happen next. n Children are highly confident in managing their personal care needs. They competently wash their hands following garden play and before eating, explaining the importance of washing away any germs. Following water play, they make choices as to whether they need to change their clothes. They do this with ease and even the youngest persevere with a determination to complete the task. n Children learn about the wider world and how to take care of the environment. They talk fluently of the importance of disposing of litter in the bin. Children explain the importance of using flannels and not wipes as this helps the planet. They routinely visit the allotment where they hunt for bugs, grow vegetables that harvest their crop to use in the freshly cooked meals they receive. Children

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need to do better?

talk about their food waste being 'mulched' and used for compost.

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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 EY546385 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10394744 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 10 Date of previous inspection 23 September 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 Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds qualified teachers status. 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

10 June 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

10 June 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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