Childminder EY357082

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 experienced and qualified childminder ensures that all children are provided with the best possible start to their education. She provides a highly ambitious curriculum that incorporates children's interests and supports child-led play effectively. The carefully planned environment inspires children to be curious. Children demonstrate a thirst for learning and confidence to try new things. The childminder provides children with a most welcoming, home-from-home, language- rich environment in which to learn. The childminder fully understands children's different learning styles and, therefore, provides excellent learning opportunities within the garden for those who are more active learners and prefer outdoor play.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has robust knowledge and understanding of child development. She provides consistent high-quality teaching, which has a very positive impact on outcomes for children attending. The childminder sequences learning in stages and meticulously plans a curriculum that builds on what children already know and can do. For example, targeted activities teach and challenge children's understanding of insects, life cycles and the natural world around them. They recall previous learning as they enthusiastically discuss the life cycle of caterpillars and butterflies. They show excitement as they talk about planned activities to go 'pond dipping' and learn all about frogs. Children are self-assured and have established close and trusting bonds with the childminder and her staff. The childminder has consistently high expectations for the children in her care. The childminder and her staff are positive, calm and attentive role models, and children's behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n Children flourish and make rapid progress from their starting points because of the childminder's commitment to highly effective professional development. She consistently strives to build on her already extensive knowledge of child development. There is a culture of evaluation, and she implements changes gained from training to elevate learning to an even higher level. n The childminder and her staff work harmoniously together, and the day runs seamlessly. This creates a warm, happy and fun atmosphere, and children are extremely confident and secure in their care. Children demonstrate an enthusiasm to learn and explore activities provided. Staff say they are happy in their role, feel valued and are fully supported to build on their already good knowledge of child development through training opportunities. n The childminder recognises the importance of reading to children and promoting children's enjoyment of books. Children excitedly prepare for a favourite story

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need to do better?

and listen with intent as they sit comfortably under a gazebo in the garden. They interact as they confidently discuss the characters, predicting what will happen next. Children use props and puppets, and even babies are animated and show

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need to do better?

6 August 2025 sustained concentration, fully absorbed in the familiar story. n Children are fully supported in their communication skills as the childminder has a sound understanding of how to promote language development. Children listen intently to instructions. For example, when they decide they want to paint bug pictures, they independently set up the resources they need and follow the simple guidance from the childminder. The childminder engages them in high- quality conversation. Children have a wide vocabulary and talk about the bugs they find being 'ginormous' or 'minute'. n Babies are fully integrated in the play environment, and all activities are differentiated to ensure they are inclusive. Babies are fully supported as they try to take their first steps and offered lots of praise, encouragement and cuddles. n Children are kind and caring toward one another. For example, older children are

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need to do better?

very mindful of taking care around the younger children. They show thoughtfulness as they make babies a dedicated play area, commenting they must be careful around the edges and use blankets to make them safe. n There is a strong focus on supporting healthy lifestyles. 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. Children are taught about healthy food options during mealtimes and through activities such as making smoothies. They understand the need to cut fruits to keep safe and persevere with determination as they are supported to use knives safely. n The childminder positively encourages continued parents' involvement in their children's learning. She understands the importance of working in partnership and shares useful information and knowledge gained from training and research

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need to do better?

with them. She ensures they are well-informed regarding their children's progress and attainment and her planned curriculum. In addition, she is proactive in establishing links with other early years settings children attend to ensure continuity. n Parents were keen to give feedback about the 'amazing and attentive childminder'. Parents say their children have made excellent progress in the warm and nurturing environment provided. They say they leave their children with ease and in complete knowledge that they are safe and are offered rich learning opportunities.

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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 EY357082 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10399004 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 25 Date of previous inspection 15 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Harlow, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7am until 7pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant. 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 reading written testimonials. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents, including evidence about suitability and training. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

6 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

6 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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