Childminder EY102730

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

Children flourish and thrive at this exciting and stimulating setting. The receptive and knowledgeable childminder creates inviting environments in which children can explore and play freely. Children settle quickly. They form strong bonds with the childminder and any assistant she works with. Children giggle with delight as they balance on obstacles in the garden. They listen to stories with awe and wonder. Children take pride in creating patterns with water and dye, and making spiral shapes and dinosaurs with chalk.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has clear ambitions for what she wants children to learn and the skills she would like them to develop by the time they go to school. She has exceptional knowledge of how children learn and knows how to create sensational experiences for children to develop skills and knowledge. Children, therefore, engage incredibly well and show high levels of concentration during activities. They make excellent progress in all areas of learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Children behave brilliantly. The childminder acts as an incredible role model for kindness. Children enjoy helping the childminder set up activities and tidy up after play. They take turns and share, as they want to be kind to others. The childminder sets clear boundaries and children feel secure in the routines. They look forward to what is coming next, as they know it will be enjoyable.

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need to do better?

n The childminder teaches to exceptional levels. By getting to know children well she creates tailor-made teaching opportunities. The childminder adapts activities so that all children can access the maximum learning. She sets children regular challenges and encourages them to solve problems. Children want to be able to tie their shoelaces or put their own sun cream on. They soon become independent in self-care, as a result. n The childminder is incredibly self-reflective. She supports her own learning as well as any assistant she works with by taking part in regular training. The childminder creates a personal development plan each year for improvements that she wishes to make. This is to ensure that her provision remains consistently at outstanding levels. n The childminder creates an environment that is rich in language. When introducing vocabulary, she explains what words mean and repeats the words

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need to do better?

often. Children delight in exploring and saying new words. They fast become confident communicators, chatting happily with others. Children make amazing progress in their communication and language development. They express their needs and opinions and make choices effectively. n The childminder provides excellent opportunities for children to visit their local

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need to do better?

12 August 2025 community. She regularly takes children to toddler groups, local parks and beaches, as well as community-run events such as trips on boats and visits to conservation areas with nesting birds. Children love these special times and often talk about them afterwards with the childminder. She takes opportunities to build on these experiences via activities and discussions. Children learn to love their community and feel proud of who they are and where they come from. n The childminder creates sociable and engaging snack and mealtimes for children. She sits with children and engages in conversation. Children self-serve their food and they love the responsibility of this. Children learn to cut their own fruit and thread them onto skewers safely from a young age. They learn about the properties of foods while trying new tastes. n The childminder supports a love and respect for animals and nature. She has

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need to do better?

affectionately named the pigeons who live in her garden, pointing them out to children. Children love to watch them fly and build their nest, as well as putting seeds out for them. When out in the community, the childminder teaches children about animals and wildlife. Children soon learn how to be careful and considerate. They develop genuine care and concern for animals. n The childminder has developed strong partnerships with parents and other settings that children attend. Parents highly praise the childminder for her warmth and support in settling children in. They recognise the huge leaps in development that their children make. The childminder regularly shares information with other settings so that children are well supported. Children transition well when moving to another setting as well.

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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 EY102730 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10399473 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 12 Number of children on roll 19 Date of previous inspection 3 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder lives in West Mersea, Colchester and registered in 2002. She operates from 8am until 5pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round apart from family holidays. The childminder holds a qualification at level 5. Sometimes she works with an assistant. The childminder provides funded early education for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk of the setting to discuss the curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

12 August 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 August 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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