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 and thrive in the childminder's care. They form the most loving of bonds with her and each other. The childminder fosters children's individual personalities. She shows them high levels of respect and is an excellent role model for them to copy. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the setting. They form close friendships, work as a team and develop excellent social skills. Even the youngest of children independently share and take turns and are considerate of each other's feelings. Children flock to the childminder. They are mesmerised by her interactions.

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The provision is outstanding

Children acquire a love of books. They access them independently. Children develop high levels of listening and attention skills. Children thoroughly enjoy the childminder reading to them. She brings stories to life by creating different voices for the characters, and with sound effects and props. The childminder further extends children's literacy knowledge by incorporating concepts into activities, such as explaining the role of authors and with use of rhyming patterns. The childminder expertly includes mathematics into everyday activities. Children learn simple adding and subtracting through enjoyable play activities that are matched to their learning needs and interests. Children recognise quantities and size concepts, such as 'medium,' during their play.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have an excellent understanding of the world around them. The childminder provides an extensive range of activities that support children's understanding of how to care for living things. Children carefully dig up vegetables. They learn what they need for the vegetables to grow. Children learn to care for animals. They learn how to gently cuddle chickens and learn about their life cycles. When children find insects in the garden, they carefully consider what they need to do to ensure that they have food and enough space to move around.

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need to do better?

n The childminder designs and implements an ambitious and forward-thinking curriculum. She gets to know the children and their families incredibly well. The childminder's teaching is highly responsive and consistently of a very high standard. Her expert understanding of how children learn allows her to plan tailored learning experiences that challenge and inspire children. n The childminder skilfully brings learning to life. For example, children gather round as they investigate the potato plant and talk about its parts, such as the leaves and roots. Children are inquisitive and actively ask questions. They learn about pollination and what living things need, in order to grow. n The childminder has high expectations of herself. She takes care to identify areas of practice that she can improve on, and she implements prompt and

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need to do better?

8 July 2025 effective training for herself. The childminder enthusiastically incorporates what she learns from training into her practice to further enhance children's experiences. n The childminder has forged exemplary partnerships with local pre-schools, schools and other professionals. These relationships ensure smooth transitions and a consistent approach to children's learning and development. Consequently, all children are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education. n The childminder has formed the most trusting and impactful relationships with parents. They trust her and value what she provides for their children. They speak of the nurturing, natural curriculum, real-life experiences and the safe and loving environment that she provides. Children also share how wonderful they think she is and how much they learn about the world. n Independence is at the heart of the childminder's practice. Even the youngest of

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need to do better?

children are encouraged to manage personal tasks for themselves. Children help to prepare snack, set up activities, tidy up and wipe their noses and learn how and when to wash their hands. n The childminder has an excellent commitment to supporting children's mental health and emotional well-being. She gives the children a safe place to express their emotions and learn to understand how they feel and that their feelings are important. The childminder provides plenty of opportunities for fresh air and physical exercise as she knows how valuable this is for, not only their physical, but also their emotional well-being. n The childminder adopts a wide range of highly effective practices to develop children's communication and language skills. She exposes the children to an extensive vocabulary throughout their play. Children engage confidently in conversations in café role play, using phrases such as, 'Can I take your order

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need to do better?

please?' explaining the types of tea on offer and how much they are. n Children actively explore an exceptionally well-resourced environment. The extensive range of resources allows children to lead their own learning and create their own ideas. Children thoroughly enjoy exploring a variety of activities that promote their fascination, curiosity and love of learning. Children excitedly explore water play, scooping, filling, pouring and testing out their own ideas. For example, children estimate where the droplets will land when they use water sprays.

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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 EY543731 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10398540 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 12 Date of previous inspection 28 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Tiptree, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The childminder holds a qualification at level 3. She offers government funded places for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector took account of parents' views in written testimonials. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder and other household members.

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Inspection activities

8 July 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

8 July 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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