Childminder in Southend on Sea

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children are exceedingly happy and confident in this very homely setting. They have exceptionally close bonds with the childminder and enjoy cuddles as they snuggle up with her. Children express deep affection for the childminder. They thrive in her affectionate and nurturing care.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the garden. They concentrate fully on interesting activities. The childminder challenges their thinking through their play. For example, toddlers count out large stones individually as they place them into a mixing bowl. They are highly motivated to learn and soon count to 10. Toddlers transfer the stones into large metal pots. They put them into the 'oven' in the mud kitchen to 'cook'. Toddlers learn to identify colours through the childminder's intelligent guidance and questioning. They learn new words as the childminder points out the 'colander' and 'sieve'.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children race around the garden chasing bubbles. They learn how to use the wind to create bubbles with bubble wands. The youngest children are totally absorbed in fitting long wands into the bubble mixture. They have enormous fun developing their physical skills. Children are highly independent. They persevere in doing things for themselves. Children feel superbly safe and secure.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children behave impeccably. The childminder has exceedingly high expectations of them. She brings out the best in children. They use remarkably good manners for their age. The childminder gives children genuine and specific praise. They have very clear and consistent boundaries for behaviour. n Children enjoy playing with a puppet theatre. They roar with laughter as the childminder uses different voices for different characters. Children focus extremely well on what she says. They follow instructions instinctively as she captivates their imaginations. n The skilled childminder keeps her professional development to the highest levels. She continuously looks at ways to enhance her expertise and knowledge. For example, she attends many training courses and industry conferences. The childminder is highly reflective in her practice and seeks ongoing feedback from parents and children. She is a member of her local childminder network, who

p.2

need to do better?

support each other by sharing ideas and keeping up to date with changes in legislation. n The childminder helps children to develop an excellent understanding of a healthy diet. For instance, children choose their snack from a range of berries. They expertly wash their fruit in a sieve and know that they are washing the bugs away. Toddlers cut their fruit and learn the colours and names of the

p.2

need to do better?

12 March 2020 different berries. They learn to use cutlery safely. n Partnerships with parents are outstanding. Parents comment that the childminder supports children in their development 'beyond expectations'. Parents say that children 'absolutely thrive' in her care. They offer high praise for the childminder's passion and dedication. Parents are thrilled with the supportive settling-in procedures. They value how this helps children to leave their parents happy and content. Children make rapid progress right from the start. n The childminder provides children with fabulous opportunities to immerse themselves in experiences in their local area. For instance, they visit the local temple to gain a deeper understanding of the Diwali festival of lights. They visit the beach and the local aquarium to learn more about the creatures who live in the sea. n Children relish the rich range of outings they go on. The childminder skilfully

p.2

need to do better?

extends their learning when she reads stories and provides craft activities for them at home. For instance, she reminds them of the starfish they saw at the aquarium when they are drawing. They discuss the colours and number of arms starfish have. Very young children expertly draw them from memory. n The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities exceptionally well. She knows the children in her care extremely well and is able to anticipate their needs. The childminder works highly effectively with outside agencies and parents to meet children's individual needs. This helps all children in her care to make outstanding progress.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of her responsibilities to keep children safe. For example, she ensures that the piano teacher who visits to instruct children is suitable to work with children. She has completed a wide range of safeguarding training and keeps her knowledge up to date. The childminder has a detailed understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse that may indicate that children are at risk of harm. The childminder has a superb understanding of where she can seek advice if she is concerned about children's welfare or should an allegation be made.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 504254 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10137478 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 24 April 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1999 and lives in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. She holds an early years qualification at level 3. The childminder operates from Monday to Friday, 7.30am until 6.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed all areas of the childminder's home that children use. n The inspector spoke to children and the childminder at convenient times. n The inspector and the childminder discussed children's learning and progress, and evaluated a learning activity together. n The inspector took account of parents' views through written references and feedback forms. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with children during activities indoors and out in the garden.

p.4

Inspection activities

12 March 2020 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

12 March 2020 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6