Goldsmith, Kathryn

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has a deep and secure understanding of how children learn. She has crafted a remarkable curriculum that she brings to life in the most wondrous ways. Children access learning securely and consistently across all seven areas of learning as a result of the natural and inspirational teaching that happens. The childminder provides intentionally rich learning opportunities that help children to thrive.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are at one with nature. They relax in hammocks as they explore patterns on sticks and engage in conversation with peers. Children confidently explore the leafy tunnels and moats with the childminder and correctly identify a range of trees and plants from ongoing co-research. They explore the wild flower meadow using sweep nets to gently capture and release insects. This helps them to respect and appreciate the natural world.

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The provision is outstanding

Children behave incredibly well. They show the utmost respect for their environment and materials. The childminder helps children to develop a love of nature. Daily routines include feeding the ducks and chickens before heading to the woods. Children take incredible care of the wildlife. They rescue bees that need water and safely transport moths out of harm's way.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an extensive understanding of what children need to develop in order to be successful in the future. She has designed a curriculum that gives children the very best opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding through real-life, authentic experiences. These learning experiences are exquisitely designed to deliver the awe and wonder that sparks children's imagination and curiosity. n Children learn about life cycles. The childminder shows them how to identify baby moorhens and they take extra care not to disturb mother hens who are sitting on eggs. Children gain an awareness of death and decay. When they come across a deceased animal, they quickly tell the childminder and call for it to be removed. This ensures that children are better equipped to deal with life events in the future. n Children manage and evaluate risk with the utmost confidence. They recognise spiky plants and know not to pick anything by themselves. Children expertly

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need to do better?

navigate a range of risky apparatus, including zip lines and rope swings. The childminder uses a sequenced approach to ensuring that children take the time they need to feel confident before independent use. n Children show extraordinary physical skill, coordination and agility. They stack tyres, balance on the slack line and drive battery-powered vehicles. They show a

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need to do better?

12 June 2025 strong desire to be physically active, navigating strategically placed balance beams and bridges with incredible confidence. n Children are relentless researchers. They listen for bird calls and identify a range of winged visitors through their bird research. Children learn about the honey that bees make and how to create ecosystems to attract frogs. The childminder fuels their growing minds with effortless enthusiasm. This supports the expansion of knowledge that children have. n Children are developing an extensive wealth of knowledge and skill that prepares them for the future. They describe how they use a firesteel to make a fire in the pit. The childminder has ensured that all children fully understand the safety rules. Children show a secure understanding of what fire needs and reasons why they cannot achieve a flame. Children make toast and pancakes as they practise their outdoor cooking skills.

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need to do better?

n Children show great resilience. They face deliberate challenges that the childminder sets, such as placing the water butt lower down to make turning the tap more difficult. In the water kitchen, they explore force and pressure as they plug holes and use taps to prevent water flow. The childminder expertly recognises when children are ready for new and exciting challenges. n The childminder accurately evaluates her provision and uses her ever-growing wealth of knowledge to provide the very best experiences for children. She is relentless in her pursuit for excellence and ensures that the experiences she provides for children are nothing less than incredible. n Parents offer the highest praise for this childminder. They cannot speak highly enough of the care and education their children receive. They feel incredibly grateful to have found the childminder and say that children are thriving in her care. They describe her care and education as 'second to none'.

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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 EY362401 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10392373 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 5 Date of previous inspection 19 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007. She operates from Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 4pm, during term time, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3 and a certificate in leading forest school. The childminder provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder talked to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants the children to learn. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children and the quality of teaching. n Parents shared their views of the setting, and the inspector took these into account. n The children talked to the inspector.

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Inspection activities

12 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

12 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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