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 settle quickly and enjoy their time with the childminder. They build strong bonds with her. The childminder gets to know the children and their individual personalities well. She helps them to feel safe. The childminder is extremely kind and patient. She recognises that they may not have been able to socialise with other children during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. She gives them lots of support and reassurance to help them settle happily in her home.

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The provision is good

Children are beginning to show empathy and an understanding of how others are feeling. The childminder is calm and uses sensitive techniques to manage behaviour. She explains to children why they must have 'kind hands'. Children quickly learn the 'house rules'. They confidently wipe their feet when they come in and put their shoes in the box. The childminder praises children when they make good choices. This helps to build their confidence and self-esteem.

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The provision is good

The childminder encourages children to be healthy and physically active. For example, they play outdoors and visit local parks and beaches. They enjoy healthy meals and snacks. The childminder uses everyday routines to teach children the importance of following good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before meals.

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need to do better?

n Children make good progress in their learning. The childminder plans exciting experiences and outings that help children to build on their knowledge and skills. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that reflect their interests. For example, when they show a fascination with wheels, the childminder provides opportunities for them to explore wheeled toys, both inside and outside. n The childminder gets to know the children and their families very well. She offers parents a home visit as part of the settling-in process. She discusses the children's routines, interests and abilities before they start. She uses this information to plan for children's learning when they start attending. n The childminder develops good partnerships with other settings that children attend. She ensures children have a good transition when they start nursery or school. She shares relevant information with new settings to provide consistency

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need to do better?

in children's care and learning. n The childminder supports children's speech and language very well. She extends their vocabulary as she reads stories to them. For example, children learn new words, such as 'tiara, carriage' and 'banquet'. The childminder repeats words back so children can hear the correct pronunciation. n Children show a love of books and listen attentively to stories. Younger children eagerly lift the flaps in the book to see which animal is behind the door. The

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need to do better?

19 August 2021 childminder extends their learning by asking them questions. For example, she asks them, 'Who lives in a stable?' Children make animal noises and join in with well-known phrases. n The childminder skilfully uses numbers in children's play and routines. They learn to identify numbers on cards and count the corresponding number of sticks. Children confidently count their pieces of banana at snack time. They have great fun counting while their friends find a hiding place in the garden. n The childminder works very closely with parents. She shares regular information with them about their children's progress. This enables them to support their children's learning at home. They describe her as being 'knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very passionate about her role'. They appreciate the many exciting trips the childminder plans for their children. For example, they enjoy visits to the beach, farm, sea life centre and nature reserve.

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need to do better?

n The childminder regularly reflects on her practice. For example, she asks parents to complete questionnaires and talks to children about the activities they enjoy. The childminder is committed to her role and her ongoing professional development. She completes regular training. She also makes good use of networking opportunities to meet with other childminders. n The childminder provides some opportunities for children to make marks and to be creative. However, on occasions, she uses pre-prepared materials, which do not encourage children to use their imagination and develop their own ideas.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection. She can confidently identify the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder knows who to contact if she has any concerns. She keeps her safeguarding knowledge up to date through regular training. This includes wider safeguarding issues, such as radicalisation, county lines and online safety. The childminder has robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place. She is particularly vigilant in following the additional hygiene procedures introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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should:

n provide more opportunities for children to use their imagination and explore their own ideas, to extend their individual creativity.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY558310 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10190174 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 Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. She lives in Shoeburyness, Essex. The childminder operates from Tuesday to Friday, 7.30am until 6.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence about training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector observed children and the childminder taking part in activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for children. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the childminder's house.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector took account of the views of parents from written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

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

19 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

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

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