Childminder in Southend on Sea

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 30 September 2015 21 May 2010

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder provides a welcoming, friendly and homely environment for the children. As a result they are happy, settled and engaged in their learning.  The childminder establishes effective relationships with parents to ensure children benefit from consistency and continuity in their learning and care.  The childminder makes good use of her garden to provide stimulating play areas. She provides a range of activities that support children's development across all areas of learning.  The children have very good opportunities to learn about the world in which they live. The childminder plans outings to make the most of the local environment. This also helps to develop children's physical skills and to maintain healthy lifestyles.  The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting high-quality provision. She attends a variety of courses, which have had a good impact on the learning experiences she offers children.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not make best use of the range of available resources to extend children's interests and develop their play ideas.  Parents are not always fully encouraged to share details about what their children have achieved at home.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 make best use of the available resources when planning activities to extend children's play and learning opportunities  encourage parents to share more details about what their children learn and achieve at home, to enable a consistent approach to promoting children's progress.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector held discussions with the childminder about her role and responsibilities in meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.  The inspector took account of the view of parents from written references.  The inspector looked at children's records, planning information and a range of documentation, including policies and procedures.  The inspector checked the childminder's understanding of safeguarding.  The inspector viewed all areas of the property that are used for childminding.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has a good understanding of the safeguarding requirements and what to do if she has any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder effectively implements her policies and procedures to support her practice and she shares these with parents. Partnerships with parents are good. The childminder regularly shares information with them to keep them fully informed about their children's progress. However, parents are not regularly encouraged to share information with the childminder about their child's learning at home. Parents say they feel reassured by the care she provides. Children are cared for in a safe environment because the childminder carries out very thorough risk assessments and places a strong emphasis on their well- being.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The quality of teaching is good. The childminder understands how children learn and provides play activities and experiences to promote active learning. However, on occasion, she does not make best use of her available resources to extend their play and learning opportunities. Children enjoy playing and exploring, for example, they have fun exploring mini-beasts and dinosaurs set up in an environment of natural resources, such as herbs and logs. She supports children to extend their sensory experiences by encouraging them to touch and smell the herbs. The childminder interacts positively, extending the children's knowledge and understanding. She questions children skilfully to develop their communication and language skills. The childminder regularly visits local playgroups and music-and-rhyme sessions. The children develop their personal, social and emotional skills as they mix with others. They learn to share and take turns with toys and resources.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children follow well-established hygiene routines and enjoy healthy meals and snacks. The childminder talks with children about foods which are good for them and provides homemade meals. The childminder uses the outdoor environment to provide opportunities for daily exercise and fresh air, which contributes effectively towards children's physical development and well-being. Children are helped to gain an understanding of other children's cultures and beliefs through a number of planned play activities. They are supported to learn about people and places in the local community when visiting shops and parks, and on outings to the seaside. Children learn how to behave appropriately as the childminder is an effective role model, promoting sharing, respect and good manners. This approach supports children to understand diversity and equality as they develop skills for the future.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children benefit from the childminder's caring and friendly interactions, which help build close attachments. Children gain independence from a young age through routines and activities. Older children are prepared for their next stages in learning. They recognise and form letters, which the childminder supports with games, resources and a variety of displays and posters throughout the learning environment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY246825 Local authority Southend on Sea Inspection number 848349 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 11 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 10

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2003 and lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. She operates on weekdays according to demand, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted 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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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, 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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Telephone number

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Telephone number

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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