Childminder 560199

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder provides children with a cosy, home-from-home environment in which to learn. Children are warmly welcomed by the dedicated and nurturing childminder, who is genuinely pleased to see them. Children are busy and happy. They demonstrate they are confident and safe in the childminder's care. They are self-assured and move around the home with ease. The childminder takes full advantage of the countryside around them and outdoor learning is positively promoted. The curriculum is planned around seasonal themes and children's interests. Activities within the ambitious curriculum include walks in the local village, through wheat fields and visits to toddler groups. Children grow flowers and vegetables for the village show, which enhance their experiences further and provides a sense of community and belonging.

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The provision is good

Children quickly immerse themselves in activities of their choice in the garden. The childminder invests time getting to know the children and how they prefer to learn, before they start. This means she can provide play opportunities that will capture their interest and progress them in their development. While the curriculum is based around children's likes and interests, the childminder promotes the skills needed to be independent learners and prepare them for their transition to school. The childminder is attentive and listens respectfully to what the children say and encourages them to make choices. The childminder is kind and offers lots of praise and recognition for children's efforts. As a result, children understand the expectations and demonstrate good behaviour.

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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 qualified and experienced childminder understands how children learn. She works closely with parents and is effective in her observations of children's progress. n The childminder understands the importance of partnership working. She places a strong emphasis on working with parents and positively encourages parents' involvement in their children's learning. The childminder shares useful information and knowledge gained from training with them. In addition, she is proactive in establishing links with other early years settings where children attend to support continuity in their learning. n The childminder continues to focus on her professional development. She updates her knowledge through training opportunities and research. This is because she understands the positive impact this has on the outcomes for

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need to do better?

children. n Children have a choice of where they play and thoroughly enjoy their time in the garden. Appealing activities outdoors spark children's curiosity and even very

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need to do better?

15 August 2025 young children show sustained concentration as they engage in memory games such as 'memory chess'. They make patterns and shapes, using large chalks on the floor. Children persevere and are delighted when they complete large floor puzzles in the fresh air. n Parents speak highly of the welcoming and reliable childminder. They say the 'environment is well equipped' and there is a 'family atmosphere'. Parents comment that the children 'adore' the childminder and thrive in her care. n The childminder recognises the importance of reading to children and promoting children's enjoyment of books. Children excitedly prepare for a favourite story and listen with intent as they sit comfortably in the garden. Children show concentration as they giggle and predict what is happening in the story. n The childminder places a strong focus on supporting healthy lifestyles. They know to keep hydrated in warm weather and pour themselves drinks. Children

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need to do better?

are confident in managing their personal care needs. Even young children independently and competently wash their hands following garden play and before eating. n Children enjoy mealtimes. They enthusiastically help prepare a buffet and present nutritious food choices ready for their friends. They use knives proficiently, closely supervised. The childminder is fully aware of children's dietary needs and allergies and provides children with a menu of well-balanced home-cooked healthy dinners. n The childminder constantly engages children in meaningful conversation and provides a running commentary during activities. On some occasions, the childminder asks too many questions and does not always provide children with time to respond to enhance their thinking and help them solve problems independently. n The childminder ensures children's emotional well-being is supported and that they feel safe and secure in her care. Children have formed positive friendships

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need to do better?

with others attending. They understand the childminder's expectations and demonstrate very good manners. Children have established close bonds with the childminder and as a result, their behaviour is good.

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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 questioning techniques to help children to think critically and solve problems independently.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 560199 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10407324 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 16 Date of previous inspection 6 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Halstead, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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

15 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

15 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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