Childminder in Southend on Sea

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children develop close relationships with the kind and caring childminder. They appear happy and content in the calm and relaxed environment at her home. Children behave well, they are treated with kindness and patience by the childminder who has high expectations for their behaviour. For example, when children have disagreements, the childminder swiftly intervenes and encourages them to share the resources and take turns.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy spending time outside and are eager to go into the childminder's garden. They play on the slide and practise their balancing skills as they walk along the large wooden planks. This helps to support their physical development and well-being. Children develop an awareness of nature. For example, they fill the bird bath with water and excitedly shout 'butterfly' as one appears in the garden. They learn about life cycles. For example, they observe the changes in the caterpillars they collected from the garden.

p.2

The provision is good

Children develop an understanding of their wider environment. For example, the childminder frequently takes children to the local parks, the library, and for rides on the local pier train. To further support children's interest in nature, the childminder often arranges forest nature walks where they observe the different wildlife and trees.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is aware of the potential effects of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic on children and families. During the national lockdowns, she sent resources home to help parents support children's learning and used video calls to read stories and rhymes with children. This helped to support children's transition when they returned to her care. n As the childminder plays with children, she often provides a running commentary for their activities. She encourages children to recall past experiences and models language well. The childminder reads books to children using good expression. Children enjoy listening to music and sing along with enthusiasm, often requesting their favourite songs. n The childminder supports children to become independent in managing their personal needs. For example, she encourages children to persevere as they attempt to put on their own shoes. Children are familiar with the routine of

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need to do better?

washing their hands before eating and when they come in from the garden. This helps support their understanding of good hygiene practices. n Children develop an understanding of risk and know how to minimise accidents. For example, the childminder reminds children to hold on to the handles as they stand at the top of the slide before sliding down. They know they need to put on

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need to do better?

11 August 2021 their sun hats before going outside into the garden. n The childminder takes opportunities to develop children's number recognition and counting skills as they play. For example, she incorporates wooden numbers amongst the pouring containers as children play at the water fountain. The childminder encourages children to find the correct numbers in the water as they sing number songs together. n The childminder uses an online tracking system to identify children's starting points. She gathers information from parents and conducts ongoing observations to track children's progress. However, the childminder does not make the most effective use of the information gathered to help her identify and implement strategies to build on what children already know. n Children are familiar with the environment and the routines at the childminder's home. They confidently choose their own toys and resources and mostly

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need to do better?

maintain attention as they play independently. However, children do not always demonstrate good levels of curiosity or engagement during adult-led learning activities. n Parents speak positively about the childminder. They praise her frequent communication and the information she provides about children's achievements and next steps. Parents appreciate the support they received from the childminder during the national lockdowns. n The childminder reflects on the quality of her provision and considers how she can make improvements. She gathers the views of parents and children through discussion and parent questionnaires. She continually strives to develop her knowledge and skills to support children further. For example, she has recently completed training on 'the outside curriculum' and gained a certificate in sign language.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep the children in her care safe from harm. She knows how to identify and respond to any signs or concerns that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder undertakes regular training to ensure her safeguarding knowledge remains up to date. She gathers local information to remain alert to any issue within her own community. The childminder is aware of the signs that may suggest children and families are at risk from extremist views and how to report this. She has systems in place to help keep her home safe and secure.

p.3

should:

n enhance the use of information gathered from assessment in order to plan

p.3

should:

11 August 2021 precise ways for children to make better progress n review activities and resources to capture children's curiosity and interest further to help promote higher levels of engagement and learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY559909 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10190506 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. Inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The inspector observed the childminder during an activity with children. Afterwards, the inspector and childminder discussed the quality of teaching together. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation including evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n The inspector held discussions with parents to take account of their views. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed how the childminder plans the curriculum.

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Inspection activities

11 August 2021 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

11 August 2021 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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