Childminder EY431729

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 are warmly welcomed by the childminder, who is exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced. She has a genuine passion to provide children with a secure, safe and inspiring environment in which to learn. The childminder plans a most ambitious curriculum around the children's interests. She applies some principles of Montessori teaching and forest school approach to promote children's learning. The childminder has a deep rooted knowledge of how children acquire knowledge through language. Therefore, the environment and her skilful interactions are rich in opportunities for children to learn the skills needed to be confident communicators. Children develop extremely close and trusting bonds with the childminder and make exceptional progress from their starting points. Young children demonstrate a thirst for learning and are eager to try new things. They are curious and confident and flourish in the childminder's care.

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The provision is outstanding

Children develop excellent dexterity and solve problems quickly through their perseverance and patience. For example, young children confidently master the skill of using steps safely. They try various ways and even remove their shoes to see if this makes it easier. Children continue to solve the problem independently and are proud of their achievement. Furthermore, children show excitement when looking for a resident spider. They know that books provide information and quickly find a book to compare the pictures to the spider they observe. There is a constant flow of talking and new words introduced by the childminder to extend children's vocabulary. The childminder's commitment and dedication to families help to provide children with an exceptionally secure start in life. As a result of the high- quality care provided, children feel valued, listened to and respected. They are exceptionally well prepared for future learning. Children's behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides consistently high-quality teaching, which children benefit greatly from. She meticulously plans a curriculum to guarantee that children build on what they already know and can do. This includes meaningful outings to learn about the wider community in which they live, such as visits to the woods, litter picking and library visits. Children are highly active learners and develop excellent thinking skills to support their future learning. n Children's understanding of mathematics is developing exceptionally well. They proficiently count in order and compare size and weights as they play. They use words such as 'minute' when describing grains of sand, explaining that it is tiny rocks that are 'very gritty'. n Children's learning is seamless. For example, the childminder is skilful in how she teaches and supports play. Spontaneous conversations take place around similarities and differences. For example, children use hats in their play and

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need to do better?

9 September 2025 comment the hats cover their eyes and they cannot see. This leads to discussions on how some people cannot see and the importance of other senses. For example, they are encouraged to listen to sounds in the environment and predict what they can hear. Children excitedly talk about a drill and an aeroplane noise in the background. They recall and connect previous learning as they talk about the guide dogs they have previously met. n There is a strong focus on promoting healthy lifestyles. Children understand the importance of keeping hydrated, and young children know how to replenish their drinks using the water container provided. Children prepare for snack, and they help one another to open their pots of fruit. Children listen with intent as they engage in conversation with the childminder around the importance of exercise. They discuss their hearts pumping, their bodies getting 'sweaty' when they run,

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need to do better?

oxygen and strong bones and teeth. Children excitedly share their knowledge of shark teeth and talk about how they are serrated compared to their own. n Parents speak highly of the encouraging and nurturing childminder. They say she is a positive influence in their children's life. Parents comment on the rapid progress their children have made since attending, particularly in their speech and language development. They say they appreciate the thorough daily feedback. Parents comment that guidance and advice they receive is much appreciated and feel fully informed and able to support continuity and learning at home. n The childminder oozes enthusiasm and dedication to provide children with an exceptional quality of care and education. She demonstrates a passion and commitment to enhance her continuous professional development. The childminder consistently reflects on ways of improving her knowledge through

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need to do better?

research and training opportunities. She shares relevant information with parents to further support children in her care. n Children have made friendships with others attending. They are kind and helpful toward one another and have learned, through activities, conversations and resources provided, the importance of being kind. They use language to describe how they are feeling and regulate their emotions well. The calm and happy childminder has high expectations for the children. She is consistent in her approach. As a result, children are very self-assured and behaviour is excellent.

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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 EY431729 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10398732 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 7 Date of previous inspection 6 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Colchester, Essex. She operates during school term time, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8am to 5.30pm. The childminder provides government-funded early education for all eligible children. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3 and a Montessori Teaching qualification.

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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

9 September 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

9 September 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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