Childminder EY428879

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 welcomes children into a safe and fun environment in which to learn. She has a good knowledge of the children attending as effective settling-in procedures are in place. The childminder invests time in getting to know the children and their family before they attend. This helps to ensure she has a sound understanding of where they are in their development and what they need to learn next. The childminder teaches children the skills they need to be independent learners and for a successful transition to school. The childminder provides children with a wide variety of play opportunities and quality resources that reflect children's interests when planning her curriculum. Activities also include regular planned outings within the local community, such as singing at the local residential home, and visits to parks and museums.

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The provision is good

Children settle quickly and leave their parents with ease as they are very comfortable, confident and happy in the childminder's home. They have formed close attachments with the calm, attentive and nurturing childminder. The childminder understands when children want to play independently and is on hand for support and encouragement. Children understand the childminder's expectations. They feel secure with familiar routines, demonstrate good manners and their behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n Overall, the quality of teaching is good as the childminder has a secure knowledge of how children learn. She carefully observes children's progress and delivers a curriculum that is fun and challenging, based on children's interests, seasonal themes and what they need to learn next. n Children have a choice of where they play and thoroughly enjoy their time in the garden. Appealing activities outdoors spark children's curiosity. Young children show patience and determination as they scoop compost into diggers and watch in fascination as they tip the contents. n Children show sustained concentration as they master the skill of the water wall. They pour water at the top and patiently watch it trickle down. Children giggle as they use the hose pipe to refresh the water and even the youngest children understand how to manipulate the nozzle effectively. n The childminder understands the importance of developing partnerships with

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need to do better?

other early years settings that children also attend. She acknowledges the value of sharing children's learning and progress to provide continuity. However, these partnerships are not yet fully embedded in practice to support continuity of care and education for children. n Children spend time as they eagerly participate in dough activities. They use a variety of materials to enhance the models they make and develop their

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need to do better?

26 August 2025 creativity. Children proudly show visitors to the setting the birds they make using dough and feathers. They persevere to thread beads onto spaghetti to make structures in the dough. This helps to develop their fine motor skills. They receive lots of encouragement and praise form the childminder for their efforts. n Children's speech and language is supported well and they make good progress in their communication skills. They excitedly prepare for spontaneous group singing and sit comfortably on cosy cushions in anticipation. They use props as they choose their favourite songs. n Overall, children's behaviour is good. They have formed friendships and play well together. Children understand the childminder's expectations. They demonstrate good manners and have established close bonds with the childminder. n The childminder is aware of the importance to support children's emotional development. However, there are few focused opportunities for children to learn

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need to do better?

about emotions, how to regulate their feelings and learn the vocabulary they need to express themselves. n Parents speak highly of the 'fun, kind and caring' childminder. They appreciate the variety of learning opportunities planned for their children and comment positively on the outdoor activities provided. Parents say their children have made good progress as a result of attending. They appreciate the good communication provided by the childminder with regard to their children's development. n The childminder is aware of the importance of continuous professional development. She is committed to improving her knowledge through training opportunities. The childminder evaluates the service she provides to improve outcomes for the children.

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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 partnerships with other early years settings that children attend to provide the best possible support for their learning and development n enhance the curriculum to support children to understanding and express their emotions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY428879 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10407824 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 5 Date of previous inspection 20 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Braintree, Essex. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. 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.

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Inspection activities

26 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

26 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

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

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