Childminder in Essex

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

The caring, professional and dedicated childminder is committed to providing children with a stimulating, fun and safe place to learn. She is genuinely pleased to see them and welcomes them into a most child friendly and inviting, home-from home environment. The childminder is enthusiastic and keen to provide children with an ambitious curriculum that is designed around their interests, and builds on what they already know. She invests time getting to know the children before they attend and makes informed assessment through information gained from parents and her observations to provide good outcomes for children.

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The provision is good

There is a strong focus on supporting children's personal, emotional and social development. As a result, even the youngest children demonstrate they are confident in their abilities, feel safe and are very happy in her care. Children choose where they play and enjoy their time in the garden. The considered presentation of the good-quality resources in the dedicated playroom ensures children are able to self-select and learn the skills they need to be independent learners. Older children are caring towards younger children attending. They invite them to join in games and share resources. They understand the childminder's high expectations. For example, they take care of their toys and return them when they have finished playing. The childminder is gentle in her approach when children struggle to self- regulate and is a calming influence. As a result, children's behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The quality of teaching is good, and children make good progress from their starting points. This is because the childminder ensures the children feel secure and are emotionally ready to learn. She works closely with parents and is effective in her observations of children's progress. n The childminder values and promotes strong, working relationships with parents. Parents speak highly of the nurturing and reliable childminder and the opportunities she provides. They comment how their children have flourished in her care, and make good progress. They say communication is excellent and they feel supported to continue their children's learning at home. n Children receive good attention. The childminder is gentle in her approach and speaks respectfully to the children. She supports young children to understand their feelings, and provides the vocabulary they need to express their emotions. The provision of books and resources also help children express how they feel.

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need to do better?

For example, children tell visitors to the setting they are feeling happy as they cuddle 'yellow' toys, and explain how colours mean different feelings. n Children develop a love of books as these are promoted throughout the setting. They sit together and share stories. They enjoy cuddles with the childminder as they listen with intent to a favourite story. They confidently chat about the

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need to do better?

14 July 2025 animals in the story, comparing size. They share information they have learned from a recent visit to the zoo with the childminder, as they excitedly talk about a baby giraffe. n Children learn how to stay safe and healthy through planned activities and routines of the day. For example, they know they must wash their hands following play in the garden and before eating. They understand the importance of drinking water when it is hot. They talk about their trips to the allotment with the childminder, and how they pick carrots and cabbages. n Children are keen and eager learners. They show curiosity to try new things. For example, they show sustained concentration as they mix potions in the garden and work out how to use squeezy bottles effectively. n Children's communication skills are supported well. The childminder models language well and repeats simple words for young children learning to

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need to do better?

communicate. Children speak confidently, they ask lots of questions and enjoy spontaneous singing as they play. n While children have access to an abundance of quality resources, there are few opportunities for the younger children to express high levels of creativity and imagination through sensory activities or the use of resources that have no fixed purpose.

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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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should:

n strengthen opportunities for younger children to be able to express high levels of creativity and imagination through sensory activities or the use of resources that have no fixed purpose.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2728349 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10398517 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 0 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Colchester, Essex. She operates during term time, from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder provides 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

14 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

14 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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